Story by Heidi Wetmore
Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) recently held its second annual Career Day for the entire student body, grades pre-K to 12.
“The theme ‘Called to Serve,’ helped students understand that God is calling them to serve Him no matter what course of study or profession they decide to pursue,” says Carmen Esposito, SAA’s guidance counselor.
Elementary students expressed their individuality and creativity by dressing in attire that represented their desired future careers (pictured with kindergarten teacher Lynette Sigh). Students in pre-K to third grade enjoyed interacting with a professional chef, a firefighter, a police officer, a nature center keeper, and a children’s book author. “I was delighted to have a sing-along, story time and sharing time about my books with students,” shares educator, speaker and author Edwina Neely (pictured below, in blue). “Some students expressed their interest in writing and considered that writing could be their gift and purpose.”
Students in grades 4–8 enjoyed a presentation from keynote speaker Lakeischa W. McMillan, a physician and Amazon bestselling author. They also heard presentations from a pastor, a lawyer, and a dentist.
Crystal E. Ward, keynote speaker for the high school students, shared her experiences and testimony regarding her 20-year career in banking and finance in which she worked for JPMorgan and Citibank. After sensing God’s calling on her life, Ward decided to pursue God’s call to full-time ministry, becoming the executive pastor at the Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md.
The high school students also learned from a panel of distinguished professionals about a variety of careers and fields, including computer science, United States strategic intelligence, public rela- tions and marketing, computational chemistry, Food and Drug Administration, software development, law, and human rights. Presenters provided valuable information for developing the skills necessary for the job search processs.
All students had the opportunity to visit booth displays with representatives from the General Conference Children’s Ministries Department, the Chesapeake Conference Education Department, WGTS 91.9 radio station, the United States Marine Corps, Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center, and more. Other careers represented were a family physician, assisted living manager, real estate professional, speech pathologist, author, firefighter, and paramedic. At the event, these 28 professionals interacted with students and answered questions about their specific careers.
“Career day helped me navigate which path I would like to go down,” says senior class member Adia Burley. “I felt like the guests gave useful infor- mation as to why to choose each path.”