Opportunity Fair to be hosted at Field House

Cece Gibson, Reporter • September 17, 2025 • 85 Views

Seniors Ella Beecham and Savanna Coho take part in the opportunity fair for juniors and seniors during their fifth period class.

Every year, the guidance office hosts an opportunity fair where students can check out different colleges, military programs or technical or business schools. The opportunity fair will take place during the afternoon on Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025 from 5-8 p.m., and students and families can come to the field house and spend some time talking to the many different representatives for schools all throughout Pennsylvania, not just Altoona itself. Junior and Senior students will also be visiting the fair during their fifth period classes on Thursday, Sept 18, 2025.

“It allows folks to kind of do some preliminary research,” head of the guidance department Drew Yingling said. “They can figure out what it is that maybe they want to do after high school to be able to further their opportunities, not necessarily just through schooling.”

They will also be hosting a financial aid night during the opportunity fair and a presentation shown by The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will cover the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which parents and students need to complete to determine financial aid eligibility. The presentation will run from 6 to 7 p.m., with a Q&A session at the end, held in the auditorium.

About the Contributors

Cece Gibson, Reporter

My name is Ce’lestine Gibson, and I am a senior at AAHS. Most people know me as Cece! This is my first year on the Mountain Echo Staff. I found an interest in journalism, and I have always loved to write, so I joined Mountain Echo to expand my skills and knowledge as an aspiring reporter. My dream job and goal is to be a celebrity reporter. After I graduate, I plan on working toward this goal in college. I love animals, music and fashion. My goal this year as a new member of staff is to enhance my journalism skills and to keep our student body updated accurately and efficiently. I am so excited to work with my fellow staff this year and to enjoy my last year as a student at AAHS!

Adrielle McNeal, Reporter

My name is Adrielle McNeal, and this is my second year as a Mountain Echo staff member. I took Intro to Pub my freshman year, and fell in love with the class. Along with Mountain Echo, I am an editor for the Horseshoe yearbook. Balancing both classes can be a lot, but it’s worth it. I also participate in the drama club and Black Student Union.