“What do you want to be when you grow up?”  This question resonated throughout the campus of Haywood Elementary on October 7.
Five-hundred children filled the lawn with their teachers, eagerly going from booth to booth learning about possible careers for their future. In 1995, our school had a vision to expose our young children to the importance education plays in having a career. With the help of many generous businesses and services in our community, Career Day was born. Sixteen years later it is an annual event that all involved look forward to.
This year we had 20 participants. As students visited each booth, they listened to a five-minute talk about the career, saw many tools, vehicles, things produced or used by the participants in their jobs. The participants told the children what educational requirements were needed to be able to have that particular career. Then, the children left that booth with the information and usually with a treat as well. After a sack lunch outside, students were tired, happy, and informed.
We would like to thank the following businesses who faithfully come each year to our Career Day: Wal-Mart, Lasco, Brownsville Utility Department, Tennessee Tractor, Haywood Ambulance Authority, Brownsville Police Department, Elma Ross Public Library, Brownsville Fire Department, Southwest Tennessee Electric, First State Bank, Haywood Company, Insouth Bank, HHS AFJROTC, HHS HOSA, HHS Culinary Arts, Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, HHS FFA John Joiner, HHS FFA – Gary Butler, Eddie Martin horses, Children and Family Services, Regions Bank, YMCA, Haywood Park Community Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Haywood County Solid Waste Department, Boys and Girls Club and the Haywood County Health Department. Because they care, our community is a better place today and has a hopeful future.