Kids learn about classes before they sign up

It drew a lot of guys, particularly the young ones, at the Occupational Open House at Carson High School on Thursday.

Those not taking a turn at the wheel stood by and watched, leaning over a railing or standing with their hands shoved in their pockets.

Mid-morning, Tessa Richards, 14, a freshman, ventured over to see what the buzz was about. As a male classmate gave up his seat at the driving simulator, she sat down, ready to test her skills, even though she will not turn 16 for a year and a half.

A simulator instructor, Ron Kendall, showed her the steering wheel, blinkers and brake.

"Good luck," he teased. "Don't wreck the car OK?"

By the time she finished, Richards had managed to avoid rear-ending a sports utility-type vehicle. When it pulled out in front of her at a gas station, she adeptly evaded an accident by switching into the left lane, and even used her blinker.

"I kinda didn't want to drive very fast and take my foot off the brake because I was scared," Richards said of the simulator. "That's why I was driving slow. (The simulator) makes you realize you need to pay attention when you drive."

Her friend, Molly Champion, 15, stood nearby.

"I think (Tessa) did pretty good except for the two people she ran into," she said. "She did do good though. She used her turn signal."

Both girls admitted being afraid of driving. When they are ready to conquer those fears in a driver's education course, they can register at Western Nevada Community College, which began offering courses last year and using the simulator.

Students living in Carson City must take driver's ed. Carson High School will reportedly end its driver's education courses at the end of this school year when the teacher retires. The community college was asked to take up the slack.

Thursday's occupational fair was the second to be held at Carson High School and the first featuring WNCC, which offers many courses available for credit at both the high school and college level.

Information at the fair focused on autobody repair, welding, construction, child development, graphic design, geographical information systems, video production, culinary arts, photography, the Skills USA club and computer courses.

"When the kids register for classes a lot of them don't really know what really goes on in the classrooms," said Susan Taylor, photography teacher and occupation department chairwoman. "This is an opportunity to showcase what they're about and for students to show their work."

- Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.