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Washington County students mull their future at Family Career Awareness Day

Photo by Peyton Neely Students, parents, businesses and colleges gather at the Washington County Fairgrounds Thursday to attend the third annual Family Career Awareness Day. This event was meant to connect students to possible career paths in the future.

MARIETTA —  Every student, regardless of age, thinks about what they’d like to do when they grow up.

At the Family Career Awareness Day hosted by Building Bridges to Careers, they got to better explore opportunities offered in the area.

Around 50 businesses filled the Washington County Fairgrounds for the third annual Family Career Awareness Day. This event is meant to help connect students and parents with potential careers in the area.

“For the first time, we have Kraton here which is very exciting,” said Tony Davis, a member on the committee for Family Career Awareness Day.

Washington County Career Center senior Travis Lake attended with plans to explore welding options.

Photo by Peyton Neely Marietta Middle School student Hailey Shearon, 13, discusses potential career opportunities with Tanja Meek, who is an instructor at the Assist to Succeed Dental Assisting School in Marietta.

“I’m really interested in Quanex,” said Lake. “They have welding opportunities since that’s what I’m taking at the career center.”

His father, Marty Lake of Marietta, said he thought the event was an excellent opportunity for students in the area.

“It’s really good to let kids get to see what all is out there,” he said.

Businesses that attended included the Memorial Health System, Solvay, Pickering and Associates, MOV2GO and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Washington County Career Center for Adult Technical Training brought a trailer full of tools and equipment for some of the programs it offers. The U.S. military had a recruiter in attendance.

“We want to inform parents and students of all the different careers in the community and what they can do upon completion of high school,” said Davis. “Whether they decide to further their education, get an apprenticeship, there are many different pathways.”

Photo by Peyton Neely Marietta High School freshman Destiny Baker, 15, talks with medical billing specialist instructor Tassy Yates from the Washington County Career Center Thursday at the Family Career Awareness Day.

“This is my first year here representing my union and I like to let students know what we are all about,” said Joe Bucey, membership development coordinator with Local Union 972.

Other employers, like Tracey Courson from Solvay, said the event introduces the companies to young people for the first time in many cases.

“This really helps the local youth understand all companies, not only Solvay, and what they do,” said Courson, deputy site human resources manager for Solvay.

“I think it’s really cool and it’s great to give students the opportunity to meet people and talk about all different things,” said Carol McCracken, who was attending with Hailey Shearon, a Marietta Middle School student.

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