Students at West Orange – Stark Elementary attended a First Annual Career Day this week. It included the opportunity to learn about a variety of occupations so that the students can begin planning and preparing now for their future occupations.
The concept for the event originated at West Orange – Stark High School.
“The goal was to expose elementary students with post-secondary career awareness opportunities,” said Jennifer Sims, WOS High School Career, College, and Military Readiness Counselor.
Sims and WOS Elementary counselors Yokishia Hope and Billie Brown, as well as Ashton Knox, WOCCISD Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, worked together as a planning team to organize the event.
The community response to the WOS invitation to participate was amazing. Local businesses, organizations, and leaders graciously agreed to participate in either of two Career Day sessions, or both.
WOS Elementary Principal Dr. Troy Bethley said, “Many of our students were unaware of the career opportunities available to them, and this was a fantastic way to provide them with firsthand knowledge of potential career paths, a typical workday, education requirements, salary information, and more.”
Third, fourth, and fifth grade students rotated through booths and asked questions; while, younger students were presented with information regarding each career.
Career Day encouraged students to achieve at their highest possible level in order to realize their full potential. Conversations at the event and afterwards also illustrated to students “WHY” education is vital to individual and community success.
More than 35 occupations were represented. They included medical doctor, nursing, x-ray technology, graphic design/video game design, photography, physical fitness, print and television journalism, publishing, master hair stylist, realty, education, floral design, musician, insurance sales, law enforcement, military, pest control, pediatric home therapist, funeral director, pastor, emergency medical technician, wildlife management, city government, paper production industry, valve manufacturing, and more.
WOCCISD Superintendent Dr. Rickie Harris said, “I want to thank you for investing in the students of West Orange – Cove CISD. Your contribution of knowledge and time will broaden our students’ understanding of work place occupations. Additionally, your participation in Career Day supports the WOCCISD Mission Statement: In partnership with our community, our mission is to transform lives through an exceptional educational experience.”
Planning will begin soon for the 2nd Annual Career Day event which will be held during the 2019-2010 school year.