EDGEMONT – Edgemont School District recently hosted a Career Fair on Feb. 21, to bridge the gap between education and practical career pathways for its middle and high school students. The event showcased a diverse range of professions and essential life skills and incorporated many speakers and sessions.
The fair kicked off with morning sessions focused on foundational skills for adult life. Jessica Van Eaton from First Interstate Bank led these sessions by discussing key banking concepts, including the distinctions between savings and checking accounts, the workings of credit cards, understanding interest rates, and the importance of establishing a good credit history. This financial literacy segment gave students valuable insights into effectively managing their future finances.
Following the financial discussions, the students engaged in a World Café activity, allowing them to explore various adult issues through interactive table discussions. Topics ranged from home buying and renting to networking, goal setting, meal planning, investing, car maintenance, and more, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and responsibilities awaiting them in adulthood.
Mental wellness, a critical aspect of personal and professional success, was also a focus area. Kim McNemar from Southern Hills West River Mental Health highlighted coping strategies and ways to promote mental health in daily life.
Guest speaker James Woodhead, the Director of the Nursing Unit at Monument Health, further emphasized the importance of employability skills, such as maintaining a positive attitude and the ability to adapt quickly, even conducting mock interviews to help students prepare for real-world job applications.
Before lunch, students were introduced to the healthcare field through talks by professionals like Katie Saari and Angie Kothie, Monument lab technicians; James Woodhead, highlighting nursing and hospital leadership; Nan Bradeen, a Radiology Supervisor; and Mariane Drobny, a Physical Therapist.
“We have multiple students interested in a career in the medical field, so it was great to have many people from the industry not only come speak at the career fair but give some outstanding presentations and advice to the students,” explains Career Fair organizer and FFA Advisor Brady Joseph.
The afternoon sessions broadened the horizon further, covering careers in agriculture, military and police, trades, and business. Notable speakers included Anna Marie Eick, a veterinarian; Victor Tushchen, an Agricultural Economist; and Wade Printz, a rancher.
The military and police sectors were represented by Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen from Ellsworth Airforce Base, a current state police officer, and a former police officer, offering insights into law enforcement and military service careers. Ellsworth Airforce Base Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen SMSgt Hulman, SrA Thurman, and SrA Ryan brought several manipulatives to engage their audience, including their bomb suit, backpack robot, and body armor. Students got a first-hand feel for how heavy the equipment can be as they got to try on parts of the seventy-pound bomb suit.
South Dakota State Trooper and Edgemont Alumni Mason Ostenson spoke about becoming a State Trooper and shared aspects of police vehicles and their functions. Former police officer and investigator Dale Varra spoke about the different aspects of police work.
Students interested in the trades heard from linemen from Black Hills Power and a local welder. Jared Bender and Shannon Twomey represented Black Hills Power, and Edgemont local Tristen Madsen spoke about welding. Randy Stevens, a local business owner, and Tim Holt, an executive advisor in realty, discussed business opportunities.
Edgemont Elementary School students also participated in the Career Fair this year as they listened to the Ellsworth Airmen, State Trooper Mason Ostenson, and the Black Hills Power linemen speak about career opportunities in their respective fields.
The Career Fair’s overarching message was clear: the future is bright for those equipped with the right skills and knowledge. The demand for skilled labor across all sectors highlighted the importance of vocational training and education in preparing students for the workforce.