HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Interim day at MFL MarMac educational and fun

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By Christian Kleinow, MFL MarMac senior

MONONA - Two years ago, MFL MarMac High School hosted an Interim day for the students.

Interim means “an intervening time” and it's meant for students to take a break from their traditional classes and learn something new.

Well, it's returning this year and it's Friday at MFL MarMac.

Not everything is the same as two years ago. For example, the committee took out some of the mini-courses and added several new ones, including antler carving. In this course, students will supply their own deer antler and they will carve a morel mushroom out of it. Other new mini-courses this year include boating with the DNR, fire and rescue, bowling, photography, hair and nails, and facials and massages.

In addition to these new courses, there will also be some from two years ago such as trapshooting and aviation.

Another new thing for this year is having a professional chef come in to make lunch for the high school students. This actually will be one of the mini-courses, however, with 12 students - three  from each grade - joining him to help make the meals. There will be four different choices - Italian, Cajun, African and Mexican. Students will get to choose which one they want to have for lunch ahead of time, and the students signed up for the class will have to cook enough of each meal for the entire high school.

What's the point in all this? It's to introduce students to new and different things. It gives the students a new experience, and they shouldn't be afraid to try new things.

“Providing these 'real world experiences' will open students' minds to a possible career path or an interest in a lifelong hobby," said Angie Killian, one of the event's organizers.

There are many volunteers giving their time to come and help the students have a good experience - some of whom are traveling from a long distance. This is meant to be an educational day for students. They are encouraged to come and try different things while having some fun, too.

There is a cost for some of the courses, like $5 for bowling and $10  trap shooting.

Students also  should wear appropriate clothing for the courses they choose. If you are going outside, bring a coat or sweatshirt. If you are doing self defense, you should wear sweatpants and a loose t-shirt.