Fair Helps Philadelphia Middle Schoolers Choose The Next Step
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Over 10,000 middle school students are getting guidance this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on an important choice they'll soon have to make.
That's where to go to high school and the Philly High School Fair is there to help.
"I'm only in 7th grade so I don't know yet," student Samara Murphy said when asked about her future.
What she does need to figure out soon though is where she'll be going to high school. So she attended the Fair to help her decide.
"I was looking into their sports programs and what they specialize in," she says.
Her mom and her dad, David, came along too.
"What I'm looking for out of this whole event,: he says, "is asking the schools specifically, what they can do to help my daughter succeed as far as making the transition from high school to college."
Masterman 7th grader Cecelia Mulcahy know what she wants:
"I'm looking for art programs because I'm interested in photography."
Her mom, Carmen, joining her in the search:
"I think it's wonderful. I didn't realize there were that many schools in the area. It's quite impressive actually."
Over 100 Philadelphia district, private and charter schools are participating. Representatives like Lankenau High School principal Josh Levinson are there to answer questions:
"The students really want to know what our school's about and what we have to offer. There's a school for everyone and we want to find what's right for the students."
Kensington Health Science Academy guidance counselor Bob Nelson recognizes the importance of events like this:
"The sooner people start thinking about their future, the sooner they can start preparing. And it's not all about making a selection now what you're going to do the rest of your life, it's about learning what it is you have to do so you do have choices down the way."
The Fair began Friday afternoon, and continues until 3 p.m. Saturday.
