MAKING PLANS — Indian Creek High School students and business pathway instructor Johnna Provenzano have been fine tuning plans for the Spring into Opportunity Learning Fair set for March 24 from 5-7 p.m. Students, their families, and the community are invited to explore future options for college, the workforce, and the military as well as gain information from school and area organizations. Pictured are, from left, are Adam Ray, Jackson Pitts, Provenzano, Nishon White, Josh Gampolo and Bradley Paulman. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Indian Creek High School is opening its doors and inviting students, their families, and the community to share in the Spring into Opportunity Learning Fair on March 24.

The free event is being held from 5-7 p.m. and includes vendors representing area colleges, universities and organizations as well as businesses, trade unions, and the military. The school is also hosting parent-teacher conferences from 3-6 p.m. that evening, and while there the career-technical education classrooms will share their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) knowledge and other activities will be available. The learning fair has been held annually and drawn an estimated 1,000 people, creating opportunities for both youth and adults to expand their horizons.

Johnna Provenzano, CTE business pathway instructor, said she and her students are planning the evening with assistance from district Public Relations Specialist Amy Colantoni.

“They have contacted community organizations, colleges and universities, prospective employers, CTE pathways, military representatives, and student groups,” Provenzano said. “It’s a great event. People ask if kids from other schools can come and anyone is welcome.”

Vendors include Youngstown State University, Belmont College, Kent State University, Mount Union University, Muskingum University, Ohio State University, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Foreign Language Club, Ink Society, GRIT, Be Spa, Jefferson County Resource Network, United Way of Jefferson County, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Jefferson County Community Action Council, 7 Ranges Entertainment, IBEW Local 246, Indian Creek Foundation, Illumination Financial, Superior Property Inspection, Tri-State Financial, Wayne Doors, WesBanco, and the U.S. Army Recruitment Office.

The CTE programs will have displays and presentations on hand, such as the natural resources class with its successful Hellbender program and information about its FFA chapter; the IT pathway with its drone program; the interactive media program with a picture station; the engineering pathway with robotics; and the performing arts pathway holding theater camp registration. There will also be a district art show featuring original works from elementary to high school students, plus elementary and high school choirs will perform and the performing arts program will host karaoke in the auditorium.

“We’ll have a pop-up school store and podcasting and engineering teacher Barb Turner will have a robotics display upstairs, while downstairs will include all of the vendors. The CTE pathways will be in their classrooms and there will be pizza and drinks for spectators,” Provenzano said.

She added that her pupils will also assist with decorating the site and volunteering at the event. The students who helped plan the event said they have learned a lot along the way.

“It’s nice to be involved,” said senior Jackson Pitts.

“It gives us more opportunities to be involved with the school and community,” added senior Josh Gampolo.

ICHS has held a learning fair for years, starting with the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student organization’s career fairs, but evolved to highlight local employment opportunities, higher education, armed forces, trades, safety forces, health agencies and other resources.