All Van-Far Junior High and Senior High School students received presentations from speakers among several workplace disciplines during the Van-Far A+ Career Fair held on Friday, November 13.
This year’s featured speakers encompassed a variety of career paths.
• Natural Resources & Agriculture: Nature Path: Aaron Beshears, United States Department of Agriculture, hydrologic technician; Eddie Purk, Sydenstricker’s John Deere Implement Dealership; Mary Sobba, University of Missouri Extension Service, Ag Business.
• Human Services: Helping Path: Dakota Buie, Ozark Community College, Fire and Rescue; Phil Davis, Missouri Department of Transportation, Traffic System Supervisor; WERDCC Lt. Nancy Pagett and WERDCC Lt. Robin Terrell
• Industrial and Engineering Technology: Building and Fixing Path: Eric Gore, CSI Designs in Springfield, Mo., business development; Kim Trainor, engineer for Missouri Department of Transportation
• Health Services: Health Path: Dr. Carl Abbott, Precision Eye Care, optometrist; Mary Petersen, Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Emergency Room Registered Nurse; Kim Shaw, Hannibal Regional Medical Group, FNP-BC; Lori Swank, Van-Far Ambulance District, paramedic
• Arts and Communication: Creative Path: Will McKee, The Liddle Sports Shop in Blue Springs, Mo., graphic design and artist/sales specialist; Ron Schott, The Vandalia Leader, journalist/newspaper editor, also talking about television and radio industries; Tonika Starks, Divine Events by Tonika in Columbia, Mo., event planner
• Business, Management, and Technology: Business Path: Debbie Barnes, Missouri Cancer Associates, Columbia, Mo., business manager; Brian Ingram, Northeast Community Action Corporation, IT; Kimber Nation, CNS Corporation, registered representative; Donna Wilson, Central Bank of Audrain County, vice-president
There was also a College/Tech/Military Fair open for two hours in the gym. Upperclassmen from both Community R-VI and Mark Twain High Schools were invited to that portion of the Fair.
The event was held under the direction of Van-Far A+ Coordinator Joy Davis.