EATON — Recently, my role as Career Connections Director allowed me to host all Preble County 4th and 5th grade students to explore the 16 national career cluster areas.
Hosting this event at the Preble County Fairgrounds Expo building allowed 450-plus students each day to have exposure to a variety of careers.
The 4th grade students had the opportunity to experience hands-on activities and presentations in the areas of Architecture & Construction; Business Management and Administration; Finance; Health Services; Human Services; Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security; Marketing, Sales and Service; and Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.
The 5th grade students the very next day were able to experience careers in Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources; Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications; Education & Training; Government and Public Administration; Hospitality and Tourism; Information Technology; Manufacturing; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
To create this opportunity for our students, I have many community volunteers to thank. For the 4th grade experience the following volunteers were instrumental: Preble Shawnee High School Credential class students, Caleb Fecher, Jared Tincher, Daniel Gray, Rusty Garber, Benjamin Gunderson, Seth Swallow, Maria Morgan, Jenna Winger, Amy Lipps, Amy Weaver, Jeany Ott, Christy Millhouse, Paul Schreiber, Kelly McQueen, Megan Roell, Kirstin Weaver, Michelle Gebhart & Associates, Camden Police Department, Darrell Meeks, Eaton Police Officers Pete Ray and Sarah Rose, Claudia Hurst, Todd and Diane Alexander, and Whitney Loftis.
For the 5th grade career day, another great group of volunteers included: Tri-County North High School Credential class students, Savannah Ballweg, Brian Smith, Rusty Garber, Whitney Loftis, Cindy Kaufman, Seth Swallow, Young Keener, Misty Bruns, Christy Millhouse, Nancy Wright, Jeany Ott, Joe Renner, Zac Wilson and members of the Eaton Water Department, Leslie Collins, Maria Morgan, Perica Short, Todd Appledorn, Benjamin Gunderson, Gretchen Capogna of the Grill and Kayla Manuel of Dayton Regional Manufacturing Association and several supporting members.
Both days appeared to be a success as can be seen by the accompanying photos. Once again, a big thank you to all volunteers and Preble County ESC staff members Laura Cottingim and Michelle Taylor, who helped make each day a great learning experience for our youth!
