The CMS guidance department organized a blockbuster 8th grade career day for our half-day on May 15. The day began with a keynote presentation from Sandra Sworts-Gardner, Assistant Director of External Programs at Columbia-Greene Community College. Alongside current CGCC students, she highlighted the strategic advantages of community college and the long-term benefits of enrolling in "College in the High School" courses to get a head start on credits.
Next, five community professionals spoke about their career journeys, emphasizing the power of teamwork, the ability to pivot, and finding joy in your work. Our career speakers were:
Destiny Hallenbeck (Chatham grad) - Director of Operations for US Congressman Pat Ryan
Jon Friedman - Engineer
Jordan Wolf (Chatham grad) - Marketing
Julia Rose (Chatham grad) - Journalist
Stephanie Lee - Huntsman at Old Chatham Hunt Club
To round out the day, the eighth graders heard from panels representing ten recent Chatham graduates who returned to share their college experiences - from choosing the right major to the importance of joining clubs and staying resilient. Our panelists were Eudora Brennan, Jacob Carroll, Allison Engel, Anna Friedman, Max Friedman, Addi Perry, Cheyenne Perry, Logan Smalley, and Haley Perry.
A huge thank you to all our speakers for sharing your wisdom and inspiring our students to dream big!
