VALDOSTA — Area students and parents came out to Lowndes High School Tuesday to get a head start on college during the 2006 Valdosta PROBE College Fair.

Hosted for the first time at Lowndes High, more than 250 students from area schools and six surrounding counties attended the fair, speaking with college representatives from throughout the South.

“We normally have this fair at Valdosta State University, but we’ve been very pleased to host it here this year,” said Erica Cooper, LHS guidance counselor. “I believe it was beneficial to the students because they’re already familiar with the school and more comfortable in this environment, so much so, that several students have even come on their own tonight, without their parents.”

Representatives from nearly 61 colleges and universities in Georgia, Florida and Alabama shared information with students about various degree programs, campus life, and scholarships.

Standing near a table set up by her alma mater, VSU, Linda Sermons looked over pamphlets with her daughter, Stephanie.

“I want my daughter to go to VSU. I went, and I have kids who have gone, and it’s home. Stephanie, well, she wants to go anywhere but home, but wherever she wants to go, I’ll support her,” said Sermons.

“These type of events are great for kids and parents because so often children have a tendency to listen to others sometimes before they listen to their parents, even if they’re echoing what we as parents have already said.”

Mother Beckie Baker was thankful to have many of her questions answered as she helps her son, Matthew, prepare for college next year.

“We were able to get a lot of information and exposure to many schools. Here, you’re able to have your questions answered first hand, rather than by brochure or computer, and that’s refreshing,” said Baker.

Beyond the traditional universities, representatives from technical institutes, Christian, military and minority colleges spoke to students about the many options available following graduation.

“It is important for us to be represented at these events because we’ve taken a look at how many African American are attending college, and going into college prep classes in high school and even further, we’re studying the drop out rate among African American males,” said Savannah State College representative Ryan Tomblin.

“We must start introducing students to higher education as early as middle school and present more positive images to them. Having exposure to people who have gone on to college, and who are successful, produces better results in the end.”

Several younger students also had an opportunity to peak into college life as they walked with older siblings, while several eighth-graders, were also able to speak with representatives and gain some insight on what high school courses would best benefit their future aspirations.

The college fair committee, comprised of counselors from several area schools, is planning to hold another college fair in the spring to further help students prepare for education beyond high school.

“We want to do another fair in the spring specifically for financial aid with more breakout sessions for the students and parents. It has been great having the schools work together to make this happen because it allows us to pool our resources, and it unites the students,” said Cooper.