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Career Aspirations
Barker participated in it's 2nd annual 8th grade Career Week May 9-13th. It was an exciting week to encourage students to begin thinking about their future and follow their interests & dreams. Major highlights to the week were a Career Guest Speaker Day with 18 guest speakers (students chose sessions according to their interests) and a Job Shadow/Company Tour Day.
Guest Speakers:
* The News Dispatch---Jessica O'Brien and Adam Parkhouse
* The Centre for Contemporary Dentistry---Emily Barnie and Rhonda Hawkins
* Applegate and Company---Megan Applegate and Blake Applegate
* Ott Haverstock Funeral Chapel---Lynn Haverstock
* MC Animal Hospital---Kim Winland
* MC Airport---Kirk Hunter
* LaPorte County Deputy Coroner---Sean Fitzpatrick and Dwayne Hogan
* Sullair Corporation---Lisa Taylor and Jaren Daghy
* Hirsch Studios---Bruce Hirsch
* MCHS ROTC---Major McGrath and Cadets
* St. Anthony's Hospital---Katy Gartland
* Iron Workers Local 395---Jim Stemler (retired)
* Welding Professional---Liz Tylisz
* MC Police Department---Det. Jillian Ashley and Det. Marty Corley
* DNR---Randy Brindza
* Anglin Outdoors---Jay Anglin
* MC Fire Department---Firefighters and T-Rex (new vehicle)
* Washington Park Zoo---Zoo Director and "Friends"
On the Job Shadow/Company Tour Day, 100% of 8th graders had an excused absence to attend a Job Shadow/Company Tour to see what it is like in the real world!! Students prepared a presentation for their return back to school to share with classmates along with a packet of questions to complete all about their experience.
8th Grade Career Week Activities:
Mon, May 9th:
Opening Speaker, Kathy Angelo, AK Smith Career Center Counselor, 7:40-7:50
Career Activities in Classses
Tues, May 10th:
Career Activities in Classes
Wed, May 11th:
8th Grade Career Guest Speaker Day, 7:50-9:28 (18 Guest Speakers)
Students attend 3, 30-minute guest speaker sessions
Thurs, May 12th:
Job Shadow/Company Tour Day, excused absence for 8th graders
Fri, May 13th:
Closing Speaker, Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Superintendent MCAS, 7:40-7:50
Job Shadow/Company Tour Presentations (project grade in LA class)
Scott Downs Job Shadowing Randy Brindza, a fishery biologist with the Michigan City DNR: