Hononegah students prepare for their future at Career and Education Fair

Students at Hononegah Community High School spend four years studying a variety of subjects. But Principal Chad Dougherty believes the most important thing students can do at Hononegah is to prepare for what they will do when they leave Hononegah.

Career and Education Fair was held at the school on Thursday evening, April 25, 2024. Over 50 representatives from local manufacturers, businesses, colleges and trade schools offered information about their organizations. The public was invited too.

This year, freshmen students could attend during their lunch hour. The inclusion gives the younger students some idea of what is available for them a few years down the road.

Students at HCHS are given opportunities throughout the year to learn about what they might want to pursue, and the options available after finishing high school.

Their choice might be be studying at a two or four-year college, learning a trade, a career working in the healthcare field or joining a branch of the military.

In addition to promoting college education, Hononegah has stepped up information about trades and job opportunities and partnering with local manufacturing and business owners to learn about available options as they begin exploring pathways to their future after high school.

Nick Fleege is the liaison between the organizations and the school. He organizes events, manages and supports them. The Career and Education Fair fosters and facilitates relationships between organizations and the community.

Additional career events during the school include Meet and Greets, a mini career day; Work Place Readiness; Engineer and Manufacturing Immersion Night, and the Incubator program.

The Incubator class trains tomorrow's entrepreneurs on how to start their own businesses, with the help of community mentors and coaches.

Career and Education participants

Julissa Costaneda, Human Resource manager at the South Beloit and Beloit Boys and Girls Club, answered questions about programs, activities and opportunities available.

Rockford Police Department was represented by Officers Brian Squires and Sherrell Woods at the April 25, HCHS Career and Education Expo. Many students stopped by their booth with questions about becoming a police officer.

Kayah Bean and Nate Hamilton talked about opportunities for employment at Woodward Governor during the HCHS Career and Education Day. Over 50 businesses and organizations took part in the all-day event.

Kristina Marshall talked with students interested in cosmetology. Marshall represented Education of Beauty College of Cosmetology in Rockford, IL.

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