RACINE, OH- On Friday, November 22, 2024, more than 100 students, primarily from the 7th and 8th grades, participated in the Junior High Career Showcase, organized in collaboration with Project RISE.
This event featured a diverse array of professionals from various organizations, including Serenity Spa by Chicly Confident, Great Clips, Mark Porter Auto Group, Air-Rowe Thermal Drone Deer Recovery, Washington County Career Center, University of the Rio Grande, Meigs Center at the University of Rio Grande, Ohio University, Ohio Means Jobs-Meigs County, HAPCAP, Area 14 Workforce Development, Holzer Health Systems (Lab Services), Patterson K-9 Academy, Racine Volunteer Fire Department, Career Technical Education Students in Criminal Justice, Meigs Soil and Water Conservation District, Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Total Media, Edward Jones, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Agriculture Education Instructor and FFA Advisor Jenna Meeks from Southern High School.
The event presented an opportunity for students to explore various career paths, including robotics, health, hair, beauty, automotive technology, media, wildlife, finance, industrial machinery, media, cyber security, and HVAC.
Leaders with the Racine Volunteer Fire Department gave students a lesson on firefighting and other elements of the profession. Students and teachers even tried on some firefighter clothes.
Representatives from the ODOT provided students with the chance to operate a remote-controlled car equipped with a live camera, allowing them to gain a practical understanding of how professionals utilize such tools to navigate culverts in their work. They also had a 3-D printer demonstration.
Air-Rowe Thermal Drone Deer Recovery presented a valuable opportunity for students to explore innovative technology. They introduced a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera, demonstrating how heat signatures of animals can be detected. This hands-on experience not only deepened students' understanding of thermal imaging but also highlighted its practical applications in wildlife recovery efforts.
Leaders at Ohio Means Jobs, HACAP, and Area 14 Workforce Development provided students with a virtual experience of various careers, including options in the healthcare and automotive fields.
One of the featured professionals was Heather Dailey-Johnson, owner of Serenity Spa by Chicly Confident. Students learned the basic facial massage techniques on a mannequin and were able to apply a wax strip to a mannequin.
“We had a remarkable experience engaging with the students,” Dailey-Johnson. “They demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm and were unafraid to embrace new challenges. It was particularly rewarding to witness their sense of accomplishment as they developed new skills.”
Professionals at Holzer Health Systems Laboratory were on hand to share how they do a few duties such as looking at specimens and testing urine. At first glance, students were unsure about the liquid in the cup but were later told it was just apple juice.
Some of the fifth graders were invited to participate in the Career Showcase. They had so much fun getting pretend arrested, playing with the robot, and learning about how drones are used to find lost animals.
Southern Local School District would like to thank Project RISE’s Amy Robinson and Kami Perritt for partnering with us on the Junior High Career Showcase, as they were valuable assets to the event.
Robinson said she had fun experiencing the high-energy and hands-on opportunities the professionals provided to the students.
“It was remarkable to observe the expressions of joy and enthusiasm as individuals encountered new experiences,” Robinson said. “The showcase centered on the creation of memorable moments, and the professionals in attendance excelled in their efforts to engage students and facilitate the exploration of novel activities.”
Every professional added a great element to the event. One really special thing was that some presenters were high school students, which brought the connection to a deeper level. They shared presentations on media, criminal justice, firefighting, hydroponics, welding, plumbing, electrical, and woodworking.
Ms. Meeks said the student presenters were very passionate about sharing their knowledge with younger students. And of course, sparks were flying during the showcase.
“One of our three stations focused on welding, an activity that can be both captivating and dangerous. We ensured that all participants wore the appropriate protective gear while letting them see a comprehensive experience of working with the equipment,” Meeks stated. “Some students had the opportunity to try their hand at welding, which was a rewarding experience for them. The student presenters excelled in keeping their peers engaged throughout the sessions.”
Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto couldn’t be more proud that students stepped up to help the younger students get glimpses into different careers.
“Their hard work not only reflects their talents but also embodies the spirit of teamwork and collaboration that we value here,” Mr. Otto shared. “I am excited to see how they will continue to grow and contribute to our world in the future. I was incredibly blown away by the hard work and dedication that went into their presentations.”
The Patterson K-9 Academy provided an educational station where students had the opportunity to learn about the roles and benefits of therapy dogs. Additionally, participants were able to interact with a therapy dog, fostering a connection through affection and attention.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Southern High School Career Coach Beth Lanning, Counselor Russ Fields, GRIT’s Kelly Helber, and Meigs High School Career Coach Amy Perrin for their support.
A special thanks goes out to all the staff and students who volunteered to make the Junior High Career Showcase successful. There are too many names to mention, but your support was truly amazing. We also greatly appreciated the generous donations of services, food, and drinks. Additionally, the students from Mrs. Hill’s and Mr. Alan Crisp’s classes did an excellent job preparing muffins, cookies, tea, and coffee.
