DICKINSON – All fifth-grade students from Dickinson Public Schools attended the 3rd Annual DPS Fifth Grade Career Fair on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Biesiot Activity Center, exploring a range of potential careers.
Organized by elementary school counselors Ross Ascheman, Amanda Fisher, Austin Harper, Whitney Hofer, Jenny Kendrick and Toril Sanford, along with Behavioral Health Coordinator Rich Smith, the event aimed to inspire students and provide hands-on exploration of various professions. A grant from the Dickinson Public Schools Foundation made the event possible by covering the facility rental, busing and breakfast for the presenters.
The career fair featured 30 presenters from diverse fields and an outdoor vehicle fair. Thirty different careers were represented at the fair, encompassing all 16 career clusters. Students interacted with professionals from organizations such as Deadwood Alive, Apex Engineering, Baker Boy, Consolidated, Bravera Bank, West Dakota Vet Clinic, Roughrider North Human Service Center, Sanford Air Med, the Dickinson Dinosaur Museum and the North Dakota National Guard.
The indoor portion of the fair included career presenter booths, while the outdoor vehicle fair showcased 14 career-related vehicles. Students explored equipment used by the Dickinson Police Department, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Dickinson Ambulance, Jeff’s Towing, Sanford Air Med Helicopter and the Dickinson Fire Department.
We want them to feel more aware and prepared as they approach middle school and high school and begin making choices about electives and career academies
– Whitney Hofer, Roosevelt Elementary School Counselor
LeAnn Stasiowski / The Dickinson Press
“Our goal with the career fair is to give students hands-on exploration activities that help them consider where their interests and abilities lie,” said Whitney Hofer, Roosevelt Elementary School counselor. “We want them to feel more aware and prepared as they approach middle school and high school and begin making choices about electives and career academies.”
Fifth-grade student Gabriel Smith from Roosevelt Elementary kept an open mind as he visited with the career presenters. Initially thinking the fire department would be his favorite, he found himself intrigued by the City of Dickinson Recycling after seeing a brick made from recycled milk cartons.
“I tried to break it with my hands but couldn’t. It was so cool!” he said.
LeAnn Stasiowki / The Dickinson Press
The career fair serves as a culmination of the students’ career education in elementary school, helping them to make informed choices about electives and career pathways as they progress into middle and high school.
“This event serves as a capstone to everything students have learned about careers throughout elementary school,” Hofer said. “We are incredibly grateful to the presenters who volunteered their time and to our community members who participated in making this event a success. Their involvement enriches our students’ learning experiences and inspires them to think about their future.”
The district plans to continue hosting the career fair annually for all fifth graders.
LeAnn M. Stasiowski is the Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and highlights arts, entertainment and dining in the region. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.