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Anthony Wayne Local School District News Article

Waterville Primary Career Day

career day


by Ashlyn Shafer, AWHS senior and communications intern

fbiFriday, October 18 marked Waterville Primary’s Career Day! This day, organized by Jillian Cowell, School Counselor is an interactive day for all students to explore fun careers and learn a little more about the job world. This year, a wide range of hard working individuals took time out of their days to educate the students in careers ranging from beekeeping, to an FBI agent, all the way to a professor from the University of Toledo! The students were able to spend part of their day going from classroom to classroom exploring many different options. 


Mrs. Cowell defines Career Day as “a way to provide real world exposure to careers that young children may not know about.” She loves bringing community members and family in to talk to these kids as well. She also mentioned that many of the careers that these kids will have someday don’t even exist yet, but it’s still important to show them these options early to spark their thoughts about the future. 


This is of course a lengthy process, and she was super excited to share that the University of Toledo reached out and sent a couple professors over to help out. They also have returning speakers, three of which are Mrs. Cowell’s siblings. She also said that while this event is extremely rewarding, it requires a lot of collaboration, and she is so excited every year to make small changes and work with her coworkers to make it even better. This year, over ten full time speakers spent their days with these children, and made sure they were fully informed about the workforce!


One of the hardworking presenters was Ms. Jennifer VanHorn, who is a chief planning and construction officer for Metroparks Toledo. She explained that her career had a unique start. When she initially went to college she earned a degree in architecture. After much consideration, she decided to not continue getting her certification, and instead opted for a more active field, a career that would get her out from behind her desk and working with a variety of people. This led her to her current role where she oversees all planning and construction for all of the Toledo metroparks. While the scope of her work covers everything from sidewalk repairs to high budget projects, the majority of her work focuses on repairing existing infrastructure. As a part of an eight-person team, she emphasizes the importance of getting all types of people together to complete a common goal. Her team includes engineers, accountants, maintenance management, and of course, her construction crew. Her favorite part of her job is being able to make changes in Lucas County, and giving people experiences to remember. 


noah beekeeperSome of the students had a lot to say too! Kindergartener Noah said that he is seriously considering a career in beekeeping after being able to try on the beekeeper hat. 


First grader Robert was very enthusiastic about Career Day. He loved all of the presentations, but he still had his heart set on being a “pizza man,” and wanted to make sure he shared that he would be the one making the pizzas, not delivering them. 


First Grader James said that his favorite speaker was the FBI agent, and the best part was seeing real handcuffs. Kindergartener Maren said her favorite part was seeing real firefighters. 


Exposing students to different types of careers helps them learn that people do a lot of different jobs for work, and that they can use their skills and interests to help others and support themselves. 

Many thanks to the volunteers who gave generously of their time to speak with the students at Waterville Primary! Special days like these are only possible with the support of our families and community.

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