Brewster High School Seniors Attend Annual Career Fair

Earlier this month, Brewster High School held a Career Fair for its Senior class. More than 25 professionals from the local community and the school district came out to share their expertise and answer student questions.

Set up a little differently than the average Career Fair, Brewster High School Co-Principal Dr. Robin Young wanted to create an environment where presenters weren’t constantly interrupted by students spilling in and out of their presentation. Instead, students were able to choose three areas of interest and stay with each presenter for about thirty minutes. Professionals first gave a fifteen to twenty-minute presentation and then answered questions from students for the remainder of the time until the groups switched.

Sharen Lom, an educator and consultant who presented, was impressed with the entire experience.

“From the moment I arrived at the school, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Little touches like water on the table and thank you chocolates added to that feeling. The room was carefully organized to ensure optimum communication between presenters and students while allowing for efficient transitions to new stations. The variety of presentations was amazing and the people seem to have been chosen due not only to their expertise but also to their ‘people skills.’ It is not a simple task to put together such a large group with that vital combination.”

Lom was also impressed by the students. “I have seldom seen a more respectful, engaged and thoughtful group of students,” she said. “Their behavior was outstanding, and they are a credit to their parents, teachers, and administrators.”

Other presenters were equally impressed, remarking on the excellent behavior of the students and the welcoming, organized atmosphere. Student feedback was also positive. Seniors were happy with the number and variety of presenters and found the presentations themselves to be informative and engaging. “The presenters did a really good job giving us a run-down of their jobs,” one student said. “I found them all interesting.”

Other students noted that they learned valuable information. “The conversation with the civil engineer definitely influenced my decisions,” one noted. Another student found some of the presentations to be eye-opening, saying “Learning about the police force, there’s a lot more to it than I thought.”

Young praised the presenters for taking time out of their busy schedules to take part in the Career Fair.

“Our Career Fair was a success due to the professionalism of our presenters,” she said. “Their willingness to share their areas of expertise will impact our students for years to come.”

Young said she also hoped that the presenters got something out of the experience as well. “The passion they have for their careers was palpable. Just as they inspired our students, we hope our students’ excitement to learn about each career inspired them.”

Another Career Fair will be held in June for the Junior class.

Thank you to National Honor Society Members who created the charts for each area and the presenters who made our Career Fair a success.

• Community Supporters
  • Yolanda Arce, personal injury attorney at ARCE Law Office PLLC
  • Jennifer Johnson, managing director at CC Ford Healthcare
  • Florindo Gallicchio, Chief Information Security Officer
  • Amy Brill, human resources at Dunmore Corporation
  • Rob Nelson, manufacturing engineer at Dunmore Corporation
  • Thierry Danvin, owner and pastry chef at Brewster Pastry
  • Todd Gianguzzi, director of retirement and education planning at Transamerica
  • Craig Castrovinci, master instructor at United Martial Arts Centers (UMAC)
  • Robert Cinque, attorney at Goldsand and Cinque
  • Angela Morelli, funeral director at Beecher Funeral Home
  • Vincent Dalo, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department deputy sheriff
  • Bryan Kelly, physical therapist and owner of AON
  • John Watson, senior vice president at Insite Engineering
  • Sarah Weissman Dirsa, architect at KGD Architects
  • Paul Purpura, electrical engineer at PNWBOCES
  • Sharen Lom, educator and consultant
  • Margaret Carey, editor of Brewster’s HamletHub
  • Luis Sanchez, owner of Fiesta Mexicana and Las Mananitas

• BCSD Faculty Supporters:
  • Lisa Goeddel, occupational therapist
  • Erin Alvarez, clinical social worker
  • CDR Harry E. Waidelich, senior Naval science instructor
  • Kathy Culligan, director of human resources
  • Ginny Nacerino, Putnam County legislator
  • Shirley Ciotola, LPN
  • Terri-Ann Lisa, RN
  • Cathy Ashe, director of Child Nutrition Services
  • Jim Treloar, director of Technology and Innovation
  • John Castellano, Technology Department
  • Michael Hyatt, automotive diesel mechanic
  • Eric Proctor, automotive and truck technician
  • Jose Sala, automotive mechanic