Warwick and Florida School Districts participate in sixth annual career day

WARWICK — The focus was on making a great first impression and having the skills students need for success in careers, college and citizenship.
And it was an opportunity to meet and talk with professionals representing a host of careers, from technology to military to skilled trades.
On April 4 Warwick Valley High School hosted its sixth annual Career Day sponsored by the Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning (WFEL), the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and ShopRite of Warwick.
Approximately 35 companies and individuals participated in the event, which was held in the Old High School Gym.
Florida School District business teacher Barbara Scheibling, a member of the Career Fair Committee, was also on hand along with 54 students from the Florida School District.
"We asked our professionals to help our students with discussions about the many skills and strengths they utilize every day to be successful like critical thinking and problem solving, "said Career Fair Committee and Warwick Foundation for Excellence in Learning representative Diane Rowe. "Our professionals' time and engagement with our students has made a difference."
Many of the students commented that they were introduced to many careers they hadn't considered before including opportunities other than those requiring a four-year college and that they appreciated the one on one personal attention.
They also enjoyed the activities and "give-aways" that were available at many of the tables.
High School junior Stanley Smykowski, for example, expressed a new strong interest in becoming a research scientist after speaking with Rachel Liberatore, Ph.D., of Ren Bio, a biotechnology company.
Liberatore, by the way, is a Warwick Valley High School graduate, Class of 1994.
Members of the Career Fair Committee were especially grateful to the professionals who shared their time and knowledge with the students.
- Roger Gavan