CLYMER — Clymer Central School hosted representatives in a variety of careers for students last week.

In total, 36 representatives in different fields visited the school. Those visiting ranged from medical-based work to branches of the military and law enforcement, including a K-9 unit. Local businesses, including the Windmill Flowers and Gift Shop, Countertop Solutions, Jamestown Plastics and Ellwood Forge, were also in attendance. Other participants included a lawyer, personal trainer, occupational therapists, and farming, engineering and architecture representatives.

Nichole Damcott with Clymer Central School facilitated the events.

“Our goal for the students at Clymer is that they feel prepared and confident to be successful upon graduation, whether that be going to college to pursue a degree, entering a tech or vocational school, or entering the workforce,” Damcott said. “We want the students to be able to make contacts and experience multiple avenues of career fields so they can make an informed decision. The more careers they come in contact with, and the earlier we reach them, the better prepared they are at considering their futures in a realistic way.”

The idea originally came from the first career week held last year at the school, a smaller scale version of the event due to COVID restrictions.

“The feedback we received from the students and the participants was so positive that we decided to make some revisions and build upon the foundation from last year’s career week,” Damcott said. “We are fortunate to offer these events because of our supportive administration and staff who see the long-term, big picture benefits for the students at Clymer.”

Administration and community members were happy with the success of the week.

“We are very excited to be offering our students such a variety of career options to explore for their future employment,” high school Principal Brianne Fadale said. “It is important to provide these opportunities to our students even at a young age. You never know what might spark some interest for a student. Many thanks to the hard work Nichole Damcott did to coordinate these events and the partnerships we have developed with employers in the region. Here at Clymer, we definitely are planning to continue to provide these opportunities for our students.”

Parents in the community also were happy with the ability for their students to be able to connect with people in various career fields.

“I am excited for these opportunities the kids have to explore different career options and learn more in the field,” said Courtney Rhines, parent of a Clymer high school and elementary student. “It’s a well rounded educational opportunity.”