Harrison Central Transition Fair connects students with local opportunities

Students from middle school through high school had the opportunity March 26 to explore 45 career paths during a fair in the gymnasium at Harrison Central High School.

Katie Sedgmer, the day’s presentation director and the school’s communications director, said one goal of the event was to show students they can remain in the county after graduation while pursuing a career.

“An additional plus to the day was that some of the presenters are now in the process of immediately hiring,” Sedgmer said. “The day’s presenters include businesses, colleges, military and public service opportunities. These jobs have great competitive starting salary options.”

Sedgmer said the fair reached students in grades seven through 12 and introduced them to a wide range of career options early.

“It’s never too early to expose the students to the different career paths,” she said. “Built within the fair, we are also allowing the students to experience and understand just how many opportunities are available.”

She thanked the presenters for helping students get an early look at their futures.

“There is so much information within this auditorium, and the students are observing as many tables as they can,” Sedgmer said. “It’s good to watch the exchange between the presenters and the students.”

Before the event, students were encouraged to visit as many vendors as possible, start conversations and complete a scavenger hunt that was part of the day’s activities.

They also were guided on how to speak with employers, what to ask colleges and universities, what to ask trade representatives about availability and training time, and what to ask military recruiters about ASVAB scores and enlistment terms.

Middle school student Emri Cogar said she enjoyed the experience.

“This was a fun opportunity,” Cogar said. “I enjoyed the communication with the presenters and to hear what they had to offer. I especially liked the Trinity Health System presentation.”

Freshman Shayla Nameth said the fair gave her a chance to learn more about possible careers.

“This is a great learning experience,” Nameth said. “That is the main reason I’m here today. I’m thinking of biology as a career path and I will talk to as many presenters as I can. I am thankful that the school provided us with this opportunity today.”

Vendors at the fair included Arba-Vue Farms, Beaver Excavating Company, Belmont and Harrison Career Centers, Belmont College, D&J Sales and Service Inc., Elevated Services LLC, Fairmont State University, Gandee Heydinger Group LLC, Goodwill, Harrison Central departments and staff groups, Harrison County agencies, Interstate Waste Services, Ironworkers Local 549, Kent State University, Marietta College, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, NAMI Greater Wheeling, multiple Ohio state agencies, Ohio University and Ohio University Eastern, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, PALS Chrysalis Health, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 495, Project BEST Inc., Public Consulting Group, Southeast Healthcare, The Shelly Company, Trevida HealthCare, Trinity Health System, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, USDA NRCS, West Liberty University, Woodsfield Savings Bank and Youngstown State University.