WVMS students explore next year’s options at WVHS Elective Fair

Warwick Valley High School’s annual Elective Fair transformed the library into a hub of curiosity, conversation and discovery, as students explored the wide range of courses available to them for their freshman year!

The high school offered two elective fairs this week. One on Tuesday was for current underclassmen, while Thursday’s fair was for middle school students who will be freshmen next September. Both fairs offer students an opportunity to speak directly with teachers and high schoolers, who share their academic and anecdotal information about individual elective courses, so that the younger students can make informed decisions about their schedules for next year.

“It’s an important tradition,” said Assistant Principal Erin Hill-Lewis. “The Electives Fair gives our incoming freshmen an opportunity to learn about the classes they’ll be selecting pretty soon. Scheduling for the next school year begins in February, so this helps students gather the information they need to choose the schedule that best suits them.”

Around the library, tables showcased programs spanning diverse academic and career interests, including biomedical science, robotics, music, agriculture, and other specialized pathways that allow students to explore potential careers while still in high school.

For senior Madi Olszewski, the Principles of Biomedical Sciences course played a defining role in shaping her post-graduation plans.

“This class definitely helped me decide what I want to do in my future,” she shared. “After going through the courses and learning about the body -- it helped me realize I want to go into nursing.”

Other electives highlighted experiential, hands-on learning opportunities. Freshmen Maryam Jallow and Emily Lawler spoke enthusiastically about Land, Food and People, an agriculture-based course that blends science, sustainability, and real-world applications.

“You learn how to cook, but you also learn about agriculture in New York and across the United States,” Maryam explained. “We study plants, animals, and food systems.”

Students even participate in live environmental projects.

“We’re raising trout from fertilized eggs and watching them develop,” Emily said. “We’re also learning about maple syrup production. We tap trees outside the school and make syrup ourselves. It connects to science classes and real life.”

Creative expression was also well represented across the fair.

In Floral Design, freshmen Isabella Colon, Livia Dembeck and Keirrah Redner showcased arrangements while explaining the artistic and technical skills behind the work.

“We learn color theory and how to create different floral pieces like corsages,” Livia said. “It’s fun, but it’s also a really useful skill.”

The art department’s offerings – including ceramics, sculpture and digital photography – drew interest from students eager to plunge deeper into the world of visual storytelling.

Junior and president of the popular Empty Bowls Club, Arlo Moller, highlighted the balance of structure and independence found in ceramics courses.

“You have specific projects, but you also get creative control over what you design,” she said. “You learn patience, too — if something cracks in the kiln, you just have to start again.”

Junior Jack Marina described Digital Photography as both accessible and transformative.

“You might go in not knowing how to use a camera or Photoshop,” he said. “But you learn composition, lighting, shutter speed — all the inner workings of photography. Once you understand that, there’s so much creative freedom. The projects are broad, so you can make the work your own.”

The Elective Fair does more than support graduation requirements, it helps students discover new passions, build confidence and envision life beyond high school. And, as scheduling season approaches, the fair continues to serve as both a launchpad and a compass by guiding students toward courses that spark curiosity today while shaping the pathways of tomorrow.