Late last month, seniors at Butler Senior High School took part in a career and college fair.

Such events have been common for decades nationwide, which just underscores their importance. As students approach graduation, they’re starting their journey toward an independent life, and they need the variety of choices to help them make the right decision.

Schools like Butler County Community College and other two-year schools were present, as were technical training schools, employers, Keystone Jobs Corps, the branches of the U.S. military and four-year colleges. Students today have a wider variety of options than ever before and are preparing to enter the workforce at an uncertain time.

Giving students the chance to meet people representing different institutions this early in the school year gives students a chance to spend time finding the right path before graduation.

Shannon McGraw, college tech prep coordinator at Butler Area School District, helped organize the event and said she recommends students take multiple steps before making a decision.

“It’s like speed-dating — you intermingle with a bunch of colleges at once,” McGraw said of the fair. “Then, you really need to go to that school and try it out, see what you think, get a college visit in.”

That is excellent advice. We hope the students who participated take it to heart and find their direction.

— JK