Students at L.B. Yancey Elementary in Henderson got a chance to interact – virtually – with a range of professionals during last week’s Career Day at the school. They also got the chance to share their career aspirations by dressing as doctors, nurses, civil servants and there was even one funeral director.

The theme for the day was “I Have a Voice – My Career, My Choice,” according to Alicia Eccleston-Clarke, event organizer. She said Career Day offered students the chance to see just how many career options await them. “Exposing them to the career opportunities available to them will hopefully serve as a way to motivate students to work hard and to do their best in school,” she said.

The staff and students were joined by a team of top-notch professionals who sparked much interest and excitement as they joined via Zoom to share details about their respective careers. The student were able to pose questions to their virtual guests. The day’s activities culminated with a student parade through the school hallways to show off their career day attire.

Fourth-grader Nathan Durham summed up Career Day this way: “It was so amazing! I wanted to be a soldier or cop or firefighter or anything! I couldn’t choose so I dressed as a funeral director.”

Guidance counselor Connie Jones and Cherie Dixon-Rose, multi-grade classroom leader at the school, were part of the organizing committee. Principal Dr. Shannon Bullock and the whole school staff worked together to make the Career Day a meaningful day for the students.

From the decorated bulletin board displays to the banner and décor, kids were excited from the moment they walked into the building. “I was overjoyed to see the level of participation from all stakeholders. Students being able to directly communicate with professionals in their desired careers will inspire them to continue working hard to achieve their goals,” Bullock said. Her comments were from a press release by VCS Director of Communication And Marketing Aarika Sandlin.

The following individuals participated in Career Day:

• Estena Bradley – nurse Ppactitioner in the areas of Gynecology and Obstetrics from the Center for Women’s Health, Oxford;
• Vernon Turner – on-air meteorologist for Spectrum News 1, Raleigh;
• The Hon. Caroline S. Burnette – district court judge with the State of North Carolina;
• Charles Gunby – chief executive officer of CG Project Management, Electrical, and Construction, LLC;
• Michael Rice, P.E. teacher/track & basketball coach,Vance County Middle School,
• Carlos Gunby – firefighter and paramedic EMT;
• Camisha Gavin, realtor with CC & Co. Real Estate;
• Jason Brown, former NFL player, author and current full-time farmer with First Fruits Farm.

 

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