An engineer, a nurse, a firefighter, a farmer and other working professionals gathered at Redwood Elementary Thursday for their second annual career day.

Sixth-grade teacher Ashley Coomes said the purpose is to inspire the students.

“We do it because we want the students to see their potential for their future, the purpose for their education, and the reason we’re trying to instill good qualities in them and how it will pay off later on in a career,” she said.

Coomes said the career day was an excellent opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge of what careers are available to them.

“They’ve never been exposed to some of these careers, so it’ll hopefully give them an interest in some of them and something to work toward,” she said. “We’re trying to make all students see their leadership potential.”

Sixth-grader Peyton McBroom said he learned the most about being a DJ.

“It’s something cool,” he said. “You play music, and people call you, and you get to play the music they want to hear.”

Sixth-grader Isaiah Kirkley said he was excited to talk to the state trooper because he might want to be one in the future.

“I’m excited to talk about what he does every day and protecting people,” he said.

Makenna Boswell said she was looking forward to talking to the chef.

“I like that you get to go around and talk to everyone about their jobs and what they do,” she said. “What their typical day is like.”

River 101 Morning Show Host Evelyn Johnson said she decided to do things a little different than last year.

“Last year they asked questions, but I wanted them to do a more hands on activity,” she said. “I asked them what their favorite video game, snacks or shoes were and asked them to write like a 30 second commercial to the whole entire world why they should eat their favorite snack, or wear their favorite shoe or play their favorite game.”
Johnson said the kids who she talked to were polite and prepared.

“I wanted to challenge them to be creative and get them to do a little of what we do at work every day,” she said. “That was a pretty cool experience, and they actually came up with some pretty good stuff.”

Johnson said one student in particular came to her saying he wanted to be in the NFL but ended up coming back wanting to know more about the radio business.

Chef Jay Parmegiani, owner of ROCA Restaurant and Bar and 10 South Rooftop Bar and Grill, said he was delighted to teach the students about his fulfilling career.

“I have a little bit of credibility since I own a restaurant,” he said. “They were listening very intently finding out how to do what they love to do and make money doing it.”

Parmegiani said it was good for the students to get exposure to so many potential careers at an early age.

“Twelve or 13 is when I started, granted it was a family business, but that’s when I got my feet wet in the kitchen,” he said. “I love what I do, and it’s great just to be able to talk to the kids at that young, impressionable age.”

Parmegiani brought his blowtorch and made creme brulee in front of the students while they conversed.
“It’s one of those really cool desserts where you can actually see something happen with,” he said. “Every opportunity I get to talk to kids I bust that out. It’s always an attention grabber and makes them ask good questions.”