SGMS Hosts Annual Career Week For 8th Graders

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. 24 and lasting through Thursday, Oct. 27, the week offered a different type of learning for students each day. 

The progression of the activities throughout the week included: 

  • Monday: REALL (Reality Enrichment and Life Lessons) Simulation: The East Missouri Action Agency operated a “Real Life Simulation” where students were assigned varying degrees of education and jobs to provide them a glimpse at how these factors impact their standards of living.

  • Tuesday: 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.

  • Wednesday: Career Day: Students rotated through five presentations from 12 area representatives to learn about their particular fields of study: Conservation Officer Rob Sulkowski, geologist Martin Donze, veterinarian Dr. Jodi Bainter, Bloomsdale Bank Assistant Vice President Brian Keim, EMT personnel Theodosha Brewer and Thomas Whitener, Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary representative John Madigan, SG National Historic park rangers Richard Biggio-Gottschlich and Josh Hepler, beautician Jessica Meyer, photographers Megan Roussin and Brynna Wehner, airplane pilot and artist Leon Basler, Officer Nic Cusanelli and his K-9 Mario, and student workers Lindsey Crump and Jayden Rhinehart.

  • Thursday: 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 Liz Backfisch, SLU representatives Dr. Arline Cravens and Kiara Laack, MAC representative Melissa Halter, and Tyson Schaffner, president of Patched Overalls.

“We would like to thank all of the individuals from businesses and local colleges for taking the time to visit our school and talk to our students about the possibilities for their futures,” Counselor Mr. Ed Draper said. “We would also like to thank our faculty and staff at the middle school and high school for their patience, support, and eagerness to help. We appreciate all of those who had a hand in helping to make this week a success for our eighth graders as they explored a wide variety of career opportunities.”