Falkner sixth graders got an early look at college life on Friday, Nov. 6, when they spent the day at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville. The Falkner sixth graders NEMCC trip was part of the college’s “mini NEnow” visit program, and Falkner High School shared photos and a recap on Monday morning.
Falkner High School is part of the North Tippah School District. The school described the outing as an “EPIC” day for its youngest middle schoolers.
A Pep Rally Welcome at NEMCC
The visit started with a pep rally. According to the school’s post, students were greeted by the NEMCC Tiger Band, cheerleaders and Pom Squad before the day’s activities began.
From there, the group spent the day exploring campus. Highlights included:
A campus tour of Northeast’s Booneville campus
A look at the college’s academic programs and career pathways
Lunch in the student Union
The school said the goal was to help students connect what they learn in class to real jobs and real choices after high school. “Who knows? We may have a few future Tigers in the making!” the post said.
Why the Falkner Sixth Graders NEMCC Visit Matters
Sixth grade may seem early to think about college, but career exploration now starts well before high school in Mississippi. Trips like this give students a chance to see a college campus up close, hear the band, eat in the cafeteria, and picture themselves there one day.
For Tippah County families, Northeast is close to home. The college’s main campus in Booneville is a short drive from Falkner, and Northeast also serves Tippah County students through its Ripley center. Many local graduates start their college careers or job training there.
The school’s post wrapped up with the motto of the career planning effort: “Explore. Plan. Investigate. Connect.”
Thank-Yous From Falkner High School
Falkner High School thanked Northeast Mississippi Community College for hosting the students. The school also gave special thanks to:
Karen Walden, career coach, who organized the trip
Leslie King and Yadi Martin, teachers who went along with the students
Coach Hopper, who drove the bus and got everyone there and back safely
Career coaches have become a regular part of Tippah County schools. They help students explore jobs, colleges and training programs through visits, guest speakers and hands-on activities.
More Student Field Trips Around the Area
Falkner’s trip is one of several college and career visits by area students this fall. Earlier this month, Ashland High School seniors toured Rust College and Northwest Mississippi Community College. Ripley High driver’s education students also heard from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Parents who want to see photos from the NEMCC visit can find them on the Falkner High School Facebook page.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
