World of Opportunity Highlighted at LMS Career Day

Eighth-grade students at recently attended Career Day, an annual event planned by middle school counselors Kasey Kenworthy and Patti Esser.

The morning began with a special keynote address, delivered by Lawrence alum Shamil Rodriguez. After graduating from Lawrence High School in 2006, Mr. Rodriguez continued his studies at St. John’s University. Three months prior to his graduation in 2010, he managed to secure an internship with a prominent New Jersey congressman. Mr. Rodriguez then went to work for the No. 1 lobbying firm in New Jersey. He is now a business owner, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, as well as the youngest-ever member of the Mercer County Community College’s Board of Trustees at age 25.

After an energetic, interactive, and engaging speech about the importance of setting goals, asking questions, and keeping a good inner-circle of friends, students went on to three different rotations, where they heard from a variety of speakers, many of whom were Lawrence graduates or parents of current LMS students.

One presenter, Patrick Guidotti, has been skateboarding for almost 28 years. During that time he has had board and shoe sponsorships from several companies including Five Boro and Vans, competed several times in the Vans Warped Tour, participated in contests and demos around the United States as well as internationally, and established friendships with many groundbreaking industry leaders. He has been featured in Thrasher and Transworld magazines as well as in many independent print and online publications. In 2004 he began teaching skateboarding for Washington Township, and in 2008 he co-founded Totally Skateboards.

Other presenters who graciously gave up their time to present included: Brett Brackett, Emily Donahue, David Orent, Paul Palombi, Johnathan Fleming, Rex Maralit, Glenn Altchek, Heath Friedman, Steven Friedman, Jennifer Short, Kelly Harding, Robert Rothenberg, Michael Hughes, Craig Robinson, Dr. Richard Porwancher, Christina Stamatelos, Andrew Stamatelos, Cody Gallo, T.J. Jahn, Dr. Scott Donofrio, Stephanie Coutros, Steve Groeger, Rick Smith, Bob Bostock, Pete Burns, and Lawrence’s own Captain Paul Tweedly.

Careers presented included teachers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, Peace Corps volunteer, firefighters, police officers, engineers, sales, professional athletes, plant manager, chef/restaurant owner, farm manager, entrepreneurs, speech writers, physical therapist, and property managers.

The guests provided interactive presentations so students could have a glimpse of what they do on a daily basis. All presenters emphasized the importance of having a goal along with the flexibility to adjust the goal as priorities or expectations change. Students gained an understanding of the cultural challenges and experiences of the Peace Corps, appreciated the mental and emotional challenges facing a nurse in the maternity ward and recognized the freedom of a freelance writer.

Many students had an opportunity to hold an actual fire hose while water sprayed out, as well as sit in the fire truck and turn on the sirens. Overall, students were able to leave with a better understanding of the requirements of each of these careers.

Editor's Note: The above news release  was contributed by .