Carbon Career & Technical Institute held its Senior Information Night on Thursday, providing valuable advice for graduating students and parents alike.

Cooperative Education Supervisor and Senior Class Advisor Stephanie Barto spoke about the important basics of students' final year at the school. Topics such as completing the required graduation project and essay, keeping attendance in good standing, and graduation and prom details were addressed. One of the key elements of her presentation revolved around the Cooperative Education program and the benefits it provides for students."It's a wonderful way to get your foot in the door as a senior. They earn credit, they get paid, and upon graduation if that's the road that they want to take, it's a nice transition," Barto said.The program revolves around arranging a trade-specific position for a student at a local business. Students in the program must receive a recommendation by their technical teacher, have a good attendance record, passing grades and their own transportation. Barto said that the previous year's Cooperative Education program had 25 students participate, with 21 maintaining a position at the business they worked at during the school year.School improvement coordinator Margaret Kalogerakis went over details for students to keep in mind during the upcoming year, offering help with SATs, ASVABs, general tutoring and dual enrollment. Kalogerakis focused on scholarships and implored students to take advantage of available opportunities."What I have to offer you is free. In fact, I give away money and gifts. Senior awards will be in May, and I just want everyone to know that you do not have to be 'top student,' with high averages. As long as you dedicate, cooperate and struggle, you will get something," Kalogerakis said.School counselor Gene Colosimo addressed a wide breadth of information, inviting students and parents to come to him for any help regarding post-CCTI plans. Colosimo explained graduation requirements, details and deadlines for postsecondary financial aid, application processes for college and technical school, and advice on the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute exams.The NOCTI performance test, where experts from the students' respective fields evaluate a project, was of particular interest."This test is probably the most reliable and valid, it tests what you actually know. Most of the students who take this test feel good about it, they've been in the tech area, they've been doing this on daily basis, a lot of hands-on stuff," Colosimo said.The written portion of the test even offers a valuable incentive for students, as scores of 70 percent or higher can qualify the test-taker for articulated credits at a large number of colleges and universities - essentially, free college credits for good scores.The meeting wrapped up with a short presentation by Lehigh Carbon Community College's admissions representative Liz Mason. Mason discussed some advantages of LCCC, including the ease of application, articulation credits and readily available aid.Mason touted the Scheller Woodman Technology Scholarship as "one of the easiest scholarships you can apply for, and it will take about 75 percent off your tuition."