RUMFORD — The junior class at Mountain Valley High School had four representatives visit the school to discuss plans after high school. The first was Sgt. Shane Hill, an aviation technician for the Marines. He explained the different roles of each branch of the U.S. Military, the length of different branches’ boot camps and the benefits of joining the military after high school.

According to Hill, the Air Force is primarily for reconnaissance and transportation of supplies. The Army is for ground troops and has the most soldiers of any branch, with just over 2 million. The Navy is for occupying and defending different bodies of water. The Marines include a little bit of every branch’s specialty. The Marines also have the least number of soldiers, with just over 200,000.

The second was Chris Yardley, from the University of Maine in Farmington. He has been to Mountain Valley every year for 25 years. He asked many questions about people’s opinions on colleges and what they’re looking for in one. He discussed with students the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in and out of state.

The student reporter was unable to attend all sessions. Additional sessions included “Paying for College: Financial Aid and Scholarships” presented by Jennifer Whittier of Finance Authority of Maine and “Two Year College Options” by Michelle Hawley from Central Maine Community College.