On Friday, September 26, eighth-grade students at Indian Springs Middle School participated in Career Day as part of Indiana’s statewide College Go! Week. The event gave students an opportunity to learn about a wide range of professions and begin thinking about how their interests could connect to future education and career pathways.
During the program, students attended two 30-minute sessions led by area professionals representing 16 different careers. Presenters shared insights about their daily work, the education or training required for their fields, and advice for students exploring career options. The careers aligned with Columbia City High School’s career focuses — Business and Arts (BAC), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology (MET).
Presenters included community members:
Brad Minear (Real Estate)
Heather Ward (Nurse Practitioner)
Joel Lemmon (Law Enforcement)
Kyle Francis (Firefighter)
Garrett Vandersaul (Athletic Trainer)
David Korus (Accounting)
Jackson Hollenbaugh and Zack Zipf (Steel Manufacturing)
Liz Deckard and Delaney Mayer (Attorneys)
Jeff Dryer (Engineer)
Jeff Hinen (Agronomist)
Dr. Elizabeth Christian (Educator)
Dr. Stephanie Landrum and Erin Sell (Veterinarian and Vet Tech)
Doug Spieth (Welding – Plumbers and Steamfitters Union)
Megan Felger and Gavin McQueen (Paramedics)
Tony Rositas (Web/Graphic Design)
Ryan Getts and Ted Oelschlager (Heavy Equipment)
Students enjoyed the chance to ask questions and hear firsthand what it takes to succeed in different professions. Many commented that the sessions helped them connect their current interests to potential career paths in high school and beyond.
Career Day is one of several events Indian Springs hosts throughout the year to help students explore their futures and prepare for success in high school, college, and the workforce.