Career Fair Reaches Multiple Grades with Community Support

Students from four different Lynden Schools enjoyed a wide-ranging Career Day that brought in over a dozen local professionals to give every fifth and seventh grade student in the district the opportunity to explore career pathways. 

“We are helping students see how what they are doing in school is relevant to what they will need in the work field,” says Tausha Caldarella, Fisher Elementary counselor and lead organizer of the event with Emily Holt. “It was a fun and engaging way to introduce career opportunities.”

The event occurred on Friday, held at the Lynden Main Street Campus, allowing students to visit the site and check out the various displays and booths while interacting with the presenters at each station. 

The mix of community presenters donated their time to help the students, showing off a range of career opportunities in the trades and professions that require college degrees. 

Examples included everything from Robert Holt, a large animal veterinarian, and North River Concrete Pumping to Bedlington Farms and Lynden Door. Kinetics Drive Solutions highlighted mechanical engineering, Dan DeWaard offered Hatch Photography, Michael Koenen presented The Locker Room fitness center, Derek DeKoster represented DeKoster Excavating, Kelly Snoek presented therapy dogs and Jolene Hayes and Jess Holt highlighted hair styling. Additional presenters included the Lynden Fire Department, Washington State Patrol, Brian Maynard of Les Schwab, Safeway, Whatcom County Public Works and Starbucks.

“I want to thank all the presenters,” Caldarella says, “who gave up their time to use their love for their jobs, their talents and wisdom to help kids get excited about their futures and invest in our students.”