Park High School held an engaging career fair on April 30th, bringing in a wide range of businesses, colleges, and other organizations. Students looked at potential future careers through hands-on presentations and booths that were over six zones: the Rec Plex, the main gym, the parking lot, the Fairgrounds Pavilion, and two heavy equipment zones also at the fairgrounds.
Students had the chance to meet with professionals from healthcare providers such as the local dental office and Livingston Health and Rehab as well as representatives from Gallatin College, the U.S. Army, and the National Guard. Clubs like FFA and HOSA also had hands-on involvement opportunities along with trade booths with electricians and many different agricultural careers. The local fire department was also involved, adding to the wide variety of careers shown and even letting students wear full firemen gear and check out the firetruck.
“Everyone is doing a great job keeping students engaged. It’s not boring at all,” said Annabelle Smith, a Park High junior. Another student, sophomore Natalie Hoffman, said something similar: “I like the career fest, it’s very interesting.”
Junior Joseph Myers offered a more mixed insight, “Hits and misses, but they’re fantastic, and it was more fun than I expected. The misses have been atrocious though.” Meanwhile, junior Stetson Bailey enjoyed the interactive booths, saying, “I got to sit in a grader and a wheel loader and pet a horse!”
To top it off, all students were treated to a pizza lunch donated by the local Pizza Hut.
Todd O’Hair, president of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, was overjoyed about the career fair's impact. “We’re thrilled about Park High School’s support and the support of John Deere and all the other businesses who see the importance in exposing students to this,” he said. “The buzz amongst the students, from what I’ve been hearing, is that students are actually learning and enjoying these hands-on activities.”
With strong support from the community and real engagement from students, the career fair showed just how valuable these opportunities can be for both the present and the future.