Some fifth graders have an idea of what they want to be when they grow up. At the
same time, they might not have full understanding of what’s really out there for them to
choose from. Marietta Elementary Counselor Heather McMahon, along with fifth grade
teacher Shaylin Nutter, recently tried to bridge the gap between the two by holding a
Future Fair in the elementary school gymnasium.
“This event is actually building on something that one of our teachers did last year with
our gifted and talented kids, where she brought in some people in different careers to
talk to our fifth graders about possible career opportunities,” McMahon explained. “This
year, we’ve just expanded on that concept.”
The event was held Thursday, May 8, from 9 a.m. until noon. The 71 fifth graders were
divided into small groups, which cycled through tables of presenters who talked to them
about careers, but also about goal setting and other opportunities available to them.
“As much as possible, I tried to stick with Marietta alumnus because we have so many
people who’ve graduated from MHS or have ties to the school system and have gone
out and done great things with their lives,” said McMahon.
“These presenters will be talking to our kiddos about setting goals, college, trade
school, careers – you name it – anything that is important to kids when they’re planning
their futures. And these people are going to be relatable to kids because they do have a
connection with Marietta Public Schools, and they’ll be able to talk to our students about
the programs, classes, and teachers who were important to them in promoting their
success.”
Students will be able to talk with the presenters about things that most interest them,
and guests will have plenty of swag to share with kids. According to McMahon, one of
the best things about planning the event is the number of alumni who were excited
about returning to their alma mater for a visit.
“These people have great lives, great careers, and they are so excited about coming
back to campus to visit and talk to our students,” McMahon insisted.
Among the presenters were KorDale Lornes and Tyler Monson from Red River Valley
REA, MHS graduates of 2008 and 2014, respectively; local contractor and Class of ’84
grad, Kevin Flanagan; Dusty Michael, Class of ’90, firefighter/EMT; registered nurse
Gentry McGill Mayes, Class of 2015; pilot Shannon Hankins, Class of ’87; IT Manager
John Cole, Class of ’90; and Sam Milo, barber, from the Class of 2005.
Other presenters were the DIVE team from the Lighthorse Police Department;
veterinarian Emily Hennigan, the parent of a Marietta student; pilot Kole Caplinger, the
husband of an MHS graduate; and college representative Carson McMahon, who
attended Marietta Schools for several years. Additionally, Marietta Public Schools had a
booth, operated by Superintendent Brandi Naylor.
Students were also joined by fifth grade teachers and MHS graduates Shaylin Nutter
from the Class of 2016 and Courtney Jackson from the Class of 2014. McMahon is also
a proud graduate of Marietta Public Schools, Class of 1989.
“Our hope for this event was to expose our students to things that maybe they hadn’t
thought about, or maybe even if they had thought about it, to make it more real than just
seeing it on social media,” explained McMahon. “We wanted them to be able to see a
person who is living a career and can share that experience with them. Maybe that
knowledge could trigger a student to make a good choice for their future. And we
wanted them to see that they can take the education they’re earning at Marietta Public
Schools and go out into the world and have a fantastic future.”