CSMS students get glimpse of possible future careers

By Joan VaseyNovember 24, 2015

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Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- Thirty-two people from 22 different career fields visited Colonel Smith Middle School on Nov. 5 to share information about their jobs and possibly help students choose a future career path.

From author to tower climber, students from all three grades, sixth through eighth, got to choose four presenters to visit during the school's career day and participate in a hands-on activity shared by each presenter. One participant from Illinois connected with the students through Skype. Each student not only learned about the day-to-day aspects of a career, but got to try out some of the tools of the trade from the various fields showcased throughout the campus.

"This year's career day was different from those offered in the past," said Erin Schnitger, school liaison officer. "Each presenter had to offer a hands-on activity representing some aspect of their job."

Indoors, staff from the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and students participated in a mock trial to demonstrate what goes on in a courtroom. According to Capt. Brett Cramer, the idea was to give students an idea of what happens during a cross examination and gave participants a chance to make a closing argument during a trial to determine whether a person was guilty or innocent.

Military police working dog handlers brought their canine partners in to offer a demonstration of the dogs' obedience and drug-sniffing skills. Students seemed to enjoy trying on the bite suit which trainers use to teach their dogs how to attack and bring down a potential criminal without injury.

A personal trainer offered fitness tips and the chance for students to try various pieces of exercise equipment and learn different exercise techniques. In the band room, an instructor from Illinois led students through music therapy exercises via Skype.

"One of the things our district prides itself on is technology and brining people in from long distances. Sometimes it's hard to get people to come in to this part of Arizona," said Alex Moore, music teacher. "If I can bring the [presenter] electronically to us, it just creates a chance to more exposure to different things."

Contractors from the Electronic Proving Ground brought a missile system they were testing to the science wing.

Outdoor activities included a bomb-seeking robot demonstration followed by hands-on student operation. In another outdoor area, members of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion explained communications operations and let students board a Humvee and try various communications equipment.

Firefighters also showcased their tools of the trade and explained how each one worked.

"It's a good time to educate kids about what they may want to do in the future and possibly give the kids a push to help them figure it out," said student Grant Fehrenbacher.

This year's career day was the second held in the new school. "This event took a lot of planning and coordination," Schnitger said.