Limestone County 8th Grade Career Day

Friday, February 25, 2011, Limestone County 8th grade students had the opportunity to listen to people in the community who volunteered their time to tell students about their job and their career journey.  This was the fourth annual 8th grade career day for Limestone County students and it was a great success thanks to those who volunteered.  Donna Morris, PASS (Promoting Alabama Student Success) Coordinator and Gayle Black, Career Tech Counselor, coordinated the event that was held at the Limestone County Career Technical Center.   Approximately 711 students attended during the school day and listened as presenters shared their education/training, duties and daily activities, facts about salary, job security, employment outlook, and other pertinent information to their career. 

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Teresa Todd owner of AthensPlus.com

Eighth grade students are targeted because they will begin high school next year and they need to begin making high school plans.  While career planning is often discussed at school, it is beneficial for students to have the opportunity to listen to and speak with people with “real world” experience.   

Sessions were divided into sixteen career areas from Alabama’s career cluster system.  Those who volunteered their time were:
Lori White, Veterinarian;
Wendy Jolley, Veterinarian;
Betty Ann Broman, County Extension Coordinator;
Preston Green and Glenn Parks, Limestone County Homebuilders;
Nick & Randy Wray, Wray’s Heating & Cooling;
Fred Underwood, Architect;
Mike Wetzel, The Decatur Daily;
Venton Blandin, Channel 19;
Aaron Hurd, WZYP;
Jennifer Smith and Leah Chavez, Redstone Federal Credit Union;  
Gary VanWagnon, Consultant;
Rachel Frey, AL Hospital Human Resources;
Chrystal Jones, Calhoun Community College;
Rick Mould and Larry Keenum, Athens State University;
Jeff Hodges,  First National Bank;
Jack Baltar, CDPA, PC;
Terri Hill, NASA Budget Analyst;
Stuart Wilson, Financial Advisor with Morgan Keegan;
Katie Blinn, Regions Bank;
Ronnie Marks, Athens Mayor;
Bill Latimer, District 3 Commissioner;
Mike Davis, Probate Judge;
Corie Hinkle, Occupational Therapist;
Beverly Scott, AL Hospital;
Cherri Walker, AL Hospital;
Michelle Thornton, AL Hospital;
Jeanette Dunnivant, Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director;
Rebekah Caldwell, Cosmetologist;
Chrystal Gray, LPC;
Tony Yancey and Chris Burnham, Integration Innovation, Inc.;
Kristin Black CSC Consultant;
Trisha Black, Spirit of Athens Director;
Shannon Bryant, Owner Pimentoes;
Teresa Todd, Owner AthensPlus.com;
Chris McNatt, Newton Realty & Auction;
Rusty Cooper, Environmental Manager TVA;
Patrick Fagerman, APF Engineering Inc;  
Sharon Scroggins, NASA Engineer;
Nick Cuip, Business Development Manager;
Gary Grimes, Territory Manager PPG Industries;
Mark Walker, Athens Fire and Rescue;
Roy Brooks and Travis Gray, Limestone County Deputy;
Wendell Fulks, Game Warden;
Shane Black, Attorney Hand, Arendall, LLC;
Eddie Alley, Attorney;
Craig Gilliam, T&C Stamping;
Marty Hand, Biomed Manager at AL Hospital;
Willie Morris, Huntsville Hospital Biomed Manager;
Adam Glenn, Plant Engineering Supervisor at 3M Company. 

Alabama success Education & Career Planners were provided to all 8th grade students with Tech Prep funds.