Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX – October 27, 2025 – While Navarro High School underclassmen focused on the school-day PSAT, the senior class received a comprehensive head start on post-graduation life during the school’s inaugural “Adulting 101” event on Tuesday, October 22. The program featured seven dynamic, interactive rotations designed to equip students with practical skills they'll utilize long after they receive their diplomas.

The hands-on learning day brought together dedicated Navarro staff and valued community partners to cover a range of essential life topics, from financial literacy to emergency response. Community experts generously shared their professional knowledge with the graduating class:

• Car Maintenance: Navarro alumnus and owner of Valvoline Express Car Care in Clear Springs, Jay Jones, provided lessons on basic car care and upkeep.
• Understanding Insurance: Stacey Dear of Farmers Insurance shared valuable insights on different types of insurance and the importance of adequate coverage.
• Mental Health Resources: Hannah Lysne from Connections Individual and Family Services offered guidance on mental health support available to young adults.
• Renting and Leases: Jill Law of Geronimo Creek Realty gave practical advice on apartment renting and understanding lease agreements.

Navarro High School educators also played a critical role in the rotations, sharing in-house expertise:

• Job Interview Strategies: Dr. David Kauffman, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & School Leadership, gave students professional tips for landing a job.
• Kitchen Safety: Ag Science teacher Joshua Anderson taught essential kitchen safety principles.
• Basic CPR: Health and Human Services teacher Lisa Deavours led a crucial session on basic CPR techniques.

The successful day was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Navarro High School Counseling Department, including Caroline Bauer, College, Career, and Military Readiness Advisor; Jennifer Simmons and Margi Handrick, High School Counselors; Laurel Wilson, Academic Dean; and Wendy McMullen, Chief Academic Officer.

"The most rewarding part of 'Adulting 101' was watching our seniors engage with practical, real-world content that often falls outside the traditional curriculum," said Caroline Bauer, Navarro High School College, Career and Military Advisor. "We believe that providing these foundational life skills is just as critical as academic preparation. This event helps our students transition confidently and competently into their next chapter, whether that's college, career, or military service."

Students were grateful for the opportunity to learn skills they will need to apply when living on their own. Senior Peyton Person said, “These are skills not just taught to us once, but developed throughout life. Even being in the classes for a bit of time helped me be prepared with some basic skills that I can recall again in the future when needed so that I can keep learning.” 

The Navarro team intends to establish Adulting 101 as an annual tradition, continuously expanding opportunities to help students gain the confidence necessary to navigate life after high school.