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March 3, 2009

Exploring futures

Annual career expo gives 8th-graders peek at job opportunities

Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — Area eighth-graders began examining their futures Friday when they attended the Red River Technology Center Career Expo.

The expo, which divided time between the technology center and the Simmons Center, introduced students to various careers they may consider following high school. The event was aimed at eighth-graders because it lets them know what kind of classes they need in high school and college to be on track for a career in their chosen field.

Sylvia Loveday, event coordinator, said, “The biggest benefit is this is the first time the students get to interact with people in different occupations. They get to explore occupations with a wide variety of educational requirements.”

Middle school districts that participated in the program include Duncan, Duncan EDGE Academy, Marlow, Comanche, Velma-Alma, Central High, Bray-Doyle, Empire, Grandview, Waurika, Ryan, Walters, Temple and Terral. Eighth-grade home school students also got the chance to take part in the annual expo. More than 700 students attended the program.

They were able to listen to members of the 44 sponsors, which included Duncan Regional Hospital, Halliburton, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and a multitude of other businesses and organizations. All of the employees and members participated in the program on a volunteer basis.

Loveday said the students and participating business members were excited to take part in the program. It made for an enjoyable experience for all involved, she said.

“I’m really surprised by how smoothly it’s gone,” she said.

This year’s program was the 14th time the expo has been held, but it was also Loveday’s first year to coordinate the program. While the program took place Friday, it was originally slated for January, but had to be rescheduled because of weather conditions.

“This is my first year to direct the program,” she said. “It’s also the first time it had to be canceled for weather.”

Students may have learned about different jobs, from mechanical engineering to operating room assistant, but the event’s focus showed the eighth-graders what careers are available locally.

“They get to see occupations in this area,’’ Loveday said. “That’s a big plus for all of us.”

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