Running from 6-8 pm in the Commons on Nov. 2, the second annual GHS Career Fair provided an opportunity for students to learn about different businesses job opportunities. An email was sent out by the administration inviting students and parents to attend. Companies participating in the career fair included: Lincoln Tech/Denver Campus, Wyo-Tech, Curt Hofer Homes, Chester Anderson and son Masonry, 3M, Nebraska Machinery- CAT, Titan Machinery- CASE IH, Hawkins Construction, AKRS John Deere, Kersten Construction, Turner Construction, Duncan Aviation, DLR Group, MMC Contractors, Motion Industries, Baxter Subaru, Valley Corp, Marsh Creek Concrete, Claas, Apache Industrial Services, Kawasaki, and HillCrest Health Services.
“Some schools have the mindset that every kid has to go to college but that is not always the case,” Shop teacher Mr. Jason Novoty said. “Kids need to see what option will suit them the best. Some need to go to college after high school and others need to go work.”
College may not be the right fit for some students.. The career fair is provided so students do not feel like college is the only way to go.

“We need all kids to see opportunities,” Mr. Novoty said. High school is a small four-year bubble and during that bubble, kids are pressured to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives.”
Teens do not always realize they have other options than a four year college. The career fair opens up the minds of students to the path of the rest of their lives, not just what happens right after high school.

“It helped me understand what my options are if I don’t want to attend a four year college and I’m going to consider it for my future,” sophomore Karden Seibel said. “It seems like a good decision to make for my personal situation.”

Some students can not make it to college or have personal reasons as to why college is not a good option for them. Certain kids do not work well in an eight hour school environment. Students that attended the career fair are more hands-on and can not sit in a nine to five desk job.
“Kids that are more hands-on or the type of kids that don’t want to go and sit behind a desk.” Mr. Novotny said. “Kids that like outside and getting dirty should come visit our career fairs.”
Mr. Novotny started hosting GHS career fairs last year and the number of companies that came doubled from last year. Some companies even contacted GHS and asked to be in the career fairs. Companies want to be a part of the school and want Gretna students to work for them.
“I just love that the school is providing an opportunity for the students.” Community Pharmacy Talent coordinator Mrs. Kristi Caruso said. “It’s an exploration for the students and I think it’s super cool. I talked about our program and informed students.”
During the career fair, organizations were set up in stands and students could walk around, talking to the companies. Companies wanted to come to talk to students. Overall, GHS students had a learning opportunity through the fair.