DICKINSON – All fifth grade students in Dickinson Public Schools participated in the third annual DPS Fifth Grade Career Fair held at the Viesio Activity Center on Friday, Sept. 27, to explore a variety of potential careers.
The event was hosted by elementary school counselors Ross Ashman, Amanda Fisher, Austin Harper, Whitney Hofer, Jenny Kendrick, and Trill Sanford, and behavioral health coordinator Rich Smith. aimed to inspire students and give them hands-on experience with different professions. A grant from the Dickinson Public Schools Foundation made this event possible by covering facility rental, bus fare, and breakfast for presenters.
Leanne Stasiowski/Dickinson Press
The career fair featured 30 speakers from a variety of fields and an outdoor vehicle fair. The fair showcased 30 different carriers covering all 16 carrier clusters. Students specialize in organizations such as Deadwood Alive, Apex Engineering, Baker Boy, Consolidated, Bravera Bank, West Dakota Veterinary Clinic, Roughrider North Human Services Center, Sanford Air Med, Dickinson Dinosaur Museum, and the North Dakota National Guard. I interacted with the house.
The indoor portion of the fair included a carrier presenter booth, and the outdoor vehicle fair featured 14 carrier-related vehicles. Students investigated equipment used by the Dickinson Police Department, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson Ambulance, Jeff’s Towing, Sanford Air Med Helicopter, and Dickinson Fire Department.
We want our students to feel more aware and prepared as they approach middle school and high school and begin making choices about electives and career academies.
– Whitney Hofer, Roosevelt Elementary School Counselor
Leanne Stasiowski/Dickinson Press
“The goal of the career fair is to provide students with hands-on exploration activities that will help them consider where their interests and abilities lie,” said Roosevelt Elementary School Counselor Whitney Hofer. “We want them to feel more aware and prepared as they approach middle school and high school and start making choices about electives and career academies.”
Gabrielle Smith, a fifth-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School, kept an open mind as she visited with career presenters. Initially, he thought the fire station would be his favorite, but when he saw bricks made from recycled milk cartons, he realized he was interested in recycling in the city of Dickinson.
“I tried to break it with my hands, but I couldn’t. It was cool!” he said.
Leanne Stasioki/Dickinson Press
Career fairs serve as the culmination of career education in elementary school, helping students make informed choices about electives and career paths for middle and high school.
“This event is the culmination of everything our students have learned about careers throughout elementary school,” Hofer said. “We are extremely grateful to the presenters who volunteered their time and to the community members who participated in the success of this event. It gives us an opportunity to think about the future.”
The district plans to continue to hold an annual career fair for all fifth graders.
LeAnn M. Stasiowski is a Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and highlights the region’s arts, entertainment and dining. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.
