Editorial: Sterling High School Looks to Prepare Students Past the Classroom

By Brandon Clark

The goal of every school is to take its students from the chalkboard to the graduation stage, but Sterling high school is going above and beyond to serve its students past the classroom and providing them with more resources for success than ever before.

The school decided the first and most important step was getting students involved in planning for their lives post-high school. 

"I think what we found over the last few years with the pandemic and technology is we have really seen a need for kiddos to be more involved with their life planning, and many just don't want to be," the Director of Student Services Becky Haas said. 

The school is trying to get students on board with preparing for their futures by offering more enticing elective classes.

Adulting 101 prepares seniors to become successful adults after graduation. The course covers personal finance, employability skills, home ownership, and household management. 

Students learn about budgeting, banking, credit cards, and how to fill out a W-2 tax form. In addition, guest speakers teach them about mortgages, insurance, and renting versus buying property. They also practice hands-on application of skills like budgeting, interviewing, and making grocery lists.

The class is currently divided amongst multiple teachers, and the school hopes to find the resources to expand the opportunity to its junior class. The course was first offered last year and has been a hit with students.

“We have had good feedback that the students really appreciated being exposed to those skills, and we hope to offer it sooner in the future," Haas said.

School officials recently started an internship program to give students a chance to earn credits while getting real-world experience that may assist them in choosing a career path that interests them. This opportunity also extends to volunteer-based work with not-for-profit organizations.

The high school also works with Sauk Valley Community College of Dixon to offer students dual enrollment credits in criminal justice, welding, early childhood education, multi-craft technology, and certified nurse’s aide certification while they complete their diplomas.

Across the street from the school is the Whiteside Area Career Center offering vocational training to students in automotive technology, building and construction trades, and the culinary arts.

“Our goal is to prepare students for their future, whether it’s a college career or trades we all need to help,” Haas said. 

The students of Sterling high school now have more reasons to succeed than any generation before, thanks to the tireless efforts and collaboration of their teachers and school administration.