Penny, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was brought to Career Day by veterinarian Kimberly Morrison.
Career Day is never a snooze fest at Blendon Middle School. In fact, it’s a sight to behold. After years of practice, organizing teacher Jeff McMillan knows exactly how to incite curiosity in young minds and get those wheels seriously thinking about the future.
This year’s event, which was held on May 4, began with a DJ playing tunes at the building’s entrance. Eighth grade students headed off to the North and South campuses of the Delaware Area Career Center to learn about the impressive programs offered there. Sixth and seventh graders kicked off their day by walking over to Westerville South and watching as a helicopter pilot flew in and landed in the stadium. He spoke with them about what it takes to be a pilot.
The pupils then walked back to Blendon where they heard from motivational speaker Carroll Baker, a magician. From there they attended morning and afternoon classroom sessions of their choice. More than 50 occupations were represented, some requiring advanced degrees, and some aimed at pupils who will not pursue post high school education. The range and types of careers represented were vast and varied. Included in the mix were an archeologist, a cupcake bakery owner, a nuclear engineer, a diesel mechanic, an ophthalmologist, a photographer, a registered nurse, a wedding/event planner, an airport TSA manager, an actress, a college basketball coach, an ABC producer, a cosmetologist, a hazardous materials officer, and much more. Some students traveled to Otterbein’s Equine Center to learn about the care of horses, while others visited the school district’s Transportation Department to talk with diesel mechanics.
Even lunch was spectacular. As students ate, Inner Vision, a band whose members are all legally blind, performed, and dance demonstrations were given.
As they visited the various sites, students were required to keep a record (or “passport”) of their experiences and by the day’s end, each child had been exposed to 8-10 career options. All went home bursting with information about future possibilities.