RUMFORD — Freshmen and seniors from Mountain Valley and Dirigo high schools spent Wednesday learning about future educational opportunities.

Freshmen heard about courses offered by Vocational Region 9 and seniors learned the ins and outs of writing college essays, financial aid and the college admission process.

“These are the things we need to get kids to see what’s available, while not taking away from instructional time,” Mountain Valley Principal Matt Gilbert said.

Freshmen from both schools were listening to the outlines of several technology courses at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology in Mexico. Some got to sit in a skidder seat, learn about the many tree species harvested, or watch older students climb a firetruck ladder.

Dalton Milledge, a Mountain Valley freshman, attended several vocational presentations and believes he might take a Region 9 course in the building trades because he wants to go into engineering.

“This day is a good way to figure out what’s going on,” he said.

Among the vocational presentations Kayla Drapeau attended was one on the certified nursing assistant program. She wants to be veterinarian.

“I liked the team work. You’ve got to learn it, just in general,” the Rumford high school student said.

Although Gabriella Scott of Dirigo in Dixfield doesn’t plan to take metal trades at Region 9, she found the presentation really interesting, she said.

“You can do all kinds of different things,” she said.

Meanwhile, seniors heard Mountain Valley High School English teacher John Bell describe the importance of writing a clear, concise college essay.

“You will be judged on how to speak and write the English language,” he told the group. He said Scholastic Aptitude Tests are often not the most important assessment of a student who wants to attend a particular college. Grade Point Average and reference letters are the top priorities, he said.

Karyssa Kneeland said she plans to attend one of the colleges in the University of Maine system. She hasn’t yet applied, but found the day’s workshops to be very informative, she said.

“They are helping me focus on financial aid and essay writing,” she said as she took notes on Bell’s many recommendations.

Justin White, also of Mountain Valley High School, said he wants to go to the University of Maine to study nursing. He was about to send his application.

“The school is good at preparing students,” he said.

Buckfield Junior-Senior High School Principal George Reuter said while his school’s juniors and sophomores took the PSATs, freshmen participated in team and trust-building activities and the seniors learned resume writing and college application skills. The freshmen will attend vocational presentations at Vocational Region 11 in Paris in January.

Telstar High School students who attend Vocational Region 9 will also attend vocational presentations at a later date, and the seniors will soon take part in education beyond high school seminars and visitations.