On April 13th, Deerfield High School held its Senior Interview Luncheon. This luncheon is an annual event during which the Seniors participate in mock interviews with Community Industry Guests. These Industry Guests are chosen based on the Seniors' pathways and career interests.

The event lasted two hours. During the first hour, the students selected four Industry Guests that they wanted to interview with. There were four rounds of interviews which were 15 minutes each. The Industry Guests were asked to create a ‘‘real life’ interview atmosphere by asking questions that they would ask in an interview with their company. The Seniors created and bring resumes to give to each of the Industry Guests during the interviews. Their resumes were also shared with the Industry Guests a few days prior to the luncheon. The Industry Guests provided a short biography about themselves and the company they represent which were provided to the Seniors a few days prior to the interviews.

The second hour of the event was a professional, three-course lunch and an opportunity for Industry Guests and the Seniors to continue their conversations. The Industry Guests were asked to provide direct feedback to the Seniors in regards to resumes, professional dress, body language, verbal and non- verbal communication abilities, and overall professionalism. The three-course meal was prepared by the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) classes and served by the Junior Class. The appetizer consisted of strawberry soup, followed by the main course of roast beef sandwiches with cream cheese and alfalfa sprouts, sweet potato and cucumber salad, and dessert was a warm apple crisp topped with ice cream and a caramel drizzle. The courses were intentionally spaced out to allow time for rich conversation and feedback.

When asked, Mr. Burns commented on where this idea originated. “Back in 2003, when I taught at Wamego High School, I was asked to participate in an event similar to this. It was great, but I had several ideas on how to improve it, like the addition of lunch to provide time for feedback from our Industry Guests and for the Seniors to ask questions about the guests and their companies. So, when I took over the HS/MS Principal position back in 2017, this was the first thing that I had to implement.”

For the last five years, Deerfield High School teachers and students have collaborated to make this an amazing and memorable experience for the Seniors. The FACS students in middle and high school prepare the meal, the junior class serves the meal, ELA Teachers help them write resumes, Counselors work with them on interview skills, and maintenance and custodians make sure the space is set up. It is a Family Effort.

I would like to thank this year's Industry Guests.Without each of them volunteering their time and expertise, this real-life learning opportunity would not be possible.

Ms. Jordan Dawson

Mrs. Emily Dilly

Mr. Javier Hernandez Mr. Joshua Hinde

Mrs. Lindsay Huber

Mr. Marc Najera Lieutenant Bill Powers Detective Jennifer Simon Mr. Kelly Wright

Business Banking Relationship Manager at Commerce Bank Chief Executive Officer at Kearny County Hospital

Dispatch Supervisor at Garden City Police Department

Owner and Professional Barber at The Exclusive Barber Shop Owner of Scooter’s Coffee Franchise in theSurrounding Area Lead Salesman at J & J Autoplex in Garden CIty

Professional Standards Commander at Garden City Police Department Detective at Garden City Police Department

Co-Owner and Project Manager at Tatro Plumbing

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