Setting their sights on the future
Jeff Davis high school students explore career possibilities
JENNINGS — Students from Jeff Davis Parish had a chance to take a peek at what they might want to do after high school and how to plan for their future Monday during a College/ Career Expo.
Over 200 students in grades 8-12 from Jennings, Hathaway, Lake Arthur, Lacassine, Welsh and Elton high schools were able to explore possible career paths and connect with potential employers and recruiters from more than 70 area businesses, colleges, universities, vocational schools and career fields.
“We want to create an awareness for our students and their parents on what is available while in high school and beyond,” Jeff Davis Parish Career and Technical Education Supervisor Danielle Simien said.
About 250 Jeff Davis Parish students are already on a college or career path through dual enrollment and Jump Start programs, she said.
“The Expo also allows students and their parents to find out information on options that they might be interested in after high school and to see how they can bridge their educational path to accomplish that goal and choose the right pathway while still in high school,” Simien said.
Katelyn Brister, a senior at Lacassine High School, plans to be a nurse after high school. She is already taking CNA courses while in high school, but used the Expo as an opportunity to learn more about what programs are available to her after graduation.
“I’m looking to see what I can do to further my education and what I need to do next,” Brister said.
The Expo was an eye opener for Stephanie Cormier, a junior at Elton High School, who took the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the different career fields while visiting the various booths.
“I’m here for the experience and the education,” Cormier said. “Hopefully it will help me learn about other opportunities that I didn’t know about and what is available.”
Cormier is already taking culinary courses at Sowela Technical Community College and wants to open a bookstore, bakery and cafe. But she also has an interest in cosmetology.
Her mother Sarah Cormier said the Expo is a great source of information for students.
“They can get the information they need to get them started in the right direction while still in high school,” she said.
Beau Hebert, a junior at Jennings High School, has his future set on being a paramedic and EMT.
“I’m getting information on the way to plan so that I can take the courses I need and start working as soon as possible,” Hebert said.
Shayla Gotreaux, a sophomore at Jennings High School, visited several colleges and universities in hopes of learning more about their nursing programs. She is already taking CNA classes while in high school.
Reese Cormier, a junior at Jennings High School, who enjoys working with his hands and learning how things work, got some hands-on experience while visiting with Bob Owens, an electrical instructor at Sowela.
“I just think electricity is cool,” Cormier said.
In addition to educational programs offered at area colleges, universities and vocational schools, the Expo also spotlighted careers in law enforcement, firefighting, health care and businesses.
Beau Hebert
Jennings High junior
More than 200 students in grades 8-12 from Jennings, Hathaway, Lake Arthur, Lacassine, Welsh and Elton high schools were able to explore possible career paths and connect with potential employers Monday, February 4, 2019 during the Jeff Davis Parish College/Career Expo. The event allowed students and their parents to learn more about high school opportunities for classes and training, post secondary paths and career choices.
Costasia Victorian, a sterile processing instructor at Sowela Technical Community College in Jennings, shows Katelyn Brister, a senior at Lacassine High School, how to inspect surgical tools for cleanliness Monday, February 4, 2019 during the Jeff Davis Parish College/Career Expo.
Bob Owens, an electrical instructor at Sowela Technical Community College in Jennings, discusses electrical programs with Reese Cormier, a junior at Jennings High School, on Monday, February 4, 2019 during the Jeff Davis Parish College/Career Expo.
More than 200 students in grades 8-12 from Jennings, Hathaway, Lake Arthur, Lacassine, Welsh and Elton high schools were able to explore possible career paths and connect with potential employers Monday, February 4, 2019 during the Jeff Davis Parish College/Career Expo. The event allowed students and their parents to learn more about high school opportunities for classes and training, post secondary paths and career choices.