“Students need to be connected to good information about their career options,” said Stephen Preuss, a guidance counselor at Lake George High School. “Providing students with good information is the first crucial step in opening doors to a world of possibilities.”
This understanding led to an all-day career exploration event for high school students where they gained insight into the diverse career options right in their own backyards. A student interest survey helped match presenters with the topics students expressed interest in.
The event was a collaboration between teachers, administrators and Director of Workforce Development for Warren County Liza Ochsendorf.
The day kicked off with a keynote address from Brian Dee, a 2021 Lake George graduate. Dee shared key ideas from his own experiences, the power of relationships and networking, the importance of taking risks, the need for self-care, and ultimately, the significance of pursuing what brings happiness.
He told the students that high school is about more than just sticking to comfortable activities. “It’s about doing things that help you explore all the opportunities you can.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Dee, who moved to Lake George when he was in ninth grade, credited mentors and teachers for helping him find his path.
He highlighted the valuable lessons learned from every job, no matter how seemingly small, and stressed the critical role of building strong relationships.
Dee also reassured students that it’s okay to be uncertain or to change their minds. “So many people are willing to help, don’t be afraid to ask.”
He encouraged students to explore everything high school and life has to offer and to build as many relationships as possible, reminding them that they don’t have to follow the same path as their peers and should prioritize what keeps them motivated.
His own path to success was non-traditional. He didn’t start college until the age of 21 after his interest in business management and marketing grew through his work experiences.
Following the keynote, students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to learn more about specific fields by choosing from an array of 17 different workshops focusing on careers within their local area. The diverse sessions included:
- Adult Programs at WSWHE BOCES: Exploring pathways to careers in the trades with Michelle Stockwell.
- Construction: Getting hands-on with building concepts from Cifone Construction’s Alex Wagner.
- Culinary: Discovering personalized career paths with Diana Kloepfer of KitchaVibe.
- Healthcare: Gaining insights from Alexis Sweenor (HHHN), Dr. Bill Tackett (Tackett Chiropractic Center), and Jeff Wilson (Hudson Mohawk AHEC).
- Entertainment Design: Uncovering the future in entertainment design and fabrication with Maurice O’Connell from ADK Studios.
- Entertainment (Fan Engagement/PR): Learning about the universe of opportunities with Ashley Chappell from 1 iota.
- Government: Exploring career options within the NYS Unified Court System.
- Hospitality: Discovering the keys to success in the job market with David Kenny from The Georgian Resort.
- Hospitality: Charting a path to hospitality excellence with Kristin Stroebel from The Sagamore Resort.
- Human Services: Understanding the rewarding work at AIM with Briana Willigan.
- Information Technology: Exploring computer-related jobs with Jared Humiston (ADK Techs), Mary Aldous (SUNY Adirondack), and Mark Iuliano (Adirondack Dental Ceramics).
- Law Enforcement: Learning about the variety of careers within the Warren County Jail with Officer Gordon.
- Legal: Gaining insights into the legal profession from Glen Bruening of Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC.
- Marina Careers: Exploring opportunities at Pilot Knob Marina and Powersports with Kate Alexander & Mark O’Dell.
- Trades: Discovering available opportunities with Tim Forte, Caleb Edelstein, Bruce Hoffman, and Dan Dudley.
- Professional Sports: Learning about playing and working in professional sports with Zach Walker from the Adirondack Thunder.
- Telecommunications: Understanding the world of fiber optics with Tony Lent from SLIC Fiber.
Meanwhile, students in grades 7 and 8 participated in three Career Exploration Rotations designed to spark their initial interest in different fields. These hands-on activities included a “First Responders Career Experience” featuring firefighters and paramedics from Lake George, which provided an up-close look at these vital community roles.
The career exploration day at Lake George High School provided access to valuable information, personal experiences, and hands-on activities, allowing students to begin exploring their options and building the connections necessary for a successful future.