Libertyville District 70 students dream big about careers

Representatives of more than 20 professions talked about their careers during Rockland School's career fair for students in grades first through fifth.

The local business leaders included retiring Libertyville High School football Coach Randy Kuceyeski; veterinarian Laura Brown and her dog, Simon; Libertyville Village President Terry Weppler; Libertyville Village Administrator Kevin Bowens; and Libertyville Recreation and Sports Complex Director Connie Kowal; sports photographer Steve Lundy; former Dist. 70 counselor Cathy Jackson and a companion dog, Payton; and commercial airline pilot Brett Kaiser.

Other professions represented included sales, acting, chemistry, mechanical engineering, fashion design, investigating, landscaping, textile design, carpentry, hair styling, test kitchen and culinary expert, and product development engineering.

The professionals each gave five 30-minute presentations to students at the school, 160 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville.

Students between first- and fifth-grade chose six careers to learn about. A committee of teachers and parents assigned students to five careers. During the fair, they traveled from station to station within the school.

The fair is sponsored by the Rockland Family Association.

“A study shows that by fifth grade if a student is not exposed to a career, they will not choose that career in their lifetime,” Rockland teacher and Career Fair coordinator Dale List said.