Mariner Middle School Hosts Second Annual 8th Grade Career Fair

On Wednesday, April 16, Mariner Middle School held its second annual 8th Grade Career Fair, offering students a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and interact with professionals from diverse industries located here in their own community.

The event, held in the school gymnasium, welcomed over 40 local professionals representing fields such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, engineering, television/radio, communications, technology, the arts, skilled trades, and more. Each guest set up a booth and spoke with students about their career journeys, educational requirements, and what a typical day on the job looks like.

“The career fair helps our 8th graders start thinking about their futures in a real and exciting way,” Frank Shockley, Mariner Middle School Counselor and co- coordinator for the event said. “Our goal with the event is for them to see the possibilities and understand that there are many different paths to success.”

Students were encouraged to ask questions, collect information, and reflect on their own interests and skills. Many of them prepared in advance by researching careers and drafting questions, making the event highly engaging and informative. This hands-on experience is part of the school’s broader college and career readiness initiative, designed to empower students as they prepare to transition to high school and beyond.

“Our school counselors did an outstanding job organizing this year’s 8th Grade Career Fair,” said Principal Fred Best. “Their thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and dedication to our students’ futures created an engaging and meaningful experience. Events like this don’t just happen—they are the result of a team that truly cares about preparing students for success beyond the classroom.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to the local professionals who took time out of their day to invest in our students,” said Jacqueline Sheridan, Mariner Middle School Counselor and co-coordinator of the event. “Their insight and enthusiasm will make a lasting impression on our students.”