Hattiesburg High School Senior Class Extravaganza
Hattiesburg High School Senior Class Extravaganza and Antonelli College, University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, Delta Sigma Theta, Pine Belt Mental Health, Hattiesburg Arts Council, Dorsette Cadillac, CiCi’s Pizza, Bop's, Coke, The First Bank, Shipley Do-Nuts, David’s Bridal, Men’s Warehouse, and the City of Hattiesburg
Duration of partnership: 2 years
15 volunteers
Impacts 250 students
The Senior Extravaganza is a day full of team-building activities and educational recruitment to build student awareness about the importance of graduation and college. The day begins with a Mardi Gras parade in which students, faculty, staff, and others line the perimeter of the school to watch seniors parade around campus to Hattiesburg’s recreation department, the Ben McNair Community Center, located next door to the high school.
Students are treated to breakfast and greetings from administration and local officials. The community center gym is full of college recruiters and local prom vendors, and students follow an agenda that includes inspirational speakers, career discussions, a dance contest, and other activities that promote interaction with the community. Seniors who attend the extravaganza are able to attend the junior/senior prom without having to go through the usual approval process by the principal. In the first year of the Extravaganza in 2008, 46% of seniors were absent. In 2012, absences dropped to 2%, with more interest shown by students in focusing on life after high school and continuing their education in college to ensure career success.