Washington Park Has Career Day

Washington Park Elementary School hosted more than 40 professionals at its Career Day recently.

Kraig Hawkins, the counselor at WPES, suggested having the event earlier in the year, so that students could get inspired and then apply that motivation to the classroom.

“Dr. Holder was very receptive to having Career Day earlier in the school year,” praised Kraig Hawkins, the counselor at WPES, who coordinated the event.

Also instrumental in making the day a success was Assistant Principal Chad Sanders, Maria Brown, Brandy Fair, Ayanna Clarke-Daniel, Sue Laudicina, Margaret Sheppard, Latoya Johnson, Amy Wade, Rose Vowell, Betony Bennett, Janne Childs and Michelle Conwell.

“I am grateful for the entire faculty and staff at Washington Park for their flexibility and cooperation,” said Mr. Hawkins.

Professionals who took time out of their busy days to share their work and inspire the children included investigator Eric Minter, police officer Jennifer Minter, emergency services director Melissa Slocumb, City of Monticello Gas Department director Richard Martin and International Freight forwarder Tiffany Williams.

Also, Jasper County Sheriff Donnie Pope, nurse Julie Jackson, reptile expert Charles J. Oliver IV, correctional officer Nicky Evans, Georgia Department of Natural Resources conservation ranger Fred Hays and radiation technician Tammy Harvey.

The students were also inspired by Delta pilot Gary Wiggins, museum designer Mike Pritchett, fire fighter Bryan Jackson, author Bill Schilling, lab technicians at Jasper County Memorial Jena Perales and Tonya Dennis and educator/coaches Tom Matthews and Doug Huff.

Also, educator Pat Matthews, advertiser Christy Baker, entrepreneur/chef Kim Dearro, radio broadcaster Craig Baker, firefighter and maintenance foreman Bill English and physician Shannon Barton, MD, spoke with the students.

Cameron Pound and David Lynch with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were there as well as Bailey Smith and Bobby Walden with Georgia Power, Rita Tingler with Lithonia Lighting, Walker Jordan with the Bank of Monticello, Laura Hammonds with Jasper Memorial Hospital and Jamie Pitts with Environmental GTC.

Also, fire fighter Captain Jared Slocumb, pilot Dwayne Reid, veterinarian Jennifer Proctor, DVM, United States Post officer Mary Murphy, pharmacist Robert Cumbie, HVAC technician Glenn Campbell, egg sheller Frances Campbell, Jasper County Schools transportation director Jerry Williams.

Finally, Brandon Bennett discussed grading/heavy equipment, Chelsie Williams discussed security, Dodie Proctor talked about pottery, sheep and spinning wool and Michelle Rizer-Pool discussed her experience with the Army and her work as a pastor and AT&T staffing agent.