HOWARD — Teenagers can make a positive difference in their communities, and one example is the Knox County College and Career Fair which will be held at East Knox Middle School on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 40 colleges, technical schools and businesses are expected to participate.
Knox County high school students, parents and guidance counselors are cordially invited to attend the Knox County College and Career Fair, which is the brainchild of EKHS junior Zach Sawicki, who enlisted the aid of fellow students and adult volunteers to bring the fair to life.
Sawicki explained how the idea of the fair was born. “As a junior, I was anxious about college and eager to prepare myself as much as possible. I filled out most of my college application and had already done extensive research into the schools that fit my desires. One day, however, I realized that a surprising amount of my classmates had barely put a single thought to college, and it confused me. I just imagined that it was something in mind for everyone. I was explaining this very thought to a friend of mine, Russell Williams, and we concluded that it would be beneficial to our student body, and not only ours, but the schools in the surrounding areas, to hold a college and career fair.
“We want to invite students to see the benefits of a college education and help them realize that it isn't a far-fetched dream. Also, we want to expose students to new schools that they had not previously known about. Basically we are promoting enthusiasm about higher learning.
“But our fair isn’t limited to just colleges. We have invited many technical schools as we realize college isn’t for everyone. In addition to both of these, we have eight workshops that will be taking place ranging from tips for a successful college application to necessary attributes of an employee in the workforce.”
Williams is the chairman of the sponsorship and donations subcommittee. He has encouraged the local business community to support the event by donating printing, door prizes and services.
Other student task force members include promotions chairman Dallas Durfee, Steph Harman, Mitch McDaniel, Elizabeth Ickes, Luisa Singlertary, Jay Green, Miles Fulton, Jamison Shriver, Joe Ickes and Joe Pearson.
Those who attend the fair will have a chance to win door prizes provided by Knox County merchants and view featured artwork from Creative Foundations. Lunch and snacks may be purchased from the East Knox Athletic Boosters, and complimentary chair massages will be provided to fair attendees by the Knox County Career Center.
For more information, contact the Knox County College and Career Fair Committee at ekhsfair@gmail.com, 740-481-1222, 599-7000 ext. 1002 or Facebook.
