By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Crenshaw County high school seniors recently participated in a Senior Etiquette Workshop aimed at developing their professional skills. Sponsored by Southeast AlabamaWorks, the workshop focused on communication, first impressions, punctuality, anger management and table manners.

Kathy Smyth, rural workforce coordinator with Southeast AlabamaWorks, spent two days at each high school, working with students to practice these essential soft skills. The workshop culminated in an Etiquette Brunch on Oct. 2 at the Luverne United Methodist Church Dei Center, where seniors, dressed in professional attire, dined with community volunteers and had the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills and discuss their future plans.

“Southeast AlabamaWorks was thrilled to sponsor this event for Crenshaw County seniors,” Smyth said. “Although some of the students were nervous at first, they quickly became engaged and interactive, settling nicely into conversations with the adults and each other.”

Southeast AlabamaWorks is one of seven regional workforce councils in the state, established to serve business and industry along with job seekers, by developing a skilled workforce and creating a pipeline of future employees. The workshop is part of the organization’s broader effort to address the growing need for soft skills in the workforce and ensure both rural and urban communities have access to resources that promote economic prosperity.

“Businesses and industries have expressed the need for soft skills like these in their new hires,” Smyth said. “In response, along with the Crenshaw County Career Academy, we have made this program a priority. Haley Kilcrease has been invaluable in coordinating the program in our schools and ensuring events like this remain a focus.”

Crenshaw County College and Career Coach Haley Kilcrease, who played an essential role in organizing the program, emphasized the importance of communication as a leadership skill.

“Our seniors had the chance to develop their professional skills and network with community leaders,” Kilcrease said. “Both students and volunteers were incredibly positive about the experience. We are grateful for this opportunity to bring students and adults together to learn and grow.”

At the brunch, one or two community volunteers were seated at each table of seniors, allowing the students to practice their skills in a real-world setting.

Former Crenshaw County teacher and Brantley Bank and Trust board member Betsy Hollis Walker was among the volunteers.

“As a former teacher, I was delighted to participate in the brunch, which was the culmination of classes on professionalism, interview skills, leadership and etiquette,” Walker said. “The students were poised, well-mannered, and a delight to be around. Kudos to Kathy Smyth and Haley Beasley Kilcrease for their commitment to these students as they prepare for their next steps.”