Lauderdale County students visit reality fair, CTE center

Published 10:48 am Friday, January 30, 2026

First Mississippi Federal Credit Union Director of Marketing Crystal Clark helps a Southeast Middle School student with his budget Thursday during a reality fair sponsored by area credit unions. Photo by Thomas Howard

Students in Lauderdale County School District on Thursday were given firsthand experience in managing a household budget at a reality fair and got to tour the district’s new Career and Technical Education Center.

Lauderdale County School District Career and Technical Education Director Rob Smith speaks to Southeast Middle School students Thursday during a tour of the district’s new CTE Center. Photo by Thomas Howard

At the reality fair, which was sponsored by local credit unions, students visited stations including housing, transportation, utilities and other wants and necessities as they tried to balance spending with income from an assigned career. Students also had to weather chance by spinning a wheel that could bring them a windfall or unexpected expense.

For those unable to rein in costs, part-time jobs and other employment were also an option for students to consider.

The fair is a recurring event for LCSD students to help them understand the expenses of managing a household and give them the financial knowledge they need to be successful.

Students were also given the opportunity to tour the school district’s new CTE Center, which is nearing complete. Once opened, the facility will host students from each of the county’s four campuses for programs such as law and public safety, business and marketing and more.