MOCK FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THEIR FIELD

Maysee Thao|The Advocate

The Mock Funeral Services Arrangement exercise at MHCC took place on Tuesday, March 3, in the Town and Gown.

Part-time funeral services instructor and program assistant Terri Makinson was in charge of the annual event, which involved second-year funeral services students. They are potential graduates of the Funeral Services Associates Degree program, which currently has 18 students enrolled.

There were refreshments provided and caskets, tables and other setups to give the event a formal setting.

The mock services offer these students the opportunity to determine potential, future funeral arrangements and speak with other students and members of the community who are interested in making arrangements.

“They find it (to be) a very helpful experience for them,” Makinson said of the students.

In addition to preparing students for their chosen profession, the arrangements benefit the community by preparing them for planning funeral arrangements. Those interested in making plans filled out informational forms, which were submitted and may be of use later. 

The program’s first-year students also received a grade for participating in the event and making arrangements. Funeral directors and instructors also attended.

The mock arrangements help highlight the skills needed for the profession, said one student.

“It’s a service to humanity. Compassion and warmth are essential,” said second-year funeral services student Edith Aschim.

The Mt. Hood program has been around since 1970, said Makinson. The mock arrangements exercise on campus has been taking place for about 25 years.