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As graduation nears and high school seniors prepare to take their next steps, one local event is making sure they’re ready for more than just college or a career — it’s preparing them for life.

On April 30th, Covington County Schools hosted its inaugural “Before You Go” event, an interactive, hands-on workshop designed to teach seniors essential life skills they’ll need as adults. From changing a tire to addressing an envelope, the event covered the practical tasks that often go untaught in traditional classrooms.

“This is about more than academics,” said Kelsi Scruggs, one of the event coordinators and career coaches. “We want our students to walk away feeling confident not just in their career paths, but in their ability to take care of themselves in the real world.”

Stations were set up around the board of education, each dedicated to a specific skill. Students practiced how to:

• Change a flat tire and check engine oil
• Write and send a thank-you note
• Address and mail an envelope properly
• How to read a measuring tape and basic home repairs
• Know what to do if stopped by law enforcement
• How to tie a tie
• Insurance and banking
• Importance of voter registration and voting
• Taxes and understanding tax documents
• Discounts, percentage off, and gratuity

Volunteers included bus shop workers, the sheriff, and community members who gave demonstrations and answered questions. Students moved between stations in small groups, allowing for personalized instruction and hands-on experience.

“It was really helpful,” said senior Molly Mooney. “I didn’t know how to check tire pressure before today, and now I feel like I could handle it on my own.”

The event is part of a larger effort to prepare students not only for college or the workforce, but for adulthood in all its forms. For many seniors, “Before You Go” is the final stepping stone before graduation — one last opportunity to learn the life skills they’ll need once they leave the halls of high school behind.

“The event was a resounding success with laughter, learning, and many ties. And as these seniors head off into the world, they’ll go knowing they’re just a little more prepare,” Scruggs, said.

Those participating in the program included:

• Thank you notes and addressing envelopes: Katie Thomas, Ashley Tyson and Maggie Holmes.
• How to tie a tie: Joseph Longmire, Dwayne Seay, Leroy Cole and Barry Wood.
• How to read a measuring tape and basic home repairs: Chad Sutton, Andrew Meadows and Brian Ray
• All things banking: Carolyn Graham.
• Insurance: Daniel Bulger.
• What to do when you get stopped and what documents you need to have: Sheriff Blake Turman.
• Voter registration and the importance of voting: Covington County Commissioner Robbie Weaver.
• Taxes and tax documents: Shon McClung, Sarah Singletary and Hannah Holloway.
• How to change a tire and basic home repair: David Windham, David Bobo and and Luke Thomas.
• Gratuity, percentage off, and discounts: Hayden Nall Raines.