Wallace State’s Talent Search program welcomes record attendance to TRIO Day

View pictures from TRIO Day 2020 here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157713519212057

HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State Community College’s Talent Search program welcomed a record-high 230 students to campus recently for TRIO Day, allowing middle school and high school students in the program an opportunity to learn more about Wallace State.

All Talent Search participants are students who are seeking to understand and excel at the process of preparing for college, said Kristi Nyquist, Wallace State’s Program Director of Talent Search. This process changes and builds upon itself from one school year to the next, and the Talent Search staff seeks to assist students wherever they are in the process.

“This is your celebration and a chance to recognize you for your hard work and dedication. We want to get you prepared for college every step of the way,” Nyquist added.

Students were represented from the following high schools: Cleveland, Hayden, J.B. Pennington, Susan Moore, Cold Springs, Fairview, Hanceville, Holly Pond, Vinemont, West Point, Brindlee Mountain, Douglas, Brewer and Falkville. Students were also in attendance from Hanceville Middle School.

TRIO Day began with each school in attendance being recognized by Nyquist.

The record group was then treated to a performance from the Wallace State Singers and welcomed by Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.

“In today’s world, you have to have postsecondary education in order to be successful in your job. You have to make a living wage to take care of yourself, your family and to purchase a home and a car. That doesn’t necessarily mean earning a bachelor’s degree. It might mean completing one year of college in a training program or earning an associate’s degree,” Karolewics said. “We prioritize enabling students like you who are interested in college, and we’re always here to help.”

Up next was a visit from keynote speaker Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist at WHNT News 19 in Huntsville. Simpson, a Holly Pond and Wallace State alum, was a member of Talent Search during his educational journey.

Simpson encouraged the students to be true to themselves and work hard as they pursue their career and personal goals.

“It doesn’t matter what mark you leave on Earth. It matters what mark you leave on your world. It might be a small circle of friends, a high school, Wallace State or a four-year university you may go to after this. It might be you come here for two years and go immediately into the workforce and you have an incredible impact,” Simpson said. “There’s nothing stopping you from achieving what you truly want to achieve.”

Yanet Andablo, a senior at Douglas High, followed, speaking on behalf of the Talent Search Council. The council consists of students who have been in Talent Search for at least two years.

“Everything about this program is amazing and has been a huge part of my high school experience. We’re blessed to receive free access to ACT prep classes and tutoring, Wallace State entertainment, scholarship opportunities and college mentoring,” Andablo said.

In order to represent their high schools, students must apply to be on the council, and through the year, the group gets to know students at other high schools, gives feedback to the Talent Search staff, helps disseminate information about Talent Search programs and activities to other students at high schools, and participates in service projects.

All students were allowed to visit programs on campus of their interest before concluding the day.

For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

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Wallace State Community College

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