On February 9th, Hardee Junior High School eighth-grade students embarked on an exciting learning journey, opening its doors to guests from across Florida and as far north as Race City USA for their first-ever Dare 2 Dream Career Fair. The event's primary goal was to expose students to a multitude of career opportunities, ranging from those requiring high school diplomas to trade school certificates and degree programs. Hardee Junior High staff Levi Lambert, Michelle Knight, and Joy Roberts are credited with planning and organizing this event. What resulted was a diverse group of career options available to students within our community. These options included participants from the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, Hardee County Fire Rescue, Florida Department of Health, AdventHealth Wauchula, South Florida State College, Peace River Electric Cooperative, Kinbro, Florida Department of Corrections, Boxer-Edner Cherry, NASCAR's BJ McLeod, Florida Highway Patrol, SWAT, Eden Salon, Charlie Creek Coffee Company, and Smokin' Tenderness BBQ.
The selection of participants was based on an eighth-grade student survey that helped to guide the inclusion of agencies and small businesses. Many of these options are located right here in our community. Students were tasked with a scavenger hunt to help them interact with each participant. The scavenger hunt consisted of questions that were used to guide students through conversations with participating businesses and agencies. Questions included: "Name one of the four divisions of the HCSO uniform patrol?", "Did McLeod graduate high school?", "Name one degree program offered at South Florida State College.", and "At what age can I apply to work at Hardee Correctional Institution?". Students then submitted their responses to a drawing to win prizes such as gift cards, candies, and cotton candy.
The event required two staging areas for the participating agencies. Inside the HJH auditorium students were presented with captivating information and visuals, such as a paramedic gurney simulation by Hardee County Fire Rescue. Also in attendance was South Florida State College, represented by Dr. Crawford and Mrs. Katrina Blandin, which showcased the array of opportunities available at SFSC such as lineman and surgical techs. Representatives from AdventHealth Wauchula and the Florida Department of Health shared a wealth of information about job opportunities in the healthcare system.
Students enrolled in the lineman program at South Florida State College were well represented with eight future linemen and their instructor. Lineman instructor Mario Gomez is a Hardee Senior High School graduate who completed the lineman program at South Florida State College. Gomez said, "I showcased the tools and techniques used in the lineman program with students at HJH's career fair, emphasizing the program's duration and career prospects. As someone who completed the program a few years ago and now serves as an instructor at South Florida State College, it's fulfilling to guide students through the same journey I once took." Mario Gomez is a great example of the endless career possibilities in our community.
Edner Cherry showcased his achievements in boxing and talked to students about the importance of staying focused, setting goals, staying in school, and staying out of trouble. Cherry included boxing gloves, training equipment, and belts in his display. He shared it was important to showcase what hard work and determination can accomplish. Cherry will have the honor of being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame this June. He is excited and already planning for next year's Career Fair.
Outdoors, under the sunny skies, the football field transformed into a showcase of large equipment displays. Hardee County Fire Rescue provided an awe-inspiring walkthrough of an ambulance, fire engine, and a brush fire truck. Lt. Keith Patterson from Hardee County Fire Rescue said he anticipated having most students engaged with the presentation on their rapid deployment capabilities but was pleasantly surprised to find students were fully engaged. Students were even allowed to try on structure fire gear. Patterson said he spent most of his day placing fire gear on excited students eager to learn more.
Journeyman Lineman Zach Bowes from the City of Wauchula also praised the students for their insightful questions.
The Hardee County Sheriff's office presented an impressive array, featuring a SWAT MRAPP, K9 squad, administrative detail, deputies from the patrol division, and much more. The Florida Highway Patrol showcased marked and unmarked units with Auxiliary Captain Joseph Filice and Captain Jeffrey VanArsdale to speak to students. NASCAR's BJ McLeod also made a special appearance, sharing his journey and allowing students to sit in his show car. BJ is also a graduate of Hardee Senior High School.
Hardee Correctional Institution showcased its recruitment department with Sergeant Cori Dix's help, and the K9 squad collaborated with HCSO in an interagency scenario, providing students with a realistic glimpse into law enforcement operations. Sgt. Cori Dix said, "Throughout the event, we spoke with students about career opportunities with the Florida Department of Corrections and were also able to do a tracking demonstration with K-9 Lilly with the assistance of the Hardee County Sheriff’s Department." The K9 demonstration, with PSA Carlton playing the role of a suspect and Hardee Correctional Sergeant Spencer trailed his K9 named Lily, showcasing her tracking skills by distinguishing between the over 400 onlookers to find the mock suspect. Dix went on to say, "I feel these types of events are important because it allows students to explore options at a young age of what’s available for them upon graduation from high school. It also allows us to get out in the community and network with other agencies and the community. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit with the students and look forward to returning."
To fuel the energy of the attendees, food and drink vendors, including Charlie Creek Coffee Company and Smokin' Tenderness BBQ, provided lunch to participating agencies and businesses including HJH staff. The Dare 2 Dream event was an extraordinary showcase of community collaboration, inspiring students to explore their passions and envision a future full of possibilities.
Hardee Junior High would like to thank all the businesses and agencies who took time out of their busy workdays to inspire and spark interest in our eighth-grade students. Preparation for next year's Dare 2 Dream event will include all three grade levels sixth, seventh, and eighth. Any community agency or small business interested in participating next year can contact Levi Lambert at llambert@hardee.k12.fl.us for more information.
