Career Day at most schools takes place in the classrooms or auditoriums, with guest speakers talking with the students about their jobs.
Coral Reef Elementary had for the first time ever an outdoor event on Feb. 7with presenters arranged around the field outside with vehicles and equipment to make their work more real and tangible.
People from a variety of businesses and vendors as well as from the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, U.S. Customs, Village of Palmetto Bay, and others were on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to address the students and answer their questions. There were 26 presenters in all.
Principal Christina L Guerra said she liked the new approach to Career Day.
“It’s very exciting,” Guerra said. “It’s kind of like a second part. Last week the kids got to go to work with their parents and now they’re going to get a different opportunity to see the world of work. This year we have all outdoor careers, which gives them a different perspective. We want to expose them to as many careers as possible.
“We’re very fortunate that Lauren Fuller and Susan Sirota spearheaded this; they have worked tirelessly, and we’re very grateful to our community and to our parents.”
Keith Price, president of the Airboat Association of Florida, had his airboat on display and gave a brief talk about what he does in the Everglades.
Robert Rainey of Palmetto Bay Property and Maintenance Services brought a backhoe and explained his job.
Staff Sergeant Jake Larsen of the U.S. Air Force spoke to the students about his career in the military.
The Palmetto Bay Parks and Recreation Department was represented by Saylin Paez, Nick Perez-Cubas, Collin Wells and Marty Tejeda.
Lt. Daniel Miranda of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a veteran of Career Day events, was pleased to support this one at the school.
“I think it’s a great way to present to the children and the community the type of services that we provide to the citizens and our function,” Lt. Miranda said. “A lot of people are not aware of the type of responsibilities that we have, so I think it’s a great way to reach out to the children and the faculty as well.”
Robyn Martinez and Annie Fernandez brought their Kona Ice vendor truck to Coral Reef Elementary. Former teachers themselves, it was just their third time at a Career Day.
“This is a great event,” Martinez said. “I think it’s important that people from the community are able to interact with the students, working together in a partnership, showing the various positions, jobs, doing different things in the neighborhoods where they live.”
Fernandez added, “We try to show all aspects of the business, including what goes on behind the scenes, the math and other skills needed. We let them know it’s important that kids stay in school.”
Alec Fuller, a fifth grade student taking the tour of presenters with his class, said he was enjoying the event.
“I think it’s really nice,” Fuller said. “We’ve got all the presenters here so kids can learn about different companies. I’m excited to see the construction equipment. I like to dig.”
Love the idea, the reality of seeing the trucks sitting in some and listening to their owners speak about the individual careers brings home the necessity of education and all its components to the children! A job well done, ladies!!!