Elk City, OK – Elk City High School seniors recently participated in "exit interviews," a process designed to help them reflect on their high school experience and prepare for the future. With 134 seniors in this year’s class, the interviews provided a glimpse into their goals and aspirations, as well as the strong support system that has guided them through their education.

Superintendent Mike Sparks, who took part in the interviews, was impressed by the students’ level of preparation and ambition. “I was blown away by the way our students are talking about their futures, the way they’ve planned things out,” Sparks said. “We hear so much negativity in the world, but I sat down with about 50 students who know exactly what they want to do next and how they’re going to get there.”

From students pursuing careers in engineering, law, and healthcare to those entering the workforce immediately, Sparks said the common theme was confidence and readiness. He shared stories of a senior planning to take her EMT test before continuing her education to become a registered nurse, another student who worked at a local fast food restaurant for 18 months to save for college at Oklahoma State, and a young woman set to attend the University of Oklahoma with plans for law school.

The exit interviews, coordinated by Senior Leadership teacher Holly Stover, take place in conference rooms at the high school. Students are asked about their strengths, weaknesses, problem-solving skills, and career goals. The process also doubles as real-world preparation, covering professional etiquette such as firm handshakes, eye contact, and confident communication.

Stover enlists administrators, counselors, and teachers to conduct the interviews, pairing students with interviewers they may not know well. Sparks believes this approach adds value to the experience. “It gives students the chance to interact with an adult they aren’t familiar with, which is great preparation for job interviews, scholarship applications, and life beyond high school,” he said.

Perhaps most telling were the responses to Sparks' key question: If you could be superintendent for a day, what would you never want to change? “Overwhelmingly, they say our teachers care about them, they build relationships, and they make sure they’re ready,” Sparks shared. “And they talk about how much the community supports them.”

When asked what could be improved, students had minor suggestions, like longer lunch breaks or less screen time, but many struggled to find anything they would change about their school experience. “It makes me proud that our students are happy with their education and the opportunities they’ve had here,” Sparks said.

One student’s journey stood out to Sparks—a young man who moved to Elk City from Las Vegas. “He told me he was scared to move here, didn’t know anyone. But he said this community welcomed him, made him feel at home, and now he’s heading to college for civil engineering,” Sparks said.

For Sparks, now in his 31st year in education, the exit interviews were a reminder of why he loves his job. “I still believe there’s nothing else I’d rather do,” he said. “These students make me proud to be part of this school and this community.”

The exit interview program, which has improved each year, continues to highlight the dedication of Elk City’s teachers, staff, and community in preparing students for their futures. With a class full of determined and goal-oriented seniors, Elk City High School is sending another group of young adults into the world ready for success.