Halloween Career Fair presents opportunities to 5th grade
The fifth grade students of U.S. Jones Elementary School got a special treat Friday morning as they participated in the third annual Halloween Career Fair.
Hosted by Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson, the event encourages students to dress in a costume representing the field in which they want to work as adults.
“I’m impressed every year with the thought that some of the students have put into ‘What do I really want to do? They are in the fifth grade, but just the fact that they have an idea of where they want to go and what they want to do, to me, is impressive,” Grayson said. “And it certainly makes me feel good about the future of the city and the state and the nation.”
Student costumes included doctors, lawyers, nurses, architects, welders, photographers, athletes, military personnel and even a Broadway star.
The two-hour event, which was held at the Theo Ratliff Activity Center, gave students face time with a number of professionals from around the community, each of whom spends approximately five minutes telling students about their chosen career and some of the work required to obtain such employment.
This year’s speakers included Dr. Ronnie Chu of Chu Clinic, Katie Windham of Robertson Banking Company, Demopolis City Schools Technology Director Jeremiah Dial, local enginner Amy Reynolds, local teacher Amy Hasty, National Guardsman Keith Jordan, local sales representative Amy Potter, Demopolis High basketball and assistant football coach Rodney Jackson, nurse practitioner Gayla Culpepper and West Alabama Watchman managing partner Jeremy D. Smith
“Everybody volunteers their time willingly. The only people I’ve asked to be a part of this who were not able to participate truly had a conflict,” Grayson said of the individuals who help make the program a success.
While the impact of the event is difficult to measure, U.S. Jones Elementary School Principal Dr. Tony Speegle said his students have enjoyed the initiative.
“I think they respond very well,” Speegle said. “The groundwork is really, really good for what comes out of this meeting.”