Franklin Elementary, part of the Vincennes Community School Corporation, gave students the chance to explore a wide range of career paths during its Mini-Career Fair this week.
Each grade level met with professionals from the community who shared their experiences, responsibilities, and the importance of their work.
Kindergarten students met with Jamie Hembree, Children’s Director at First Baptist Church, and Nancy Jean, Children’s Director at the Civitan Center. They also heard from Cody Jones, Assistant Police Chief of the Vincennes Community Schools Police Department, who talked about keeping students safe.
First graders had the chance to learn from Heather Qualkenbush and Myden Fouts of the Good Samaritan Hospital Lab, real estate agent Phil Corrona, Kaley Decker, owner and acupuncturist at Flourish Integrative Health, and Lara Dawson, architect with Tabor Owens Construction Group. They also met Dr. Austin Muranaka, podiatrist at Vincennes Podiatry Associates, along with Elizabeth Hardin and Beth Jenkins from KCARC.
Second graders enjoyed hearing from Nicole Ricketts, owner of Nicole’s Restaurant in Bicknell; Erica Cooper, a flight attendant for United Airlines; and Jaden Field, an athletic trainer at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Third graders met with the same group of professionals as first grade, giving them a chance to ask questions and explore each unique career path in more detail.
Fourth graders welcomed Tara Cardinal, Occupational Therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital; Kristi Morron, owner of Attic Salt; Vincennes University surgical technician professors Melissa Brothers and Amanda Jerrell; and April Arroyo-Monroe, an environmental scientist.
Fifth graders wrapped up the event with visits from Brian Turpen of Vincennes University’s Technology Department, Norb Brown, auto mechanics teacher at Lincoln High School, and Jessy Spalding of Vincennes Beauty College.
Franklin’s Career Fair not only gave students a glimpse into the many opportunities waiting for them in the future but also highlighted the strong connections between the school and the Vincennes community.