Alice Arena at Lincoln High School was filled with energy and opportunity on Thursday as students explored their futures at the fourth annual Career Fair.
This year’s event welcomed a record 140 businesses—doubling participation from when the event first began just four years ago.
Students in grades 6 through 12 moved through dozens of booths, took part in hands-on activities, collected information, and most importantly, had real conversations with professionals from a wide range of industries.
For Lincoln High School seniors, the day marked a full-circle moment.
“This year is especially exciting because our seniors are the first group who have had this opportunity all four years,” said Kaleena McCormick, College and Career Readiness Coordinator.
The goal behind the Career Fair has always been rooted in exposure—helping students see what’s possible for their future.
“A child can’t be something they don’t know exists,” McCormick said.
“We want them to know as many careers as possible.”
What started with a goal of around 50 businesses has grown each year, reaching 140 participants in 2026 and creating even more opportunities for students to explore and engage.
For younger students, the experience focused on discovery—learning about careers, asking questions, and beginning to imagine what their future might look like.
For high school students, the experience carried even greater impact, especially for those beginning to think about life after graduation.
“Once students get into their sophomore year, they can start looking for work-based learning placements,” McCormick said.
“This gives them a chance to talk directly with businesses instead of making phone calls—they can walk around and introduce themselves and start those conversations.”
Students weren’t just walking booth to booth—they were building confidence, practicing communication, and developing the professionalism needed for future interviews and careers.
“It’s so important for students to build those employability skills,” McCormick said. “
Just introducing themselves and having those conversations is going to help them in the future.”
Throughout the day, businesses also had the opportunity to recognize students who stood out.
Representatives handed out Gold Star Tickets to students who demonstrated strong communication skills, professionalism, or made a lasting impression.
Students could then enter those tickets into prize drawings for items like iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, computers, and bundles of local gift cards.
“They’re really nice prizes,” McCormick said.
“But it’s also a way to reward students for putting themselves out there and doing a great job interacting with businesses.”
The success of the Career Fair is made possible through strong community support.
The event comes at no cost to the school, with sponsors covering everything from lunch for participating businesses to student prizes, as well as marketing and printed materials.