Career and Education Fair draws crowd from across DFW Metroplex
Mary Ann TaylorFeatured Photo: Disney artist Judith Holmes Clark discussed her work at the Career and Education Fair. Photo by Jim Brunson.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Everyone has asked—and been asked—this question. With so many possibilities, the answers are neither easy nor obvious. High school students face the future with many decisions ahead of them.
Over 300 students and young adults recently attended the Career and Education Fair hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Duncanville, Texas, on February 19, 2022. Twenty-seven professionals from across North Texas representing a wide range of occupations talked to attendees, answering questions and providing insights into their work.
Byron Hunter, Army National Guard, noted that the Guard helped pay for his education. and has other advantages, too. “I stay in my state, so it’s Texans helping Texans. Employers are usually supportive. I’ve learned protective skills for my family and leadership skills for work. And yes, having no school debt helps!”
In front of a large display of her artwork and animation, Disney artist Judith Holmes Clarke said that she loves the creative process in her art: “It doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
Also presenting were firefighter and paramedic Patrick Cunha, Desoto City Manager Brandon Wright, Dr. Phillip Johnson, civil engineer James Gaertner, and translator and interpreter Eduardo Pena, to name only a few.
Joining the professionals were colleges and trade schools, including BYU (Pathways), Texas Woman’s University, University of North Texas, Texas State Technical College, Dallas College, Lincoln Tech, and more.
Maricela Gonzalez and Marlone Boone, college coaches for recruitment at Dallas College, were on hand to talk to youth about educational opportunities close to home. Maricela explained, “The Dallas system recently consolidated its structure but maintains seven campuses in all parts of Dallas County. It’s new, but the hope is that it’ll benefit students from all over the county.”
The one-on-one conversations with professionals and educators provided through the Career and Education Fair gave hope, inspiration, and for some, a clear road map for making dreams come true.
Building on the event’s success, plans have begun for the second annual fair.
Patrick Cunha, Cedar Hill Firefighter and Paramedic Erin Sotrey of Lincoln Technical Institute David Cox, CRNA, Vice Chief Nurse Anesthesiologist James Gaertner, civil engineer Dr. Phillip Johnson Taylor Leavitt, BYU Alum, now med school student Disney Artist Judith Holmes Clark Luke Brigmon, industrial engineer Craig Hogan, airline pilot Maricela Gonzalez and Marlone Boone of Dallas College Rachel Lopez, Dental hygienist Heather Smith of Texas Woman’s University Byron Hunter, Army National Guard Keith Earl, CPA Todd Reynolds, App Design Brandon Wright, City of Desoto city manager Deyanira De Leon, Translation and Interpretation Network Jessica Canales, Texas State Technical College
Photos by Jim Brunson.
Mary Ann Taylor is communications director for the Dallas Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Duncanville.
