Montevallo High School’s seniors are experiencing some meaningful and real-world experiences this school year. The team of teachers responsible for teaching the senior class has developed some authentic activities and requirements to enhance student engagement, reflection, and preparation for their next step in life, regardless of the path they will be taking.

MHS seniors are required to create portfolios that include some of their best work as students, written reflections about their experiences, and artifacts that portray their learning, growth, and development as high school students and as future students of higher education or future employees in the workforce.

“The portfolios provide a more authentic learning experience for students because it provides more opportunities for them to reflect upon and evaluate their performances as a student,” said Dr. Wesley Hester, principal at MHS. “This will better prepare them for their future endeavors, which will consist of continuous reflection, evaluation, and expected improvement in order to remain competitive in their fields of choice.”

In addition to the portfolios, seniors recently took part in problem-solving and team-building exercises at Camp Cosby in Talladega County. The seniors participated in the obstacle courses, high ropes courses, the Alpine Tower, and other activities that were fun, but helped them to develop communication, collaboration, and trust among their assigned groups.

“Developing a better understanding about teamwork, collaboration, communication, and ultimately learning to better trust your peers are critical skills that must be mastered in order to sustain success in today’s competitive environments in higher education and the workforce,” said Dr. Hester.

Lastly, members of the senior class participated in a presentation that focused on how to “dress for success” for interviews and important meetings.  Representatives from Men’s Wearhouse visited the school to address the senior class and answer questions about apparel and creating a professional look to give them a competitive edge as they begin interviewing for various opportunities, jobs, and positions.  The representatives also offered advice about proper interview techniques to help students gain more confidence.

“With these activities and more to come before the school year concludes, the Class of 2015 at Montevallo High School will be better prepared and more confident as they enter a competitive world of higher education, professional careers, and life itself,” said Dr. Hester.