DUBOIS – DuBois Area High School students were treated to an informational session recently titled “Financial Risks and Rewards of College: How to Make It Pay Off.”
Dr. Pete Skoner of St. Francis University presented to the students as DAHS Principal Brian Weible welcomed him to the auditorium stage. Skoner is a professor of physics/associate provost and mining engineer/math teacher/college professor.
As evidence that hard work and studying pays off, Skoner referenced the success of his own children, which includes a physician assistant, an optometrist and a graduate student in optometry school.
Skoner discussed the benefits and rewards of college. During his oration, he stated that college is indeed expensive, but there are ways to afford it, and there can be great payoffs. He gave examples of how to make it pay off financially.
Skoner complimented the students and staff at DAHS by noting that something is being done right at the school. He went on to say that the students were fortunate to be going to a great school like DAHS and that students from the school are well-prepared for college.
He referenced the fact that many DAHS graduates currently attending St. Francis University are on the Dean’s List have an average GPA of 3.6 and above.
According to Skoner, the secret to success at college as well as high school can be given in three words: 1. Study. 2. Study. 3. Study.
He said wise decision-making and preparation while you are still in high school can help to ensure success. He added that it is important to be a well-rounded student with not only good grades, but also evidence of volunteer work and rigorous classes, including research work, which is now required for many incoming freshmen majors.
He pointed out current trends that show good future job growth and high pay includes the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Skoner was invited to be a guest speaker at the high school by Douglas Brennan, a chemistry teacher and science team advisor.