Reality Lesson

NECAC’s Carly Lambert, right, issues food vouchers to Culver-Stockton College sophomore Katy Gard during a poverty simulation March 26. Students spent three hours dealing with low wages, job losses, high costs, family struggles and unforeseen bills. Gard portrayed 34-year-old single mother Emily Epperman, who did not have a job and was raising two children. The 14-year-old was arrested for taking a gun to school and the 17-year-old was to have a baby with his girlfriend. Gard, an education major, said the experience will help her empathize with students when she becomes a teacher. The simulations are offered at schools throughout NECAC’s 12 counties. More information is available by calling 573-324-6633. (NECAC photo by Brent Engel)