Career Awareness Day
Warren Township Schools
For several years, the late Wendy Piller, a beloved teacher in Warren Township Schools, would orchestrate an annual Career Awareness activity for the fourth and fifth-grade students of Mt. Horeb elementary school. The event was held in the evenings and always drew many student participants. This tradition quickly became a cherished activity within the school community garnering several parent volunteers.
After the passing of Piller in 2019, and throughout the public health emergency, the school community could not hold the event. However, in March of 2023, through the coordination of Mrs. Toni-Ann Feeney on behalf of the Parent Teacher Organization and Principal Scott Cook, the cherished activity was once again introduced to the Mt. Horeb Gators.
In honor and remembrance of Piller, Feeney, Cook, and several parent volunteers planned a full day of Career Awareness activities for the entire school community (kindergarten through grade five).
On the morning of March 23, as students entered the Mt. Horeb Corporate Headquarters, many dressed to impress in their Career Day finest, they were handed official ID badges and a novelty briefcase filled with pens, stationery, business cards, and a packet of activities.
According to Feeney, the goal for the day was simple, “We wanted the students to have a fun experience that was outside of the normal school day and learn that they can be anything they want.”
As the day got underway, students moved between rooms throughout the building. They had the opportunity to hear from Crossfit Instructor Melissa Schlow, Science Teacher Cecilla Fontana, NJ State Trooper Detective Sergeant Shawn Bracht, Medical Doctor Meruka Hazari, and Professional Counselor Megan Cook. Additionally, the students spent time in the ‘Gator Tank,’ exploring their entrepreneurial side and brainstorming ideas for their very own companies. Lastly, the students viewed mock interviews between Principal Cook and the staff, demonstrating the do’s and don’ts of interviews.
The event offered a fun day and several career choices for the children to learn about added Cook. “The building glowed with excitement as six different professionals showed off their career skills and engaged our students. It was a fantastic day!”
The district would like to thank each community member that participated in the event for sharing their insights, personal experiences, and career details with the students of Mt. Horeb School.
