Eighth-graders at Pana Junior High School took part in a Career Day on May 1.  They attended talks from Pana alumni who now are in a variety of career paths.  This is an annual event which has lasted long enough that the speakers attended it themselves in their time as eighth-graders. 

Language arts teacher Travis Pierce and counselor Bonnie Sowarsh organize the event.  They say the presence of alumni this year was a unique arrangement, inspired in part by their previous involvement but also by Pierce’s retirement this year. 

As a counselor, Sowarsh helps eighth-graders select courses for their first year of high school.  Career goals help guide her and her students in this process. 

The two organizers add that, in many cases, eighth-grade students have not yet begun working towards a specific career path.  In their view, this adds to the importance of seeing as many career options as possible.

More information on Pana Junior High School is available at www.panaschools.com.

Travis Pierce and Bonnie Sowarsh appeared as guests on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.