KAPA‘A — While many students were investigating career options beyond high school, many others were looking for work while still in high school. “It could be that the students want to help their families,” said Salynn Gonsalves, the coordinator for
KAPA‘A — While many students were investigating career options beyond high school, many others were looking for work while still in high school.
“It could be that the students want to help their families,” said Salynn Gonsalves, the coordinator for the Kapa‘a High School Career Fair that was held Friday in the school’s gym and lower campus.
Gonsalves said many of the students’ families have had layoffs affect them and the students are looking for ways to help out.
“I am looking for work to help with college expenses,” said Chloe Marchant, a junior who was inquiring about job openings for students at The Garden Island newspaper while she continues her education.
Are you global ready? Discover your pathway into tomorrow’s workplace was the theme of the Career Fair that attracted about 50 vendors and was open to students in the 9th through 12th grades.
Eric Nordmeier of WorkWise said he was there to help the students in a highly competitive job market.
“A lot of the people seeking work today have degrees and job experience,” Nordmeier said. “Some of the students have no idea of how competitive the job market is right now. WorkWise can help them with personal evaluations, resumes, and helping them through the interview process so they can find a job that suits them.”
In addition to individual presenters, several of the organizations brought along special vehicles to supplement their presenters.
Carol Everett, the education outreach coordinator at the Kaua‘i Humane Society enlisted the help of Lana, her pet dog, and volunteer Ann Cunningham to reach out to the students, many stopping as Lana performed for the students in return for treats and pats.
Wayne Miyata, one of the instructors at the Kaua‘i Community College, pointed out a proposed Art and Digital Media Program that will, when initiated, offer three paths to a career. These include a Graphic Design Certificate, Web Design Certificate and transfer to a university or art school.
“It’s being offered right now at the Kapiolani College, and we’re hoping that everything can work out so Kaua‘i Community College can start offering it from this fall,” Miyata said.
The alternative energy trailer from the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was parked outside the gym and the Kaua‘i Fire Department had three of its trucks outside the main entrance to the gym.
Mark Ozaki, one of the Kaua‘i Police Department presenters, said the department had the Mobile Incident Command Vehicle parked at the lower campus.
“This is our second year at this event,” said Chanel Flores of Tihati Productions, producers of the lu‘au at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa. “We’re from Honolulu, but are getting a lot of interest from students, and we do need talent from people wanting to learn the culture and language.”
Flores said she remembered some students commenting “There’s nothing here that interests us” from last year’s event.
She turned that around this year as she popped an ‘ukulele into the hands of a junior student and pulling together three other junior and sophomore students, formed an impromptu group that performed a piece on the floor.
“This is really good,” said Pepe Kuhaulua, the student playing the ‘ukulele. “I finally found something I like.”
In addition to Gonsalves, the Kapa‘a Career Fair Committee included Sgt. Major Bill Barchers, Terri Christensen, Joan Kealalio, Robyn Keawe, Mike Maddock, Doris Morioka Fulks, Nellie Okamoto and Harriet Watanabe.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
