Teenagers Gain Practical Advice at Career Day
Huntington High School students gained an education about a wide range of careers without ever leaving the building during a special event that saw a large group of local professionals share information about the opportunities that await the teenagers in the “real world.”
Many of the speakers manned tables arranged around the perimeter of the high school’s large cafeteria. A carpenter utilized the School Heritage Museum and a film industry representative set-up shop in the Blue Room art gallery.
“The career fair was a huge success,” said Bernadette Walsh, a college counselor at the school who helped coordinate the event along with Marcy Rhodes, student internship coordinator and Peter Paternostro, director of guidance. The fair was open to seniors during a special assembly period and available to the rest of the student body during lunch periods.
“It was our first time hosting this type of event,” Mrs. Walsh explained. “Overall, I think it went really well.” The day stretched from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Participants included Scott Bernstein (carpentry), Rosemary Nagler (sonography), Kerri Clements (sonography) Donna Fleiss (early childhood education), Christine Catti (theater stage management), Val Alloco (interior design), Diane O’Bryan (photography), Heidi Helstrom (fashion), Helen Patrikis (public relations), Steve Briody (music education), Michelle Marino (education), Dan DaRemus (film/video), Matt Deagan (physical therapy), Cheryle LoCurto (nursing), John Leo (law), Thelma Niera (law), Jon Cooper (government), Lora Gellerstein (government), Lisa Jamison (social work), Dr. Georgia Yesmont (psychology), Kathy Waite (law enforcement), Nancy Aurora (finance), Emily Rogan (journalism), Beth Whitehouse (journalism), Angela Vicira (civil service), Sgt. Glasser (U.S. Army), Sgt. Rose (U.S. Marines) and Sgt. Nunez (U.S. Marines).
Students learned about career-related educational requirements, special licenses, exams and certificates and the courses they should take in high school to prepare for their area of interest. Participants even recommended extracurricular activities that might be helpful for specific careers. Information was also shared concerning career salaries and responsibilities, benefits, opportunities for advancement, personal attributes and special or physical abilities required and even the opportunities to have fun at work.
Many of the presenters have longtime ties to the school, including Ms. Alloco, who is the alumni association president and Mrs. Rogan, who is also a graduate and who currently serves on the board of education. Several speakers are parents of current or former students or alumni themselves.
“Next year, I’d love to have a career fair where presenters would be located in classrooms and students could attend sessions throughout the day,” Mrs. Walsh said. “But for now, it was a great start!”
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