Perryville Primary Center partnered with Mercy Hospital Perry and local businesses to present a career exploration program to second graders. The VOICE (Vocational Opportunities Inspiring Children in Elementary) program helps elementary-age students begin thinking about future careers that may interest them. The goal is to help students begin planning an educational program that prepares them for their chosen career path.
“The VOICE program brings all kinds of careers to life for our kids and inspires them to dream big,” said Principal Emily Koenig.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to expose our students to all different career paths to get them thinking about, ‘What do I want to be when I grow up?’ This program allowed them to see a career in action, think about the skills the career would take to be successful, and what the impact on the world may be.”
Students visited with community volunteers who discussed their careers in insurance, hair design, construction and renovation, graphic design and screen printing, conservation, acting, and various healthcare fields including paramedic and pharmacist.
“We want to give a big thanks to all of the businesses that participated,” Mrs. Koenig said. “The students are aware of and grateful for the time that our visitors gave to this project. The students loved this day! Many students commented on learning about a new career, something they enjoyed, and even careers that they now know they do not want to do in the future. This initial exposure starts the conversation at school and at home. There were many sparks lit in our students during this event!”
Glenda Gremaud, Manager of Outreach Relations at Mercy Hospital Perry, said, "Our commitment to caring for our community goes beyond health care and beyond our walls. The Sisters of Mercy were known for going into their communities to serve where and how they were needed, and we’re honored to continue that tradition. Whether we’re teaching children about their health or sharing the many different paths open to them to care for others, we’re called to provide these benefits to our community."
