Upper Adams Intermediate School welcomed a group of dedicated community professionals on Monday, March 23, as sixth grade students participated in the school’s annual Career Day. The event provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore a variety of career paths through engaging, hands-on presentations designed to spark curiosity and broaden their understanding of the working world.
Throughout the day, students rotated through five interactive sessions led by local professionals who generously volunteered their time and expertise. Presenters included Walker Woods, Anna Fetter, Laura Sheads-Cole, Lawrence Arthur, and Brandon Deardorff—each offering unique insights into their respective fields.
Woods, a professional dog trainer, introduced students to the skills and knowledge required to train working dogs, particularly hunting dogs. His presentation featured a live demonstration with his dog, Ranger, who successfully located a pigeon placed in a nearby field. The demonstration highlighted the discipline, communication, and training techniques involved in the profession.
Chef Fetter brought the culinary arts to life by sharing her experiences working in a professional kitchen. She emphasized the creativity involved in cooking, describing chefs as artists who use food as their medium. Students also had the opportunity to view and learn about various tools commonly used in the culinary field.
Sheads-Cole, a Nurse Practitioner, provided an engaging lesson on the human heart. Students used stethoscopes to listen to their own heartbeats and observed their heart rhythms using a handheld EKG device. This hands-on experience offered a glimpse into the medical field and the important role healthcare professionals play in patient care.
Arthur, an Agricultural and Biological Engineer, introduced students to the intersection of technology and agriculture. He discussed how artificial intelligence is being used in modern farming and demonstrated a robot designed to identify and treat weeds in orchards with precision. His presentation highlighted the growing role of innovation in sustaining and improving agricultural practices.
Rounding out the day, Deardorff, General Manager of Gettysburg Tours, Inc., shared insights into managing daily tour operations. He discussed responsibilities such as scheduling, handling unexpected challenges like vehicle breakdowns, and being on call during tours. Students were especially excited to explore one of the tour buses he brought along, giving them a firsthand look at the industry.
Career Day at Upper Adams Intermediate School continues to be a meaningful experience for students, connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. By engaging with professionals from diverse fields, students gain a deeper appreciation for the wide range of career opportunities available to them in the future.