Big Horn County schools career fair a success

On November 26, approximately 150 students from Burlington, Rocky Mountain and Ten Sleep elementary schools gathered for a career fair that showcased the diverse workforce opportunities in Big Horn County and the region. Held at Burlington Elementary, the event featured 15 stations representing a variety of fields, all offering hands-on activities to encourage career exploration and learning.

Students rotated through stations for more than three hours, actively participating in interactive projects and demonstrations. Each student left with a lanyard full of stickers representing the stations they visited, providing a visual reminder to help them share their experience with their families.

The professionals who made this event possible came from a wide range of industries, bringing their expertise and enthusiasm when engaging with the students. Businesses and individuals represented included:

North Big Horn Hospital: Katie Weinand, MarKay McIntosh, Kimmy Curtis, Shelley Murphey and the EMS crew showcased the essential work of healthcare and emergency services.

Aagard Builders: Wade and Tricia Aagard introduced students to the world of construction and craftsmanship.

Wyoming Game and Fish: Tara Hodges educated students about wildlife conservation and outdoor careers.

Torgerson’s Equipment: Trent Abraham brought hands-on equipment demonstrations to highlight mechanical technology.

Big Horn County Sheriff’s Department: Deputies Nate Kreider and Shane Brost engaged students with insights into law enforcement.

Pivotal Physical Therapy: Greg and Lori Burton demonstrated the importance of physical therapy in health and wellness.

ZooMontana: Brooke Tucker and her team delighted students with an introduction to careers involving animals and their habitats.

Baked with Love by Katelyn: Katelyn Showalter baked up excitement by sharing the skills and creativity involved in baking.

Northwest College: Christi Greaham showcased the exciting world of electricity and explained the crucial role electricians play.

Genevieve Mader: A preschool teacher who inspired students with the joys of teaching young children.

Ashlee Ganoung: An archaeologist who sparked interest in uncovering history through artifacts.

Macy Lucht: An artist who encouraged students to explore their creativity and passion for art.

Holly Michaels: A dietician who shared the importance of nutrition and health.

“The career Fair offered students an opportunity to see the real-world applications of their education and opened their eyes to the possibilities of their futures,” Big Horn County School District No. 1 Career Coordinator Sally Bernhisel said. “Thank you to all the professionals who gave their time and expertise to inspire the next generation. Events like these make a lasting impact on our community’s youth and encourage them to dream big.”

Added District No. 1 superintendent Matt Davidson, “It was outstanding. The business representatives did a wonderful job interacting with the students. Their presentations and activities were hands-on and very engaging. I believe students left considering a variety of careers that they hadn’t thought much about before.”