Klamath Falls, Oregon – For many high school students, deciding what comes after graduation can be one of the biggest challenges of their teenage years. College, military service and entering the workforce all offer different opportunities, but understanding where to begin is not always easy.
At Mazama High School in Klamath Falls, students had a chance to explore those choices firsthand this week, with more than 300 students and family members coming together to learn what their futures could look like.
The school hosted its fifth annual Don’t Dream It, Be It! Career, College & Military Night on Wednesday, October 14, bringing together educational institutions, military representatives and local employers under one roof.
The event took place alongside parent-teacher conferences, giving families an opportunity to discuss both students’ current academic progress and their plans after high school.
Students from all four grade levels participated, speaking directly with representatives from different organizations. They were able to ask questions, explore educational programs and learn about potential careers before making decisions about their next steps.
A total of 14 community partners participated, offering information about a wide range of opportunities.
Higher education institutions included Klamath Community College, Oregon Tech, Southern Oregon University, OSU-Cascades and Grand Canyon University.
Local employers and community organizations were also represented, including Sky Lakes Medical Center, Goodwill, Sage Credit Union, Ross Ragland Theater and The Klamath Tribes.
Students interested in military careers could speak with representatives from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard.
Mazama Vice Principal Sergio Cisneros emphasized that the school’s priority is helping every student develop a realistic plan before completing high school.
“Our goal is for every Viking to walk across the graduation stage with a plan,” said Mazama Vice Principal Sergio Cisneros.
“Seeing more than 300 students and families show up to have these conversations tells me our community is invested in our students’ futures. Whether it’s college, the military or going straight into a career, we want our students to know there’s a path for them and people ready to help them get there.”
Now in its fifth year, the event continues to connect students with organizations that can help them understand the different possibilities available after graduation.
School officials also recognized Mazama’s Counseling Department for organizing the event and thanked participating community partners for supporting students and families.
The message behind the evening was straightforward: Students do not have to wait until graduation to begin preparing for their future, and they have several possible paths to consider.
