Senior symposium designed to offer help not typically found in schools

A morning-long event at RCS on March 26 is designed to provide the type of education to high school seniors that they have not been able to find in text books and classrooms during their previous 13 years of schooling.

The first-of-its-kind Senior Symposium is being organized by RCS to “help student gather different kids of information and learn the opportunities available to them as they enter into the next stage of their lives.”

The day will begin at 7:43 a.m. with a speaker and breakfast and conclude with aluncheon and a speech by District Attorney David Soares. In between, seniors can attend a series of workshops on everything from the basics of financial planning and budgeting to the how and why of insurance to college dorm living. Local entertain and night club owner Sal Cannova will talk – using his life as an example - to the seniors during the breakfast on work ethic.

The workshops planned for the event are as follows:

• Film Producer and Director- Watch “Crocodile Revenge”, an original movie by local film producer and director, Jonathan Donald.  This was filmed in Australia and is about the crocodile’s plight and human error in the wild.

  • OR  (NOT BOTH)

• Watch “Real American Cowboy”, also by Jonathan Donald. Jonathan will discuss issues surrounding each of these films and their production.

• Healthy Relationships 101- Amy Vincent is the Prevention Educator at the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center.  Whether you are in a relationship now or thinking about being in a relationship in the future, this workshop is for you!   Everyone deserves the chance to be happy and healthy in a relationship and this will give you the necessary tools to do so.  Come and learn from this interactive workshop! 

• Sexual Assault  Jeopardy!- Amy Vincent will also present this workshop.  Participate in the young adult version of the popular TV game show. Test your knowledge in categories such as Date Rape Drugs, Consent, Myth vs. Fact, and other topics related to sexual assault.  There will be prizes for the winning team!  While the game is fun, this is a very serious topic that will provide valuable information for both males and females. 

40 minute workshops (1 period each)

• Xtreme Pogist- Can you pogo???  Nick McClintock can.  He is a National Extreme Pogoist who will demonstrate, with some other competitors, tricks and routines for competition as well as give some instruction on pogoing for some to tryout the pogo sticks. 

• “Keys to Improving Self Image”- Joseph Pelizza’s presentation on “Keys to Improving Self Image” is presented in a fun and interactive way.  The presentation will teach listeners how to: Take control of their thinking, Improve their mental and physical wellness, Not fear failure, Learn how to increase their confidence level,  Have fun and laughter in their life, Apply the Principle of Discovery to enhance their self-image.

• Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees- Crystal Langdon, presenter.  Are you ready to conquer the world?  Do you dream of fancy cars and large bank accounts?  Are you ready to do the work and learn the skills needed to achieve these things?  Come and learn the practical steps needed to create wealth.

• Peppertree Dog Rescue- Karen Harmon, from Peppertree Rescue will educate you on the growing problem of homeless dogs.  Learn the real responsibilities of pet ownership and how important is it to take an active role in preventing pet overpopulation.  Ms. Harmon will bring in a dog that was rescued.  Watch an interesting video and how you can volunteer to help with the goals of Peppertree Rescue.

• Homelessness in the Capital Region- Perry Jones, an RCS graduate who is the Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission, will speak about the services of their organization and give us a clearer picture of the impact of homelessness.  Why do people become homeless?  How can it be prevented?  What can you do to help? 

• Car Insurance-What Do You Need to Know?- Rick Reith will give you the scoop on what all those car insurance terms mean, how to decide what you need, and what factors you need to look at when buying car insurance.  A must have piece of information if you are a driver.  Come and find out the answers to your questions.

• Managing Your Bank Accounts and Credit Cards- Victoria Curtis, manager for Key Bank in Ravena, and James Hartle, Vice President, Retail Banking Area Manager at Key Bank, will discuss the following questions/concerns and more:

Ø  How to keep track of your bank account balance accurately.  Is checking online enough?   

Ø Paying off credit cards with just the minimum payment is costly, both time and money-wise.

Ø  What is a credit rating? 

Ø  What options are there for families/students looking for college loans? 

• Daily Exercise and It’s Benefits- Mark Thurman, the Programs Director from the Bethlehem YMCA, will address the topic of daily exercise and get you moving.  (Sneakers are recommended.)

• So You Think They Can’t Be Transmitted To You?- STDs/STIs-  Maureen Murphy of Albany’s Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood Education Program will present this workshop.  Do you really know all about STDs/STIs and STD/STI prevention?   Come hear updated information about the many STDS/STIs, their transmission, health related issues, treatment, and most of all PREVENTION. Get your questions answered.   It could make a difference to you and your friend’s health and life.

• SCUBA Demonstration and Fire Service Careers- Robert Prior, Chief of Coeymans Fire Company and Kyle Kearney, FF/Dive Master, Coeymans Dive Rescue Team, will discuss the Fire Service as a career as well as the volunteer services in many communities. Specialty Services such as the Water/SCUBA Rescue Unit and SCUBA diving as a recreational sport will be discussed.  There will also be a SCUBA DEMONSTRATION. 

• Training Therapy Dogs-Cydney Cross is a veterinary technician who works at Crossroads and trains therapy dogs.  She will explain how the training for these dogs is done and how therapy dogs can have positive effects on people in nursing homes, jails, drug rehab, and emergency rooms. Ms. Cross will bring a therapy dog to demonstrate how they are used in the various places mentioned above.

• The Benefits of Massage- John Tubbs will discuss the benefits of massage and career opportunities for those interested in this field.  He will also demonstrate massage using the massage chair.

• Dress to Impress - Grant Randall, from the Delmar Rotary, will give you some pointers on how the dress for the college or job interview or for special functions.  How you appear can give you an advantage or set you up for failure.  Don’t you think you should learn how to dress to impress????

• 1 7. Creatures No One Loves- Dean Davis, a local expert on reptiles, will bring his menagerie of snakes, scorpions, an alligator, and spiders.  He loves to get people to see the “adorable” side of these “creatures no one loves.