KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Keystone Heights High recently held its first Reality Check in the gymnasium.

“There was a lot of positive engagement,” Jessica Leverette the Community Partnership Wellness Coordinator said.

During the event seventh through 12th graders were given packages that gave an overview of their jobs, income and marital status. The middle schoolers, Jessica said, were actively engaged in the event and learned a lot.

“Fabulous. It was a great experience,” Dr. Tori Hersey, a seventh-grade teacher, said. She continues to say that her students were exposed to real-life and had questions afterward.

During the event, 90 volunteers ranging from local businesses and organizations, or individuals operated the 19 booths. The booths represented different real adult life necessities like insurance, housing and banking and taught the students about managing money.

“It was fun,” Keila, a freshman, said. “It really showed us what adults have to do.”

The students were taught how to fill out a checkbook and the different types of insurance. Another freshman, Laryss, said she enjoyed it and would do it again. The event lasted from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The school faculty, teachers and students believe that Reality Check should be incorporated into all schools.

“I think every school in the country needs this,” said Stafan Nicholas, Community Partnership Expanded Learning Coordinator. He said that through Reality Check students realize the financial decisions their parents have to make. In addition to how their own decisions will affect their life. Jessica believes that Reality Check should start at the end of 11th grade or the beginning of the senior year, so students are not stressed and can make the right choices early on.

Thanks to partnership of Capital City, Keystone Heights High and volunteers, Reality Check was made available to the students.

“We would like to partner with companies,” Stefan said. “Kids need to know they have options.”

He said the school needs resources to reach out to the kids and show them ways they can be successful with or without a college degree. By partnering with local or non-local companies, Keystone Heights will be able to further prepare and teach the students about life and success.

The high school already plans to bring back Reality Check next year.