ARLINGTON — Weston High School seniors have been getting hands-on experience in the working world, thanks to the contributions of adult professionals in “Seniors for Success.”

Weston senior project advisor Sherry Anderson set up activities over the course of several weeks to help prepare students for job interviews, managing finances, shopping for work clothes on a limited budget and other life skills, with the aid of local volunteers who were willing to give of their time and talents to pass on their knowledge and skills.

Arlington School District nurse Gloria Davis discussed overall personal hygiene and how to stay healthy, since most post-high school employers don’t offer medical benefits, while Union Bank staff held a session on how to open checking and savings accounts, along with not over-extending their finances, so they can develop good credit ratings.

Lisa Hancock, a parent of a past Weston High School graduate, likewise wanted to give back to the school that had helped her child go on to success as an adult, so she accompanied Anderson and Weston teacher Cindy Christoferson to the Lakewood Target for shopping.

“Prior to shopping, the students researched what types of clothing they would need for job interviews, as well as on the job,” said Andrea Conley, public information coordinator for the Arlington School District. “As the students tried on clothes, the adults were able to give feedback on their color and style choices, to help them achieve professional looks. Lisa’s generosity in purchasing one outfit for each student was truly appreciated by the kids, and they now wear their clothes with great pride.”

Jessee Skittrall, of the SWANQ Style Studio in Everett, explained that their first time working with Weston students inspired the salon staff to take things to the next level, as they spent more than four hours cutting and coloring students’ hair, as well as teaching each senior how to work with their type of hair based on texture, thickness and skin tone.

“Our hope was to help them portray an outward image of their inner potential, and really move them to be the best version of themselves,” Skittrall said. “When performing redesign work like this, it’s rewarding because we get to help the students see themselves as they never had before, and help them tap into their potential and value.”

The SWANQ Style Studio even posted a video about the experience online at www.swanqstylestudio.com/news/community-outreach-program-arlington-alternative-high-school.