On March 27, 4th and 5th graders participated in Albion Elementary’s first bi-annual SOAR Into Your Future Career Fair. When students entered the gymnasium, Career Passports in hand, they were met with plenty of interactive and informative exhibits to explore. As students visited different exhibits, presenters took their time to share more about their careers and introduce students to new possibilities. The event aimed to help students explore career options at an early age and gain a better understanding of the many different career paths there are to choose from.
Students had the opportunity to hear from 21 professionals, many of whom reside in Albion or own businesses within the Albion and surrounding communities. Gatlen and Danielle Ernst, local business owners with children enrolled in Albion schools, were among those who volunteered to present at the event.
“We are hoping to help get the wheels turning and help broaden their knowledge of the lesser known career options,” said Gatlen Ernst, owner of Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina. “Most students are familiar with occupations such as a firefighter or a doctor but may not even know what a marina is.”
“It's very realistic for students,” said Danielle Ernst, owner of Gilligan's Galley, a restaurant located in Kent. “We want our kids to grow up feeling proud to be a part of their community and know that there are a lot more career options outside of office jobs.”
Some of the exhibits that enticed students were New Era Cap where students got to design their own hats, Orleans Community Healthcare Center where students were challenged with identifying different body parts, and Lifetime Assistance where students could play a game of Pac-Man that was 3D printed to be accessible to all abilities.
Brandon Wyse (pictured in cover photo), who is the Director of Strategy and Innovation at Lifetime Assistance and an Albion graduate, was excited to share with students how fulfilling his career is. “My experience at Albion played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” said Wyse. “Teachers like Mrs. Hryhorenko had a lasting impact on me, and I credit that foundation for the work I do today supporting people with disabilities and underserved communities.”
Some students had an idea of the type of field they would like to be in, but not the extent of the different jobs that exist. “I know I want to work with children, but I had never heard of early intervention before today,” said 5th grader Scarlett Neroni who visited the Early Child Intervention Services exhibit.
Some students had no idea what they wanted to be when they grew up. That’s what school counselor Katie Bandura began to notice during check-ins with her students, and what ultimately inspired her to organize this event.
“I really wanted them to see the vast majority of opportunities that exist,” said Badura. “It was great to see the energy in the room and see students light up and get inspired, especially those who don't always participate or aren't usually as engaged.”
The event helped broaden horizons, and, for some, discover that a career they love could be waiting for them right here in the Albion community.
“Their future starts now,” said Badura. “We are already exploring ways to make the next event even more impactful for students.”
The Albion Elementary Counseling Office and Lighthouse Team partnered to organize this event. They would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for participating:
Pinnacle Community Services
Canalside Church
Rochester Regional Health / Registered Nurse
Orleans Community Healthcare Center / Radiology Technician
Lifetime Assistance
Wash Rescue
Gilligan's Galley
Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina
New Era Cap
Sabres Broadcast TV Technician
Savvy Paws Mobile Dog Grooming
GLOW YMCA
Stockham Lumber and Empire Stairworks
Early Child Intervention Services
Rochester Institute of Technology
Growmark FS
WNY Energy
Brittany Ford Photography
The Gallagher Barn
Dance Reflections
Orleans County Sheriff's Office
Albion Middle School Student Lighthouse Team