Seward High School students were given the opportunity to peruse their career options on Thursday at the school’s first Career Day.

Tables were set up in the school’s gym, commons, cafeteria and some hallways, each with a local professional for the students to talk to. Organizers said that before the event, students worked to identify some of the opportunities they may be interested in.

According to event fliers, more than 50 businesses were represented, including the Seward fire and police departments, Seward Community Health Center, PAWS, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Seward Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Hotel, Seward Air Tours, Seward Properties, Homer Electric Association and Alaska State Court. Peninsula Clarion reporters also attended and spoke with students about journalism.

For two hours, students moved between tables, some checking in at many, others remaining at a single table for an extended period of time. Bruce Jaffa, of Jaffa Construction, held the attention of nearly a dozen students for around 30 minutes.

In addition to the more open job fair setup, a series of presentations were scheduled and delivered in the school’s auditorium. These were hosted by businesses participating in the career day, but somewhat more widely discussed pathways to careers in different fields like real estate, fishing and health care.

Mica Van Buskirk, president of the Seward Schools Site-Based Council, said career day has been a priority of the council’s for “many years.” Logistical issues including the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its realization, but when an opportunity presented itself this year, “it came together pretty fast.”

The career day was a unique chance for Seward students to be exposed to their local businesses and opportunities, Van Buskirk said. Plans are already in place for growing the program next year.

“We want this to be the first step towards building business partnerships in town, getting more internships and on-the-job training and mentorships happening in our town with our kids,” she said.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

A representative of AVTEC delivers a presentation to students at Seward High School’s Career Day on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Seward High School students visit tables and speak to local professionals at Seward High School’s Career Day on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Bruce Jaffa, of Jaffa Construction, speaks to a group of students at Seward High School’s Career Day on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Seward High School in Seward, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)