After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Penta Career Center swung wide its doors to welcome more than 2,000 students from 13 area school districts to their annual Career Expo. This year’s event held March 15 and 16, featured a variety of career areas for students to explore.
Eighth graders engaged with Penta students, exploring opportunities in the fields of computers, digital video production, automotive, construction, culinary, public safety, medical, manufacturing and business.
“We believe having our high school students leading the younger students through the various career field experiences provides value for our eighth grade visitors and our high school career-technical students,” said Superintendent Ed Ewers.
In culinary, students learned about microgreens, sampling several varieties and earning a ticket for their sampling which was turned in for a sno-cone. Construction carpentry offered students the opportunity to construct a roof with proper supports and in masonry, eighth graders learned how to build a concrete block wall.
Medical technology students used a mannequin to explain parts of the body and students could practice the Heimlich maneuver, applying the technique to adult and infant dummies.
Cosmetology students gave lessons in nail art, and animal care displayed dogs, ferrets, bunnies and hedgehogs that are cared for in the program. There also were activities relating to 3-D printing, robotics, automotive, public safety and marketing.
“Our eighth grade expo was a very successful event this year, and we received many positive comments,” said Mr. Ewers, adding the career center enjoys offering the event to member schools as an extension of career awareness and exploration activities.
