Woonsocket's 8th Graders Look Ahead

A groomer, a banker, a stylist, a firefighter, a carpenter or a chef: 8th graders at Woonsocket Middle School at Villa Nova considered these future careers and more at a career fair Wednesday morning. 

"I grew up in Woonsocket, just like you guys," said Steve Girard, a manager for CVS.

Around 20 professions were represented at the second annual event held in planning rooms on three floors of the school.

Students were given guided dialog to move conversations along as they stopped at each station. Representatives showed the students the tools of their field, from hair dryers and combs, to knife sets used to prepare meals at Johnson and Wales.

At one popular station, firefighter Lt. Peter Blais was in full gear as he talked about the job. Catherine Anne Frend of showed off Gizzy, one of her client's puppies.

Other organizations at the fair included: RivezEdge Arts Project, Woonsocket Prevention Coalition, Connecting For Children and Families, CCRI, Milford Federal Savings, Paul Mitchell Cosmetology, RI Crime Lab, Gilbane Construction, ROTC, RIC, WaytogoRI.org and Woonsocket Patch.

The event was developed by an intern last year as part of a graduate project and guidance counselors Rachel and Kevin Scott put together Wednesday's line-up. Presenters were treated to breakfast prior to facing the roughly 450 curious 8th graders in attendance.