At Okoboji High School, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom walls. Each year, our Senior Adulting Day offers a one-of-a-kind experience designed to prepare our seniors for life after high school. Since its inception in the 2020-2021 school year, this highly anticipated event has grown into a cornerstone of our educational program, equipping students with the real-world knowledge and skills they need to transition confidently into adulthood.
A Day of Real-World Learning
Senior Adulting Day brings together students, local businesses, and community organizations in an immersive, hands-on experience. The day begins with a morning meeting where seniors receive their “adulting profiles,” complete with an assigned credit score, savings account balance, and credit card debt. Armed with this information, they work in small groups to visit local businesses and organizations, gaining practical insights and invaluable life skills.
Throughout the morning, students travel to local business partners to engage in activities such as:
Exploring financial literacy with local bankers, learning the impact of credit scores, understanding loan options
Meeting with local realtors to learn more about renting and purchasing a home, the process of buying a home, and securing a home loan
Completing CPR certification and learning about community involvement with Lakes Regional Hospital
Learning about the process of buying a car and comparing new and used and the impact of credit score and down payment on car loans
The afternoon culminates at the Roof Garden Ballroom at Arnolds Park Amusement Park, where students rotate through engaging sessions with business leaders and experts in various fields. Here they engage in experiences such as:
Practicing self-defense with Nate Dau, OHS PE Teacher and Marine
Learning basic auto maintenance from a local auto repair shop owner
Interacting with the Milford Police Department and Deadly Vision Goggles that show students what it feels like to act under the influence and better understand the dangers of impaired driving
Navigating the functions of the county courthouse, insurance basics, and mental health awareness through interactive sessions with local professionals, and more!
Building Confidence and Real-World Skills
Senior Adulting Day is more than just learning concepts; it’s about applying them. Students appreciate the opportunity to visit businesses, introduce themselves, and engage with professionals in authentic settings. Many express how this experience makes classroom concepts tangible and relatable, giving them confidence in navigating adult responsibilities.
The impact is clear: feedback surveys show that over 92% of participating students rate the day as an extremely valuable learning opportunity. One senior shared, “It’s not every day you get to walk into a bank or a car dealership and actually learn how these places work. It’s helped me feel more prepared for what’s next.”
A Collaborative Community Effort
The success of Senior Adulting Day lies in the strength of our community partnerships. Local businesses and organizations enthusiastically welcome students each year, providing mentorship, insights, and even treats to make the day memorable. Many businesses share the event on their social media pages, expressing pride in the students’ growth and wishing they had experienced something similar in their school years.
This event is made possible through a collaboration between OHS and the innovative No Boundaries Program, a multi-district initiative dedicated to “Learning without Walls.” Each year, students in the No Boundaries program work closely with partners to plan and refine the event, ensuring it evolves and improves with each iteration. From updating the curriculum to organizing schedules, their dedication ensures a seamless and impactful experience.
We can’t wait to see how our next group of seniors will embrace this opportunity and continue building a legacy of lifelong learning. Senior Adulting Day brings the concept of “Pioneering Pathways for Every Student” to life!