More than 1,000 students participated in the annual PROBE College Fair Monday at Griffin High School to learn more about post-secondary opportunities.

Juniors and seniors from Griffin High, Spalding High, Jackson County Comprehensive High and Lamar County Comprehensive High grabbed brochures and talked to representatives from about 60 colleges and universities in Georgia and neighboring states.

“We have a strong alumni base in this area. We get some of our best students from around this area,” said Eric Hinson, recruit coordinator at Florida A&M University, when asked why he came to Griffin all the way from Tallahassee, Fla.

Students seemed to enjoy their experience, as many of them browsed the stands with plenty of reading materials in their hands.

The PROBE College Fair was well-received by students, said Portia Lacy, a Griffin High counselor who coordinated the event. “It helps them sort out which direction they want to take (after high school),” she said.

It also provided students with information about available financial aid and test-taking sites for tests needed to qualify for admission to college, Lacy said.

Chinura Starks, a junior at Griffin High, said the two-hour event gave her a better idea of where to go after her graduation. Carrying around at least 10 brochures from various colleges, Starks said she’s leaning toward Florida A&M University because some family members went there as well. Plus, she said, “I want to be in Florida.”