As a 13- or 14-year-old, what did you want to do or be when you grew up?

For those who knew what they wanted to do, is that what you are today? Did you have any real-life experience that gave insight into what being a veterinarian, firefighter, astronaut, pro athlete, scientist, teacher or, for those with lofty goals, the president of the United States would really be like? Did you ever think about what industry your career goal fit into?

Thanks to the Vicksburg Warren School District, 13- and 14-year-old children growing up in this community got some real-life insight into multiple professional career paths this week. And the insight came from local high school students who they likely look up to and admire.

The annual Academy Showcase at the Vicksburg Convention Center, which is structured to help eighth-grade students choose which high school academy best fits their skills, passions and plans for life after high school, teaches them about career pathways within the three high school academies; Architecture, Construction, Mechatronics and Engineering (ACME), Communications, Arts and Business (CAB) and Health and Human Services (HHS).

The showcase is all part of the school district’s goal for every student to graduate from high school either employed, enlisted in the military, enrolled in college or an entrepreneur.

The district’s and Superintendent of Education Chad Shealy’s work to make life paths into four granular options for our children is brilliant. Each one is a good pathway that can lead to a successful life, and helps ensure all Warren County children lead a life of purpose.

The goal of being employed, enlisted in the military, enrolled in college or an entrepreneur sets children to put their sights on graduating and goals for life after high school. For those who follow and adopt the Vicksburg Warren County School District’s methodology, not graduating or being unemployed after graduation is simply not an option.

We thank the District, volunteers and high school students who shared their stories with eighth-graders and all those involved in putting on this year’s Academy Showcase.