Students at Patagonia Union High School had the opportunity to explore possible career paths on Friday, Jan. 15, at the Career Fair, hosted by the Community Coalition of Eastern Santa Cruz County. Students were able to visit with the presenters, who represented fields as varied as graphic design and law enforcement.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

Each presenter discussed how he or she had come to work in a particular field and what opportunities were available for prospective job seekers.

Lars Marshall, of WestWord Vision, an advertising and image development company in Patagonia, told the students that it was possible to have a successful business based in a small town.

Jim Pendleton, of Arizona Fabrication, pointed out that the mechanics field is growing, but he suggested that “If you’re not sure where you want to go, go into the military to gain experience.”

The Santa Cruz County One-Stop Career Center was a popular booth with items and literature for the kids. The center works with people, “from age 14 to age 72,” according to Belinda St. John, who was manning the booth. The center teaches work readiness skills and coordinates with businesses to place clients. The center can provide transportation to and from job sites.

Austin Mason, a high school freshman, asked about culinary programs. St. John told him, “It’s never too early to start looking at your long term goals. We help you look at your short-term goals and your long-term goals to help you map out a plan.”

Rob Horsmann and Wayne Porter had a steady stream of students come by their table to learn about opportunities in renewable energy, and students crowded around the Border Patrol table to hear Ashley Moore describe the process for becoming an agent. The Patagonia police department demonstrated its drug education kit, and former policeman Judge Keith Barth described his career path “from the beat to the bench.”

The students had many questions. When asked if they found it interesting, one group of girls nodded enthusiastically. “It beats being in class,” 8th grader Faith Hendricks said.