On Tuesday, March 10, Pike Road High School seniors stepped out of their regular classrooms and into a full day of hands-on learning during the school’s annual Preparing Our Patriots (POP) Day. This day is designed to equip learners with essential life skills as they prepare for life after graduation.
Throughout the day, 207 seniors rotated through interactive sessions on auto maintenance, personal wellness, law and safety, nutrition, basic finances, and health care. Students also took part in a Reality Fair, a simulation that challenges participants to practice real-world budgeting and decision-making. In the afternoon, learners split into male and female groups to focus on communication and other soft skills that will serve them in college, careers, and beyond.
Community partners played a key role, including CB&S Bank-Pike Road. Representatives Barry Harp, Commercial Lender, and Andrea McCain, Community Development Officer, led sessions on managing a checking account and establishing and maintaining credit—core financial topics that will help students build healthy money habits early.
The closing session featured keynote speaker Timothy Alexander, who shared an encouraging message about resilience and responsibility. He shared, “In this life, it’s not what you hope for, it’s not what you think you deserve, it’s what you work for and earn,” he told students, underscoring the day’s focus on preparation, persistence, and purpose.
POP Day is coordinated by PRHS Career Coach Emily Reiss, whose planning and support help bring together educators, community partners, and engaging, real-world experiences for seniors each year.
As an annual tradition, Preparing Our Patriots Day reflects Pike Road High School’s ongoing commitment to empowering its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate adulthood—and to pursue a bright future.
Find a typo or grammatical error? Let us know by CLICKING HERE. (Please include the article name.)
