By: Jewel Dickerman
This spring, juniors enrolled in the second semester of Junior Seminar at Wallenpaupack Area High School had the opportunity to step into the professional world through a series of mock interviews held in the school library on April 24. Designed to prepare students for future career and college opportunities, the event allowed them to engage in realistic interview experiences with professionals from a variety of local organizations.
Dressed in business casual attire and equipped with carefully prepared résumés, students approached the mock interviews with professionalism and purpose. During the course of several days, they met one-on-one with community members who volunteered their time to simulate job interviews and provide constructive feedback. The experience helped students polish their communication skills, build confidence, and learn how to effectively present themselves in a professional setting.
The interviewers represented a wide range of fields and backgrounds, and they offered students exposure to diverse career paths and perspectives. Community participants included:
- Franciosa, Jenna – Workforce Alliance, Wayne County
- Lehman, Caroline – Retired Educator
- Morgan, Denise – WASD Retired School Counselor
- Scholl, Emily – Worthington Distribution
- Defebo, Cindy – Pike County Workforce Development
- Sayles, MaryBeth – Pike County Workforce Development
- Passenti, Dr. Jennifer – Lackawanna College Lake Region Center
- Hope, James – Hope Mortgage Team
- Gravel, Karen – WASD Retired School Counselor
- Gennett, Casey – Marywood Graduate Student
- Vargas, Junger – Social Worker, Scranton Counseling Center
- Zayle, Rebecca – Marywood Graduate Student
- Towle, Jennifer – Woodloch Recruiting Coordinator
- Williams, Heather – Workforce Alliance, Wayne County
- McGrath, Keith – Settlers Hospitality Group
The event not only helped students develop essential life skills but also built valuable connections between Wallenpaupack and its surrounding communities. Many of the interviewers praised the professionalism and preparedness of the students, noting how valuable these kinds of experiences are in preparing young people for the workforce or higher education.
Through Junior Seminar and events like the mock interviews, Wallenpaupack Area High School continues to emphasize college and career readiness—ensuring students leave high school equipped with both the confidence and competence to navigate their future paths.
