Learning fair offers an array of resources

WINTERSVILLE -- Indian Creek High School opened its doors to showcase opportunities for employment, education and health during IC Learning Fair 2023 on March 16.

The fair provided businesses seeking adult and student employees, higher education and military options, local health opportunities and Indian Creek educational endeavors. Attendants also could bring their resumes and apply for job and learn about the resources available while vendors were on display in the school wings and hot dogs, soups and refreshments were provided in the cafeteria. Elementary and high school choirs, spring sports teams and a preview of the ICHS spring musical, "Little Shop of Horrors," were exhibited throughout the evening.

Among the participants were recruiters from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force; Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program; the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County; Images Mammography Center; Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development; McDonald's; the Indian Creek Local School District; Tri-State Financial Services; Community Federal Financial Institution; Softite Community Federal Credit Union; Ohio University/OU Eastern; JATC Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 495; Trinity Health System; Sienna Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation; Addus Home Health; Ohio Department of Transportation; East Ohio Correctional Center; Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration; Jefferson County Department of Jobs and Family Services; Cedar One Realty; Ohio State Highway Patrol; the Leader in Me organization; CHANGE Inc.; Ohio Valley Health Center; Family Recovery Center; Wal-Mart Distribution Center; Jefferson County Community Action Council; Mingo Junction Fire Department; Trinity School of Nursing; Youngstown State University; and Eastern Gateway Community College.

Meanwhile, English, art and social studies work were also displayed while those in attendance viewed Ink Society works, robotics, the planned hellbender pilot project and the Future Career and Community Leaders of America's distracted driving grant project. Prizes and giveaways were offered.

Principal Louie Retton was pleased with the turnout and hopes to make the fair an annual event.

"We've had a great turnout and were able to raise awareness about businesses, health, education, military opportunities and provide a place for everyone to gather," Retton said.

"We had many activities with the elementary and high school choirs, jazz band, Tri-State Community Band, 'Little Shop of Horrors' and we had our Esports teams display their game against Cincinnati Moeller High School. We're trying to raise awareness of what's available and there were a ton of vendors. This is going to be an annual event and we expect it to be bigger and better every time."

Teacher Julie Robinson, who helped organize the event, was excited about the response and said there was a wide array on hand.

"There was a lot to see and we had students who came looking for jobs," Robinson added.

Some of those in attendance agreed it was a great way to learn about resources and possible career paths.

"It's very exciting," said ICHS sophomore Melia Lane. "It's helping me think of jobs when I graduate."

"I liked it because it has given me an idea of what I want to do," added sophomore Lily McElroy. "I already have some ideas."

Junior Melsi Spahillari, an exchange student from Albania, said he visited the USAF display to ponder his future in the skies and spoke with recruiter Sgt. Marc Cintron about opportunities.

Kristy Retton, supervisor of the Images Mammography Center, said it was a chance to promote health and support the community, and she was glad to see the youth so involved.

"It's nice to see the kids be happy and engaged and we try to be out in the community," she noted.