Flagler Schools' College and Career Fair Connects Students with Future Opportunities

On November 14, the Palm Coast Community Center buzzed with activity as over 800 juniors and seniors from the Flagler County School District attended the second annual College and Career Fair.

 

Organized by the Flagler County Education Foundation, the event aimed to bridge the gap between students and their future educational and career opportunities.

 

In the morning session, students navigated through 79 tables spread across three rooms, engaging with representatives from colleges, universities, local businesses, and government agencies.

 

They eagerly collected stamps on their "passports," with those obtaining nine stamps becoming eligible to win $100 gift cards.

 

Superintendent LaShakia Moore expressed gratitude to the community and emphasized the importance of such events in shaping students' futures.

 

She highlighted the afternoon session's significance, which opened the fair to the general public, including charter-school, home-school, and private-school students.

 

"We want them to share in this great experience," Moore stated, underscoring the district's commitment to inclusivity.

 

The fair showcased a diverse range of career paths.

 

The government room featured local opportunities, such as positions with Palm Coast Public Works, where employees can advance from ground maintenance to heavy equipment certification through in-house training.

 

Additionally, the Flagler County Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinator demonstrated drones used for beach erosion assessment and wildfire monitoring.

 

Military branches, including the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, Army, and Coast Guard, were present, offering students insights into service careers.

 

Staff Sergeant Maysun Denhart noted the students' keen interest in their futures, remarking on the depth of their questions.

 

The event also highlighted the popularity of local businesses among students.

 

According to Education Foundation Executive Director Teresa Rizzo, the Chick-fil-A table attracted significant attention, with many students expressing a desire to work there.

 

Overall, the College and Career Fair provided a comprehensive platform for students to explore various educational and career avenues, fostering connections that could shape their post-graduation paths.