Thanks to 23 visitors on Friday, November 13,Newtown Middle School eighth graders learned about different careers.

The annual day allows eighth grade students to rotate between classrooms to hear from multiple professionals from the community. The presenters spoke with students, shared experiences, and discussed their careers with students during three half-hour sessions.

The event was organized this year by Sue Connelly and Leslie Allen.

This year visitors were airline pilot Chuck Hepp, architect Andrew Hathaway, artist and painter Daryl Zang, chef Brian Neumeyer, clinical psychologist Joanna Rosen, construction executive Bill Muzzio, cosmetologist Leanne Shupe, electrical engineer David Matthews, hockey player Nick Niedert, information technologist Ernie Tartaglia, interior designer Agni Pavlidou Kyprianou, Judge Kari Dooley, landscape/estate gardener Geri Adams, nurse Carolina Castellano, optometrist Tom Conrod, package design engineer Edwin Weatherby, personal trainer Jeanine Parsons, physical therapist Michelle Garrity, police officer William Chapman, respiratory therapist Tony Morascini, and software engineer Jason Almeter, according to the school.

“We find this to be an extremely valuable opportunity for our eighth graders every year,” said Ms Connelly following the event, adding that she is always happy to see the kids responding to the Career Day presentations.

The insights provided by the visiting community members are something the school could not provide without the volunteers during the annual event, according to Ms Connelly.

As the NMS school resource officer (SRO), Officer Chapman was greeted by a number of friendly faces for his first presentation of the day. He spoke to the students about the training required for his job and more.

In a nearby classroom, Ms Shupe, who works at Ricci’s Salon & Spa, described her typical day as a cosmetologist, the studies she had to complete for her job, and some of the products she uses when working.

Mr Neumeyer, who teachers culinary at Newtown High School, was assisted by NHS senior David Anderson inside another classroom. Before the eighth graders arrived for the first presentation, David and Mr Neumeyer were busy prepping the science classroom for their presentations. The two demonstrated how to hold a knife, discussed safety precautions when using a knife, and showed the students chopping techniques for onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Mr Hepp had a handout ready for his presentation and challenged students to read charts and answer questions regarding his career as an airline pilot.

“Whatever career you guys choose you will have a language all your own,” said Mr Hepp, before sharing some of the lingo of his career.