Late comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
At Summit Academy Secondary School – Middletown, students in grades 7-12 will have a chance to tap on doors of opportunity at the school’s November 7 Career Day event. There, they will learn about a wide variety of vocations that await them.
Earlier in the school year, students completed a survey to share their input on careers they would like to learn about. Answering their call, guest speakers thus far include entrepreneur and culinary representative Naiyozcsia King Thomason, owner of Mz. Jade’s Soul Food, a local barber, a United States Postal Service postmaster, a Girl Scouts of Western Ohio representative, a firefighter/EMT professional, an electrician from IBEW 648, a graphic designer, a horticulturist, an engineer and others.
“We will have opportunities that require college, some trade programs, and some options for work now as well,” says Principal Kristen McClanahan-Parkes. She adds that Kasey Rouse, Director of Scholarships and Youth Programs for the Hamilton Community Foundation, will be on hand to discuss PELL grants, FAFSA and post-graduation scholarship opportunities.
“We hope this event will allow our students to recognize opportunities and pathways that will showcase their unique strengths,” says McClanahan-Parkes. “When I was their age, I was unsure of the opportunities available to me, and I want to ensure our students don’t have that barrier. I was the first one in my family to attend and graduate from college and my husband is a proud union electrician, so showcasing a multitude of post-graduation pathways as solid, positive options is something very close to my heart.”
A second career fair is scheduled for the school’s students on March 13.