Local high school seniors will no doubt be glad to have a morning out of school on Sept. 9.

But we encourage them to think about their time at the annual College and Career Fair as an investment for their future.

Every senior in the county, about 600 of them, will have the chance to attend the fair, which will feature representatives of about 30 colleges, several local businesses and each branch of the United States military all under one roof, at the Clanton First United Methodist Church’s Helen E. Parrish Activity Center.

Imagine the opportunities being offered in that room.

Many seniors probably already have their plans for after high school squared away. The ones who don’t should take the College and Career Fair seriously.

It’s a chance for them to be able to learn more about college and career fields, to help decide which direction they’d like to take. The students don’t even have to visit a website or make a phone call. The people and the information are being brought to them.

Officials at LeCroy Career Technical Center organize the fair, and they deserve recognition because it’s a worthwhile effort.

Parents of local seniors are invited to attend, too. They’re an important part of their child’s decision making process.

Any business and industry representative interested in attending should contact Chilton County Schools Career Coach Kim Benson at kdbenson@chilton.k12.al.us or call LeCroy Career Technical Center at (205) 280-2920.

“It provides our high school seniors the chance to get information on opportunities in our area whether they are looking at continuing their education at a two- or four-year institution, entering the military or going directly into the world of work,” Benson said about the event. “We know many of our students attend school and work. Many times, they have limited information concerning our local job market. At the College and Career Fair, they will have the opportunity to meet representatives of some of our area’s largest employers and gain knowledge about these businesses.

“We want our students to enjoy their senior year and have all the information regarding the many options they have after graduation.”

There can never be too many open doors for local students to choose from.

We just hope they take the initiative to find out more about them.