hotos/CARRI GRAHAM ABOVE: Seventh-grader Silas Simpson tries on a pair of gloves during the St. Clairsville Middle School career day Thursday.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE– Dozens of professionals in a variety of fields came out to speak to eager students during St. Clairsville Middle School’s career day.

Principal Mike McKeever said nearly 50 professionals attended the career day Thursday at the school. Those professions included a little bit of everything from doctors, lawyers and police to linemen, hairstylists and tattoo artists.

McKeever said the students were so happy to be hearing from people in their fields of interest that they dressed up for the occasion. Some were wearing suits and ties or nice dresses, while others donned uniforms of professions they hope to have when they grow up. One student was in scrubs and had a stethoscope around her neck.

“It’s been awesome. A lot of them dressed up today, they wanted to be professional when having our community and guests today. The kids are just so excited to learn about these professions, all the different professions that are out there,” he said.

McKeever said the presenters were “phenomenal” and really allowed students to see what is available in the workforce for those interested in furthering their education or being hired out of high school.

“It’s so interesting for not only the kids but for the adults, too — our teaching staff. It’s awesome for our kids to have this opportunity to see what’s out there in the job force and have their middle school years to really start thinking about what they want to pursue in the future,” he said, adding that the staff and students greatly appreciate those who took time out of their busy schedules to attend and speak with students.

Assistant Superintendent Christina Laudermilt, who helped organize the event, said students in the middle school, fifth through eighth grades, were given a list of the professions and were able to choose eight to visit throughout the day in place of their normal class periods.

“It’s nice this way because each presenter is given 40 minutes to talk to students. … It gives them the chance to tell them how they started out and what they have found out throughout their career. It’s really interesting to hear different presenters say, ‘I started out in this but I didn’t like the way it was working so I went this route instead.’ It’s nice for kids to hear that, too,” she said.

“Middle school is all about exploration, and that’s what we really wanted to hoan in on this year.”

Laudermilt said organizers wanted to ensure they had all types of jobs and professions covered during the event.

“Everyone thinks you have to go to college and we wanted to make sure we were showing all their opportunities and you decide what you want to do,” she said.

Fifth-grader Raegen Fillipovich said she was excited for the day and to hear from the presenters about possible careers when she gets older.

“I get to see a lot of people who are really nice and they teach us a lot about things. Like before this, I wanted to be something totally different but now I want to be part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and I want to be a nurse,” she said, adding that she’s learned a lot from the day.

Brody Russel, a seventh-grader, said he was most excited for the police presentation.

“I’m really into airsoft guns and stuff,” he said, adding that his favorite part of the day was seeing the SWAT vehicle.

Russel said he was also looking forward to hearing from the military. As for the future, he said if he fails to make it to the NFL, he plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

St. Clairsville Police Department officers were stationed outside the J.B. Martin Recreation Center where they spoke to students about a career in law enforcement. Students were able to try on bulletproof vests, helmets and other gear as well as check on their patrol vehicles.

Patrolman Mike Wheeler said the event helps shed a positive light on law enforcement, allowing them to connect with the youth. Patrolman Michael Duplaga added that it was a great opportunity to help expand law enforcement, as many departments are short staffed right now and in need of new hires.

American Electric Power linemen Joe Campbell and Cullen Ebbert showed students what it is like to work in the field. An AEP truck was available for students to explore, and a table was set up with various gear and equipment used by linemen. Campbell said that having both himself and Ebbert available gave kids the perspective of someone who has been in the field for 40 years, like himself, and someone who has been for five years. He said it is a satisfying job, especially during storms when they are able to help keep the power on for residents.

Ebbert said he mostly enjoys being able to help people, and the money isn’t bad either. He said it is a good-paying job that comes with a lot of hard work.

“You get called out all hours of the day whatever the weather is,” Campbell added.

Other participating businesses and speakers included Sonotone Hearing, Wallace Pancher Group, EQT, Belmont Correctional Institute, Richland Township Trustee Greg Clark, Belmont College representatives, CARE Funeral & Cremation, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital representatives, West Virginia Northern Community College representatives, Belmont Savings Bank, Low Lock Tattoo, WesBanco, Myser & Davies, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Source Fitness, Tim’s Custom Installation, West Liberty University, MPR Transloading and Energy Services, Whiteside’s Auto, St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce, Belmont County commissioners, JIS Orthopedics, Mayor Kathryn Thalman, Family Dentistry, Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District, Probate and Juvenile Judge Al Davies, Army National Guard, Revival Salon, WTOV 9, Tom 5 Properties, Hill International Trucking, Electrical Lineman, Barton EMS, Cumberland Trail Fire Department, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Branch, Belmont County Port Authority, St. Clairsville Public Library, and Ohio Oil & Gas Energy Education Program.