An abundance of opportunities await graduates of Union City High School.
More than 40 vendors – including representatives from local businesses, first responders, multiple universities, and several military branches – were on hand to provide information about their brands Tuesday at the UCHS College/Career Fair.
UC Schools Career Counselor Lisa Carson masterfully put together the event that drew various options that await 2023 graduates and underclassmen who are still undecided about their career paths.
High school students and eighth graders from UCMS toured Marty Sisco Gymnasium, interacting with the representatives and collecting information that could shape their futures.
Representatives of the Union City Fire and Police Departments, ATA, MIA Seating, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Nutrien Ag, UC Energy Authority, Westan Insurance, and Titan Tire were among those to set up booths. Also in attendance were Tennessee Valley Authority, Wal-Mart, DPA, Martin Dental Assistant Academy, Greenfield Products, and Thunderbolt Radio. There were also representatives from 14 colleges and universities and three branches of the military.
“We wanted to present a wide variety of choices for our students – with a particular focus on the local opportunities out there,” Carson said. “We know how hard our faculty and staff work to prepare students for life after high school, and we want to enhance our community with our students.
“We want them to either stay in our community or return here and be adult contributors to what we already have here.”
Businesses, industries, and higher education representatives all eagerly provided information and answered questions about their respective opportunities.
While many students used the occasion to consider previously-unexplored opportunities, several seniors used the occasion to catch up with contacts already made. Carson and UCHS teachers prepared students to maximize the occasion by recommending a list of questions to ask the professionals.
Carson, who worked extensively with Obion County Chamber of Commerce leaders Lindsay Frilling and Rachael McKinney, said she hopes to expand the event and would like to collaborate with area businesses and industries to fill their workforce needs.
“Exposing our students to post-secondary opportunities is something we feel strongly about at Union City Schools,” Carson concluded. “I believe our students were introduced to many options today, many they may have never considered.
“We hope they find the best path for themselves as they embark on adulthood.”
Mike Hutchens, Communications Director, Union City School System
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