Every spring, Commerce High School’s entire senior class spends a day learning to change tires, write checks, cook, budget, and sit through a proper etiquette luncheon. Five years in, it’s become one of the most anticipated events of the year.

This year’s March 24th “Adulting Day” event received a HireSmart Cares grant for $1,800 to help cover the cost, part of the nonprofit’s ongoing work to support workforce readiness and life skills programs across the region. 

The event runs all day for Commerce’s 126 seniors. That morning, students rotate through nine stations led by community volunteers and business professionals, learning to check their oil, change a tire, cook a simple dish, do laundry, budget on a given income, perform basic electrical and plumbing tasks, and more. The Commerce Public Library and voter registration also set up tables during break time. 

Two stations focus specifically on professional readiness. An HR department leads an interactive session on interview skills, and a professional clothier walks students through what professional dress actually looks like.  

“They’re really good at keeping it interactive and keeping the kids engaged,” said Commerce CTAE Director Cameron Shirley. 

Students don’t leave empty-handed. Each station comes with a take-home item tied to what they learned.  

“At the auto care station, they get a small tire gauge,” said Shirley. ‘’At the cooking station, they take home a set of measuring cups. We do a little keychain flashlight at the safety station and a mini screwdriver at the electrical station. They can take home items to use as they move out on their own.” 

The afternoon includes a catered etiquette luncheon with a four-piece place setting, guided by wedding coordinators Natalie Thomas and Susan Stephenson, who walk them through everything from passing the bread and butter to proper utensil use. About 20 underclassmen from the Food and Nutrition pathway serve the meal, getting their own hands-on practice in food service and table setting in the process. 

“Most of our students have not been in a setting where they’ve had to use those skills,” said Shirley. “It’s fun, but they also learn a lot.” 

The event has built a reputation among students.  

“They love it,” said Shirley. “The first year, they weren’t sure what to expect, but when they saw they could take home items and do the luncheon, they really started to look forward to it. They talk about it, and it kicks off all their senior activities.” 

HireSmart Cares is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Mark and Anne Lackey that provides grants to K-12 educators supporting workforce development and job-ready skills. To learn more about HireSmart Cares, visit hiresmartcares.org.