Elizabeth Bailey
Each Tuesday evening, the Decatur County S.T.O.K. meets at Mancino’s to work on plans and projects to assist students with special needs in making the transition after high school and achieving their goals.
In two weeks, the organization - which stands for Students, Transitions, Opportunities and Keys to the Future - will host it’s second annual Transition Fair at the Greensburg Community Learning center. The event will begin on Thursday evening, March 25, parents of students with special needs are invited to a meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. to discuss the challenges and opportunities of assisting their children in achieving their goals in the world after high school.
On Friday, March 26, students ages 12 through 23 will have the opportunity to visit a variety of booths, from branches of military service to local organizations and educational institutions. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to hear from a Columbus Police Officer who great up with learning disabilities. He will discuss how to be one’s own hero, which is the theme for the day.
A variety of door prizes will also be offered to the students, who will travel from North Decatur High School, South Decatur High School and Greensburg High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The fair will offer students the chance to learn more about finding a job, seeking higher education, living options, leisure activities, money management, health and safety, medical and health benefits as well as Medicaid Waiver information.
The committee noted that all parents are welcome to the Thursday evening meeting. Information about both days should be arriving in mailboxes of those enrolled in Greensburg or the County schools, as students must be registered in advance for their day-long event. For more information, committee member Teresa Hooten may be reached at 663-8587.
