Eighth grade students at Ste. Genevieve Middle School recently had the opportunity to meet and engage with area representatives from local businesses, organizations and colleges and universities as part of their annual Career Week. Starting on Monday, Oct. 23 and lasting through Thursday, Oct. 26, the week offered a different type of learning for students each day.
The progression of the activities throughout the week included:
Monday: Guest Speaker: Tyson Schaffner, president of the Patched Overalls Experience, was the keynote speaker to kick off Career Week! This program offers one student each year the opportunity to fulfill a dream experience between their junior and senior year. He encouraged students to be bold and curious in discovering their career paths, and to step out of their comfort zone for the opportunity to experience something new and spectacular
Tuesday: What It Takes Day: Students visited the following presenters on the topic of what it takes to be the best version of themselves. This also included presentations from local universities where students could learn about which classes they should consider taking in high school that will be beneficial for what they decide to do in life. Representatives included: Ste. Genevieve High School Assistant Principal and A+ Coordinator Mr. Dustin Schnable, SEMO representative Elizabeth Jeffries, SLU representative Kiara Laack, MAC representative Melissa Halter, and State Technical College representative Sally Difani.
Wednesday: Career Day: Students rotated through five presentations from 14 area representatives to learn about their particular fields of study: Basler Funeral Home Director Eric Balser; aerospace engineer Amy Helvey; software engineer Sean Kuehnel; geologist Marty Donze; veterinarian Dr. Jodi Bainter; Bloomsdale Bank Assistant Vice President Brian Keim; EMT personnel; Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary representative John Madigan; SG National Historic representatives including park guide Alex Moyer, Josh Hepler with facilities maintenance, and Ulric Eubanks, community volunteer ambassador); beautician Jessie Meyer; photographer Olivia Johnson; baker and business owner Caitlin Gray; Officer Nick Cusanelli and his K-9; and student workers Tessa Hager and Nathan Johnson.
Thursday: Perryville CTC Day: Students took a field trip to the Perryville Area Career and Technology Center to learn about the various hands-on learning opportunities the center has to offer, some of which include: Digital Media and Broadcast, Auto Mechanics and Welding. Students participated in activities related to the various program areas, and interacted with instructors and current students.
“We would like to thank all of the individuals from businesses and local colleges for taking the time to share with our students the infinite possibilities for their futures,” Counselor Ed Draper said. “We would also like to thank our faculty and staff at the middle school and high school for their support, patience, and eagerness to help. We appreciate all of those who had a hand in helping to make this week both informational and enjoyable for our eighth graders.”