Maine Prairie High School Holds College-Career Fair

Military recruiters, four-year and technical colleges, local businesses, and national corporations sent representatives to Friday for the school's 3rd Annual College and Career Fair.

This was a required event for students, who trickled into fair throughout the morning and were greeted by cookies, muffins, and coffee provided by the school, as well as goodies like key chains, water bottles, and magnets given out by the employers and colleges.

"For students who know what they want to do when they grow up and when they graduate, it gives them a chance to meet and greet, and find out what is required," Maine Prairie Principal Yvette Ramos said. "For kids who don’t know where they are going, there are lots of opportunities to talk to a wide variety of colleges and employers."

There were around 25 booths this year, some set up by big-name recruiters such as Sacramento State University, DeVry University, the California Department of Corrections, and the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as representatives from a few local buisnesses such as , and the .

"We’re looking for kids who show an interest in the program and in becoming a firefighter," said Dixon Fire Department's Nick Warren. "They are the future of our service. As our members retire or get promoted, these are the young people who are going to come in and fill the positions, so we want them to be prepared so they know what they’re getting into."

The fair was an even 50-50 mix of colleges and business, which meant there was plenty to offer students who are looking to pursue a career straight out of high school, and also for those who decide to go the college route.

"I would like to go to college and start my career when I graduate," said senior Pedro Garcia Diaz. "I saw a couple colleges like DeVry University and Blake Austin College that I was very interested in. I would like to be a pharmacist, and the pharmacy division is a really good career they have going on."

"I’m hoping to get my high school diploma so I can pursue my career and hopefully go to college," said senior Ignacio Espino. "I liked being around and seeing everyone doing an activity together and asking questions like it was a real job. It was a really good experience.”

The fair ended earlier than expected, but was once again a success according to the students, employers and school officials who participated.

"I get great joy in seeing the kids dressed up and hearing about how wonderful they were," Principal Ramos said. "I think what they get out of it is some contact information, and some real information from some people who are really doing these jobs. What I hope they get out of it is some motivation to keep going to school."