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Valdosta Middle School hosts first school wide career day

March 7, 2008---On Thursday, March 6, 2008, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Valdosta Middle School hosted their first school wide career day.  More than 40 volunteer speakers showed up early, ready to share their knowledge with the 900+ students that attend Valdosta Middle School.

Students heard from a variety of speakers who stressed the benefits of education as it relates to rewarding career choices. All students attended four pre-selected career presentations for 20 minutes each. Many of the presenters told stories, showed power point presentations, and brought props and equipment so the students could get a true hands-on experience of their day-to day activities.

The purpose of Career Day is to expose students to the wide range of career choices available to them and motivate them to continue on with their education. “It is a huge benefit for students, parents and the community when children are educated on the endless possibilities of their future,” said Martin Roesch, VMS Principal. “This is our way of motivating the students to stay in school and prepare for life. It’s especially important for middle school students to know that it’s never too early to start planning for a career,” says Tracey Wilson, VMS Graduation Coach and career day coordinator.

Among the volunteer speakers and businesses represented: Willie T. Head, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem, Adams Orthodontics, Dr. Joey Broadwater, Margaret Brogdon with Val-Tech programs, Sirocus Barnes with Valdosta/Lowndes park and recreation, Brian Buffington and band,  Johnny Christopher with Auto Zone, Dr. Joe Crane, Firefighters, Attornies: Sam Dennis, Sam Greneker,  Nathaniel Haugabrook, B. Miles Hannan, Robbyn DeSpain with ABC affiliate news, Sonja Harris with Sam’s, Lisa Hannan, with Fine Art Photography, Melanie Hannasch with Mediacom, Tommy Jackson with CJB Industries,  Vernon B. Jackson, Sylvia Manley and Emily Webb with SGM, Sgt. Mark Jefferson with the National Guard, Ray McGraw and Vernotis Williams with the Valdosta Police Dept., Dr. Stanley Marable, William Richburg, Jr., William Richburg, Sr., Mike Robinson and Van McDowell with Georgia Power, Kari Sands with Valdosta Daily Times, Brandi Sirmans with Hogan’s Pharmacy, Clarence Scurry and Bernard Robinson with WJEM, Dr. Jodie Summers with Wilson Eye Center, Coach Rick Tomberlin, VSU Coaches,  Ralph Ward and LaShawna Colbert with Valdosta City Schools Tech Dept., Deborah Whittington, Wendi Burke and Richard Berkley with Wild Adventures, Todd Wilson with Wilson Design, and Mike White with Val-Tech commercial trucking program.