Event exposes children to careers at an early age

CLARKESVILLE - Most kindergarten students have no idea what they might want to be when they grow up.

Even so, educators at one Habersham County school believe exposure to the community at an early age can have a positive impact on children.

Clarkesville Elementary School hosted its biennial Career Day Friday, with more than 50 careers represented.

"This gives us an opportunity to expose the students to a wide variety of careers, hopefully to spark their interest," said Principal Tim Goss. "I've heard a lot of kids say, 'That's what I want to do when I grow up.'"

But Career Day at Clarkesville Elementary is not just tables and brochures. Instead, the campus is transformed with a variety of specialty vehicles and even a helicopter.

"The biggest one is the helicopter," Goss said. "The State Patrol helicopter is here from the Aviation Division. That's a big hit with them. We have the Hummer from the Georgia State Patrol. We have the sheriff's department, the fire engine. Those are the big attractions outside - they love them. You can just tell by being around them. When they see them, their eyes get big."

Students in each grade (kindergarten through fifth grade) had the opportunity to view booths, exhibits and demonstrations set up in the school gymnasium, then got to view and explore the four-wheelers, law enforcement vehicles, trucks and other outdoor exhibits.

"We have a lot of different businesses from around the community, also in north Georgia - not just the community," Goss said. "I have to give our counselor Nancy Cathcart all the props for that. She does a wonderful job in organizing this event. It takes a tremendous amount of time. And also our custodian Joann - she works hard as well, just to get the wide variety that we have here."

While law enforcement personnel outside gave an overview of some of the larger equipment used during the performance of their duties, investigators from the Habersham County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division visited with children inside.

Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Chan Caudell also visited with children, as did other community leaders and businesspeople.

"This brings in community members from Clarkesville, from all of Habersham County and even from Gainesville and gives them a face to see when they go into local businesses with their parents, and to know as they get older what's offered," Goss said. "I think it exposes them to what we have here in Habersham County."