Local professionals and students from Summit Academy Secondary School – Akron united last week for the school’s annual career fair, which attracted about a dozen companies, organizations, labor groups and colleges, among others.
Students interested in fields including automation and electronics, dental assistant,
welding, practical nursing, HVAC, phlebotomy technician, hair design, cosmetology, esthetician and nail technician had a chance to chat with Portage Lakes Career Center Enrollment and Partnerships Manager Laura McVay. She delivered a wealth of information, including certification requirements for various professions along with plenty of giveaways
Ryan Palmer, enrollment representative from Stark State College, was on hand to talk about 
College Credit Plus offerings, noting that some students from Summit Academy Secondary School Akron were already enrolled in CCP. Tenth grader Ava Boulton, who plans to pursue a career as a psychologist, is among them. Boulton just completed a course in college readiness with others in English composition and
financial literacy next in line.
Representatives from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Case Western Reserve University, Pathway Real Estate, Cross Country Mortgage, Akron Area Electrical JATC and Mulberry Gardens Senior Living were among others actively discussing various professions and credentials needed to attain
them. Mulberry Gardens made an encore appearance at the school with a visit by its chef who spoke with students about culinary professions.
Chelsea Pisani with Maple Valley Branch Library joined the mix to talk with students about the library’s summer reading and other programming as well as a diverse books organization. In addition, Economist Christine Tuel with the United States Department of Labor was at the ready, discussing career outlooks, projected earnings as they 
correlate to academic degree level, projected job growth by occupation as well as STEM occupations.
Principal Ralph Grant and his staff graciously welcomed the guests, sharing with them a mutual interest in maintaining close partnerships to help bridge students to bright futures.