More than 150 high school students visited Trinidad State on Tuesday for Spring Fest, an annual prospective student event. Students rotated through various workshops around campus—including Art, Auto Technology, Business, Education, Gunsmithing, and several other departments—where they could “try out” a college program.

Hands-on learning activities ranged from running a bulldozer and excavator in the Heavy Equipment Program to painting fingernails and braiding hair in Cosmetology. These activities, presented by Trinidad State professors and students, allowed the high school students to experience many of the unique programs offered at Trinidad State.

Hoehne Junior Jordan Trujillo attended the nursing workshop where she performed CPR on a manikin. “It’s harder than it looks,” Trujillo said about doing CPR. “It surprised me how aggressive you have to be.”

Xavier Scripter, a senior at Trinidad High School, participated in the welding workshop. “My dad got me into it,” Scripter said. “I learned the basics. I like it and want to learn some more about it.” Students in the workshop got to try welding.

In addition to learning about various academic programs, students also attended a career expo where they met with local businesses to discuss future careers or educational opportunities. More than 20 businesses participated in the event, including Snap-on Tools, Mt. San Rafael Hospital, Trinidad Ambulance District, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, College in Colorado, and Trinidad State departments—such as Student Life—among other businesses. Many of the exhibitors featured interactive activities, including the Trinidad State STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) booth where prospective students could build robots from LEGOs.

All high school students who participated in Spring Fest received a free Trinidad State t-shirt, and attending high school seniors will get a $500 Spring Fest scholarship to apply toward tuition at Trinidad State.

Many of the students at Spring Fest were from regional high schools, including Trinidad, Raton, Hoehne, Holy Trinity Academy, and John Mall, among several others. A few prospective students came from Denver and other areas of Colorado and New Mexico, and one from Texas to check out Trinidad State.

Jaya Mora, from Denver, came with her parents, Joey and Stephanie Mora, to tour the campus. “I’m trying to make my decision between here and Northeastern,” Mora said. She wants to pursue Criminal Justice and participated in the Criminal Justice and Psychology workshops while at Spring Fest.