Senior high school students participating in Holland College’s Transitions program, a program that enables students from Bluefield, Colonel Gray, and Charlottetown Rural to explore possible post-secondary and career options, recently held a fundraiser on behalf of the P.E.I. Military Family Services Support Our Troops campaign at Holland College, Charlottetown Rural and Colonel Gray high schools. 

Transitions student Jacinta MacDonald said she enjoyed working on the project.
 "I really had a lot of fun helping out with this fundraiser. We learned a lot about Support Our Troops, and the students from our schools enjoyed writing letters to the soldiers. I encourage everyone to continue to support this great cause." 

The students sold baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes, brownies; and items such as T-shirts, pins, and car magnets.  Students from the Rural participated in a Wear Red Friday, where they donated $1 each. Students were given a chance to write messages to the troops serving in Afghanistan, which were sent on their behalf by the P.E.I. Military Family Services Centre.  In total, the students raised over $500.
 
Brad Murray, a transitions mentor at Holland College, said the fund raiser was a good way to impress upon the students the value of helping others.  

"It was great to have students involved in such a worthy cause,” he noted. “They were able to see how being involved in their community really pays off, and were also able to promote the work of the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan.  Students and staff from the college and high schools were very supportive, and we thank them for their efforts."

Students wishing to enter into the Holland College Transitions Program are first required to complete the Grade 11 or 12 Career Futures course, which emphasizes the essential skills and supports students in the development of a portfolio. Upon completion of this course, students have the option to register in the Holland College Transitions program, where the emphasis in post-secondary education and career exploration continues. The overall goal of Transitions is to give Prince Edward Island high school students the opportunity to experience many different career possibilities. Expectations for professional behaviour are high, and students rise to these expectations in all areas.