Hundreds of OHS Students Attend College Fair

Representatives from about 70 colleges, as well as military recruiters, handed out brochures, signed students up for mailing lists and told them what was unique about their organizations at Ossining High School’s College Fair last Friday.

Students had a chance to learn more about public and private schools in New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, along with the University of Alabama and Purdue University.

Ohio-based Rustic Pathways had a table promoting its gap year program for students who want to take a year off before college for travel, service or language immersion programs.

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors all visited the fair in the gymnasium. “We need to expose our kids to a dream of a college education so we always include our freshmen,” Assistant Principal Lorraine Longing said.

OHS also has college trips for students starting early in their high school career. “We don’t want them to wait until the last minute,” she said.

Freshman Kevin Arpi and a few of his friends spoke with the Mercy College representative. They are involved in STEP – the Science and Technology Entry Program – which is affiliated with the college. STEP works to familiarize students in Ossining, Peekskill and Yorktown with the opportunities available in the scientific, technical, health and health-related professions.

“It’s always better to start early instead of checking in at the last minute,” Kevin said.

Senior Marcos Valdez spoke with a recruiter for the New York Army National Guard. Marcos said he has always wanted to be a commercial pilot. College is very expensive, and serving in the military could help defray the cost and provide training he needs, he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Lattimer encouraged Marcos to speak with his family about the opportunity and possibly visit Camp Smith in Cortlandt Manor. “We can talk about potential options and come up with a plan that works for you,” he said.

Junior Brizae Perez said she was picking up information about Pace University because she wants to study early childhood education and has heard the school has a good program.

Junior Sophia Silvera said she is considering applying to Pace to study business or pre-law. “The reason why I like Pace is it is close to home. I could see everyone,” she said.

Leo Wang, a freshman, stopped at the Cooper Union table to pick up information about its architecture program. The recruiter suggested he contact the American Institute of Architecture Students to learn about internships and other opportunities to get involved in the field.

Leo said he’s wanted to be an architect for a long time. “It’s an idea that I’ve had since I was little. I like building stuff,” he said.