On Wednesday, Oct. 3, 45 local organizations participated in the Third Annual Artesia High School Career Fair, providing information and networking opportunities to high school students preparing to enter higher level education or the workforce.
Debbie Kinnibrugh, an AHS guidance counselor, said, “Many students think that the only way they can be successful is by getting a college degree, and they don’t realize that the trades and on the job training are other pathways to success.”
The students collected candy and swag from law enforcement agencies including the Artesia Police Department, Eddy County Sherriff’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol and mingled with business professionals from First American Bank, Century 21 Real Estate, the Artesia Daily Press, and CVE. A full list of businesses is compiled below.
According to Kinnibrugh, this year students were able to participate in hands-on activities as well, such as suturing pigs’ feet, making dental molds, chair massages, and more. The Artesia Police Department provided their Crime Science; the Artesia Training Academy provided information about obtaining CDLs and the jobs made available to those who hold that certification. ConocoPhillips gave a drone presentation, EOG had a display of rocks and minerals, and American Safety Services showed safety ropes.
Local entrepreneurs were represented by Sun Country Dog Grooming, who arrived with evidence of their expertise in the form of a poodle shaved and colored like a skeleton, and New Orleans Shaved Ice. AHS graduate Dr. Rhaela Stall brought goats and medical equipment.
Kinnibrugh said, “There was really something for everyone.”
The students and teachers provided positive feedback:
“I liked that I got to see many different careers and options for my future. It was a good step for me to better my career choices and decisions,” said Lilyan Riley. “I liked that I not only got to see the careers, but was also able to practice certain things like sutures and dental work.”
“The career fair showed me that there are a bunch of possible places me and other kids can go and work or go to school and join companies,” said senior Manuel Estrada. “The police department helped me realize that it was something I wanted to do. They help the community and keep others safe and that’s something I have always wanted to do…to help people.”
“There was a lot of interaction with the students and it seemed like students really enjoyed it,” Scott Keimle, media teacher, said. “The businesses and vendors captured the students’ imagination and gave them something to think and prepare for their futures about with the different career opportunities in our area.”
Participating businesses included:
American Safey Services Incorporated
Artesia Credit Union
Artesia Daily Press/Jess Addington Photography
Artesia Fire Department
Artesia General Hospital Advanced Learning Center
Artesia General Hospital (Surgery Department)
Artesia General Hospital
Artesia Physical Therapy, LLC
Artesia Polica Department
Artesia Recreation Department
Artesia Training Academy
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Central Valley Electric Cooperative
Century 21
Chase Foundation
ConocoPhillips
Dr. Raburn Chiropractic
Eddy County Detention Center
Eddy County Fire and Rescue
Eddy County Human Resources
Eddy County Sherriff’s Office
EOG Resources
First American Bank
GCI Contractors
Harvest Fellowship
Harvey and Simons CPAs
HF Sinclair/Navajo Refining
J&J Home Healthcare
Mack Energy
New Mexico Rural Water Association
NM Workforce Connection Center
Pecos Valley Equipment
Peñasco Valley Telecommunications
Permian Basin Guidance and Counseling
Primary Residential Mortgage Inc (PRMI)
Dr. Rhaela Stall- Large Animal Veterinarian
Salado Isolation Mining Contractors/WIPP
SENM Massage Therapy School
Smile Xpressions
Sun Country Grooming
Tresco
U.S. Border Patrol
Upcycology
Wilbanks Trucking, LLC
ZenCare Family Wellness Center