Do you know about contracts? What about the difference between “juvie” and jail? Well, it’s time seniors learn about these and several other important topics before “stepping out” into the big world.

Beaver Area High School seniors had the opportunity to attend the “Stepping Out” assembly May 20. The assembly was held in the high school gym and was led by local attorney Mr. Bill Hare.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association organizes the “Stepping Out” assembly each year. The goal is to teach students about adult legal issues and responsibilities by sending attorneys to give presentations.

Mr. Hare spoke about many topics including credit cards, voting, and how laws affect adults differently than minors.

“Mr. Hare did a great job. I enjoyed his presentation. The most impactful thing he said was about how to safely evaluate contracts,” said senior Brandon Scheffler.

One of the main big topics was teaching students about contracts and how to make sure they’re not being taken advantage of.

“I’ve been doing this for about 15 years, and I love coming and talking with students about what their rights and responsibilities are when they graduate. I was especially glad to come to Beaver because I know what a good school system it is and I have nothing but respect for the students and the teachers and the administration. I know you guys are going to be a success,” shared Mr. Hare.

At the end of the event all the students were given the opportunity to register to vote for the upcoming elections.

“The Bar association contacts us to put this [assembly] on. It’s a great way to send you guys [the seniors] off. It’s good for the students to hear some of the same lessons but from an outside person,” said Principal Meghan Murray.

This is the first time in a few years that Beaver Area has hosted this assembly, but they hope that it again will become a yearly event.