Anson High School took a significant step toward preparing students for their future careers with its inaugural Career Fair, held on October 3rd. The idea of this event started last year with Lauren Josselet and Belinda Salge. When Kaci Murphy stepped into the counselor position in June, she joined Salge in organizing an amazing event for a district this size. The event brought together an impressive lineup of 41 vendors providing approximately 450 students from 15 school districts with a unique opportunity to explore various career paths and educational options.
The Career Fair aimed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, offering students first-hand insights into a wide range of professions. Vendors included local & area businesses, local, state, & federal law enforcement, military branches, and community colleges, all eager to share information about their respective fields and the skills necessary for success.
As students navigated the fair, they were greeted by representatives from various industries, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and law enforcement. Each vendor showcased what their careers entail, the educational requirements, and potential job openings in the area.
AHS Grads with Booths at Career Fair
Among the notable participants were local healthcare providers, who highlighted the growing demand for skilled professionals in the medical field, and tech companies eager to recruit young talent in an increasingly digital economy. Community colleges also played a vital role, presenting information on vocational training and degree programs that can lead to promising careers right after high school. They also provide valuable information on beginning their studies at community colleges for 4 year degree programs.
Students engaged actively with vendors, asking questions and gathering brochures and business cards. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and curiosity as they explored different career options and networked with potential future employers.
Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the chance to learn about careers they had never considered before. “I didn’t realize there were so many options available to me right after high school,” remarked one student, highlighting the value of the fair in broadening their horizons.
The success of the first Career Fair at Anson High School has laid the groundwork for future events. Organizers Belinda Salge and Kaci Murphy are already discussing ways to expand the fair next year, potentially increasing the number of vendors and schools involved, and adding workshops and seminars to enhance student engagement.
As students left the fair with newfound knowledge and connections, it was clear that the first Career Fair at Anson High School was a step in the right direction, empowering the next generation to pursue their dreams and build successful futures.
Before experiencing the Career Fair, approximately 300 students attended the Chad Cargill ACT workshop. This is the 12th year that Chad Cargill has put on his workshop at Anson High School. Chad presents his workshop all over the US, mainly in his home state of Oklahoma. Anson is one of the very few schools in Texas that he visits annually.
His workshop shows students what is on the test and teaches students tips on understanding how questions are asked on the ACT and the ways to narrow down the answer choices. His knowledge is not just academic, but it is also from his real world experience. He took the ACT a total of 18 times in high school and raised his score from a 19 to a 32.
Students, counselors, and vendors are looking forward to next year’s event.