Senior year can be a scary time for students as they frantically try to figure out what they want in the future and what life will hold after high school. To combat this, Russellville High School seniors and their parents gathered Monday night to learn about preparing for the coming years.

The school normally holds this informational night in the spring, but organizers said they decided this year it would be more beneficial to students to hold it at the beginning of the year.

Students were able to meet with college representatives, military branch representatives and financial representatives.

Speakers included Kraig Kennedy from Sen. Robert Aderholt’s office and Colby Leopard for Cash for College.

Kennedy talked to students about how he ended up at his job in Aderholt’s office by trying something new in high school.

“If you want to join that new club or play that sport, do it, because you never know what could turn into a passion that you want to pursue the rest of your life,” Kennedy said.

Leopard talked to students about different ways to pay for college, including everything students needed to know about the FAFSA. He said from last year’s senior class, 76 students applied for a FAFSA and received $191,310 combined in FAFSA money to help pay for college.

“College is expensive, but there are so many different ways to pay for college if you know about them,” Leopard said.

Students also learned about deadlines and the process of applying to colleges. Colleges present included the University of Alabama, the University of North Alabama and Northwest-Shoals Community College.

Other booths included Community Spirit Bank, Alabama Central Credit Union, Cash for College, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Marines.