Lathrop, Mo. May 16, 2024 — Lathrop High School hosted its annual
“Decision Day,” to celebrate 76 graduating high school seniors’ future
plans. The event was possible through the generous sponsorships of
Decker Construction Services, Goppert Financial Bank, The Hamilton
Bank, His and Hers Sports Gallery, Missouri Western State University,
Northwest Missouri State University, and the rootEd Alliance. It's
heartwarming to see communities like Lathrop come together to support
their graduating seniors.
Events like Decision Day not only celebrate the achievements of these
students but also underscore the importance of planning for the future.
Among select high schools statewide, Lathrop High School has added a
dedicated college and career advisor, the rootEd Advisor. These advisors
work alongside school counselors to ensure students have the resources
needed to chart a path beyond high school.
This is the second year that Lathrop’s rootEd Advisor, Susan Rupert has
been working with students to develop their plans. She strives to provide
opportunities for students to explore various postsecondary options.
Whether it is further education, military service, or going straight into the
workforce, this exposure is crucial in helping them make informed decisions
about their future.
Mules have been able to tour college campuses, meet with military
recruiters, and attend guest speaker presentations. Participate in job
shadowing, and fairs, complete applications, and network with over 60
professionals during the Annual LHS College & Career Fair. These
experiences not only expose students to different career paths but also
help them develop important skills and networks that will serve them well in
the years to come.
Having a dedicated college and career advisor like Mrs. Rupert shows the
Lathrop School District is committed to ensuring that every student has the
resources and guidance they need to succeed beyond high school,
regardless of their chosen path.
About rootEd Alliance
rootEd Alliance, Inc. is a collaborative effort founded by family
business owners and philanthropists who recognize that all
students need more than a high school diploma to succeed in
today’s economy. Rural students face unique barriers to pursuing
a postsecondary pathway, and rootEd aims to remove these
barriers and expand opportunity by investing philanthropic capital
in a transformative advising model and partnering with states to
bring it to scale. The rootEd model trains and places dedicated
advisors in rural high schools. This ensures students have the
resources they need to chart a path beyond high school—to the
military or technical school, community college, or a bachelor’s
degree. The rootEd model has a proven track record of success
across rural communities in Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, and Idaho.
rootEd Alliance was born out of BDT & Company’s commitment to
convening and catalyzing philanthropists around big ideas that
are under-resourced and overlooked, with great potential for
impact. For more information, please visit: https://rootEdAlliance.org/.
