No shortage of college choices

Wantagh students learn of options near and far at fair

Posted

For seniors at Wantagh High School, the month of October brings in a lot more than just cooler weather and trick-or-treating. On Oct. 1, the mini-college fair came to town offering students insight and information on the various universities in New York and surrounding states.

With more than 30 universities and colleges represented, the fair was far from mini. Starting at 10:30 a.m., students had the chance to speak to college representatives and learn more about their futures after Wantagh High School.

“I’m very excited for college,” senior Nyatasha Jackowicz said. “Harvard is the reach, but my main dream is Boston University or Northeastern, and despite them not being here, there are a lot of Massachusetts colleges, and a lot of colleges out of state as well as in state.”

The fair was the first of three to take place in the Wantagh gymnasium this month.

With the efforts of the Wantagh Guidance Department, the fair was successful in helping sophomores, juniors and seniors find a school to fit their needs and wants.

“A lot of this is word of mouth,” guidance counselor Gerri Lethbridge said. “The reps were talking to some of the parents before, saying how well known we are, as a school district, with our hospitality.

“It’s really wonderful because this provides a great opportunity for all students,” she added. “Teachers are really good with allowing their classes to come down to the fair and ask questions.”

Local colleges, such as Farmingdale State and Molloy in Rockville Centre, were also represented at the fair, offering pamphlets and contact information to students who are interested.

“We go to a lot of fairs and private visits,” Molloy representative Faye Hood said. “When a student comes over, we offer them a perspective on everything happening with the college, such as campus life, and give them the details of our program.

“Usually students have an idea of what program they are interested in, so I let them know of the degree requirements, and I always give students my email address, so that counselors at the college know who they are,” Hood added. “We encourage students to come to open houses, so they can receive the big Molloy welcome.”

Other out-of-state universities such as Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and Towson University in Maryland, also had tables set up for students who are thinking of attending college away from home.

“It’s really a win-win for everyone,” Lethbridge said.

Frank Muzio, the director of guidance, as well as Maureen Goldberg, the superintendent of schools, was also in attendance at the fair, checking out the different colleges that were present.

“I think it’s a really nice thing to have these fairs because there is a lot of differentiation between the schools,” Jackowicz said, “so you can see what other schools are missing that you might like or be open to.”

The next college fairs will take place this Thursday at 12:30 p.m. and on Oct. 22 at 8:15 a.m. in the Wantagh High School gymnasium.