Charleston High School students explore local career opportunities through SOAR program
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CHARLESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – Charleston High School students recently explored career opportunities in their community through SOAR, a local program designed to connect students with businesses, professionals and community leaders.
According to Charleston R-I Schools, students visited several locations throughout downtown Charleston to learn about different career paths and gain insight into local employment opportunities.
The program gave students an opportunity to meet directly with professionals, ask questions and learn about careers available in Mississippi County.
The tour began at the Mississippi County Library, where students met with Library Director Stephanie Bledsoe to learn about library operations and career opportunities.
Students then visited Charleston City Hall, where they met with City Manager Greg Luehmann, Charleston Department of Public Safety Police Chief Bobby Hearnes and City Attorney Tabatha Graham.
The group also stopped for lunch at The Scoop, sponsored by Bootheel Progress with Partnership.
Following lunch, students toured the Mississippi County Courthouse and spoke with County Clerk Emily Pullen about her role in county government.
The tour concluded with discussions about careers in law enforcement.
Capt. Barry Morgan of the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office and Trooper James Williams of the Missouri State Highway Patrol spoke with students about their work in public safety.
School officials said the SOAR program is intended to introduce students to career possibilities close to home while helping them establish connections with local employers and community leaders.
Charleston High School counselor Heather Brooks and school administrators thanked the participating businesses, organizations and professionals for supporting the program.
The district also recognized Alana Mills for helping organize the initiative and bringing SOAR to Charleston High School.
