In partnership with Garrett College, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) held its annual 5th Grade Career Day on Friday, April 26th. This event allows students to experience various careers and interact with community members actively engaged in those careers. Additionally, each student experiences a soft skills seminar presented by the college staff where students learn valuable skills (effective communication, interpersonal skills, work ethic, time management, teamwork, etc.) that will help them succeed in any future workplace.
The community support of Career Day was overwhelming. Forty volunteers representing 21 different occupations generously gave their time to share their chosen careers with a total of 240 fifth graders from every elementary school in Garrett County. GCPS career coaches Mary Keller and Jon Hinebaugh thank the elementary school counselors, fifth-grade teachers, and the Garrett College staff for helping organize this event. Additionally, Mary and Jon would like to thank the college for the use of their facilities and the following community volunteers who presented their careers to the students:
- Scott Richardson: Garrett College–Adventure Sports
- Zach Burgess & Marissa Miller: Beitzel Corporation—Construction
- Melissa Clary, Jean Thomas & Ruth Beard: Brenda McDonnell’s Family of Restaurants—Chef
- Barb Law and Amanda Hefner: Child Care, Garrett County Community Action
- Kenny and Carol Allman: Garrett College–Computer Science & Cybersecurity
- Chuck Trautwein & NH senior Sophia Rankin: GCPS—Engineering
- Kelli Sisler: Garrett College–Fitness/Personal Trainer
- Lexi Trickett & SH students Haley Klotz and Lexi Nice: GCPS—Agriculture
- Josh Hook: McHenry VFD—Firefighter
- Dean Lytle & Fred Knox: GC Roads Department–Heavy Equipment Operator
- Judge Gregory, Christian Mash, & John Hughes: GC Courthouse—Lawyer
- Jessica Wilhelm: Timbercat Enterprises—Mechanic
- Major Steven Hershfeldt, Sgt. Ramos, Sgt. Wilson & SH students Kevin Shipway, Wyatt Parks, and Makayla Orr & NH students Nate Brenneman, Kambria Kyle, and Sarah Hamilton-Rumer: GCPS—Military
- Rob Smith: Buffalo Run Band—Musician
- Tony Rossignuolo and Luke Pratt: Maryland Department of Natural Resources—NRP
- Amanda Shreve: Garrett Regional Medical Center—Nurse
- Doug Beitzel: Garrett College Workforce Development—Paramedic
- F/Sgt. Bradley Williams & TFC Kurt Poland: Maryland State Police–Police Officer
- Terah Crawford: Taylor-Made—Realtor
- Kayla Amburgey & Cari Zbel: Hart for Animals—Veterinarian
- Kim Govi, Tasha Mongold & Michael Omps: Garrett College–Soft Skills
