On Friday, May 29, students in grades 6-9 at Cuyahoga Heights Schools participated in a Career Fair designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities. The event marked the culmination of a year-long focus on career development and exploration woven into instruction at every grade level.
Throughout the school year, students have engaged in lessons and activities centered on career awareness, exploration, and planning through the support of Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Specialist Julie Regula. The Career Fair brought those experiences to life by giving students the opportunity to interact directly with professionals from a wide range of industries and career fields.
Sixth and seventh-grade students have spent the year exploring the influences that shape career paths and examining the professional journeys of those closest to them. Guided by the phrase “You can’t be what you don’t see,” these students have been building awareness and exposure to a wide range of professions.
Eighth graders have learned about the 16 National Career Clusters and will be making direct connections between their classroom learning and the real-world professionals they meet. Career Clusters highlight a wide range of career pathways that prepare students for success in today’s workforce, including fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Education, Digital Technology, Public Safety, Arts and Design, Hospitality, Finance, Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship. These pathways help students explore career interests, develop real-world skills, and connect learning to future opportunities in college, careers, and beyond.
Ninth-grade students have been actively exploring postsecondary options and reflecting on their individual strengths and interests and will use this experience to connect those strengths to potential career paths and better understand the steps it takes to achieve their goals.
Special thanks to the following professionals who gave of their time to invest in these students.
Bon Appétit Food Service Management – Case Western Reserve University
Cassandra Alexander, HR Manager
Vinnie Gaikens, Campus Executive Chef
Joe Dubbs, Dining Hall Executive Chef
Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center – West Creek
Madi Bacci, Lead Naturalist
Emerald Credit Union
Kaytlin Futty, Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator
Natalie Thomas, Branch Manager
Metro Hospital Radiology
Rosanna Naeem, Director of Radiology Services
Amanda Miller, Radiology Manager
Jessica Sterna, Coordinator of Radiology Compliance and Education
Purpose Care: Home Health Care
Allison Borowy, HR Assistant
Ramsey Chiropractic
Dr. Nichole Cavens, Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Jennifer Ramsey, Doctor of Chiropractic
Sherwin-Williams
Bret McNab, Global Corporate Real Estate Manager
Valley View Police Department
Sgt. Ricky Crumbley, K9 Officer
Village of Cuyahoga Heights Fire Department
Steve Harris, Fire Lieutenant
Village of Cuyahoga Heights Police Department
Detective Dave Lukas
Ptl. Rick Mischak
Chief Brian Sturgill
Winking Lizard
Melissa Heckman, Regional Manager/Management Training Coordinator
Worthington Steel
Peggy Young, HR Generalist
Sarah Young, Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator
“We are proud of the thoughtful, purposeful work our students have done this year to prepare for this experience,” said Principal Scott DeTray. “Thank you to Mrs. Julie Regula, our district career specialist, for organizing this event for our students and helping them connect their learning to real life experiences. We are also incredibly thankful to each presenter for helping our Redwolves see the possibilities that lie ahead.”
