From hair braiding to bikes that can turn on a lightbulb, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School offers a little something for everyone.

That's what area eighth-grade students found out during Career Awareness Days, which came to Old Colony from November 1-3.  On Career Awareness Days, eighth-grade students from area junior high schools visit Old Colony to tour the campus and learn more about the academics and technical programs that Old Colony offers.

Students who attend Old Colony learn a trade alongside their academic workloads; the school offers 13 different technical areas to choose from, including Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Automotive Technology, Graphic Communication & Design, Welding and health career training.

Students from four different junior high schools visited Old Colony, beginning on November 1. Seventy-nine students from Fort Middle School, in Acushnet, and 60 students from Carver Middle School visited on Wednesday, November 1.

On Thursday, November 2, 120 students from Freetown-Lakeville Middle School came to Old Colony. Last but not least, 160 students from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School visited Old Colony on Friday, November 3. Altogether, a total of about 419 junior high school students visited Old Colony's campus.

The student groups visited a variety of different vocational areas. Some students stated that they enjoyed the Carpentry shop. Others tried out the Cosmetology area, where they could opt to have their nails painted, or their hair braided by Cosmetology students.

Meanwhile, in the Electrical area, students tried out a bike modified by the Electrical students; as they pedaled, a nearby lightbulb would turn on.

The students of Culinary Arts counted on the easiest way to a teenage heart: food. Culinary students gave out food to the eighth-grade visitors—those with a sweet tooth enjoyed the cupcakes and cookies on offer.

Several visiting students mentioned that they were considering Old Colony as an option for high school.

Students must apply to Old Colony for acceptance before they can attend. Students are required to have good grades, attendance, discipline, and a successful personal interview to receive admission.

Zachary McMahon is a sophomore student at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.