By Whitney Denson

Clanton Elementary School students got the opportunity to see how their hobbies and interests can be turned into meaningful careers at Career Day on Friday, May 16.

More than 20 presenters visited the school, bringing extensive knowledge of their careers and visual aids for the young children to learn about.

“We make them work so hard, we wanted to show them what they are working for,” said Nancy Powell, a kindergarten teacher at CES that coordinated the Career Day festivities. “The kids learn that there really are so many jobs out there that they didn’t even know about.”

The children showed much enthusiasm after listening to the speakers and even took home some reminders from the various career representatives.

“I like that we got seeds to plant watermelons and we learned about art,” said Skyleigh Christensen, 6, after learning about planting from the representatives at Boozer and Pierce Farms, as well as learning about art from Josh Phillips, the drafting teacher at LeCroy Career Technical Center.

“We always want to help our community out,” said Phillips. “I try to talk about design in general, and reinforce the idea that their hobbies can become a career.”

More than 700 students took part in the listening and hands-on activities provided by the career representatives. According to Powell, the students not only learned about the various careers, but also about safety, health and what to do in emergency situations.

“I want to be a doctor when I grow up,” said Hunter Ousley, 8. “The doctor let us listen to people’s heartbeats and they help people.”

Kindergartners saw the following presenters: Chris Johnson with WPJN/WSMX radio, Clanton Police Officers Derrick Bone and Erick Smitherman, Dr. Thomas Cox from Cox Veterinary Clinic, Dental Hygienist Dana Bone, Josh Phillips from the Career Technical Center, an ambulance, and representatives from Boozer Farms and Pierce Farms.

First graders saw the following presenters: Jason Perault from the Music Ministry at WEBC, Jonathon and Traci Terrell from the Clanton Fire Department, attorney Allie Garrett, representatives from Peoples Savings Bank, Tommy Glasscock from the Career Technical Center, Officer David Hicks from the Clanton Police Department, and Barry Baker from Cornerstone Fitness and Wellness.

Second graders saw the following presenters: nurses Theresa Marcus and Holly Penley, Dr. Jeffrey Price from Chilton Family Medicine, Kenneth Moates with WKLF, Forester Brian Smith, Stacy Hall from Cakes and Candy, and Kristina Summerall from the National Weather Service.