RACINE, OH — Students in grades 7 through 12 at Southern Local Schools were welcomed with music, smiles, and excitement during the Career Palooza held on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Guests were greeted by members of the Southern High School National Honor Society, who distributed treat bags and guided visitors to their designated rooms.
A wide range of professionals participated in the event, representing careers and organizations such as Vitruvian, Ohio Means Jobs–Meigs County, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Home National Bank, Project RISE, the Racine Volunteer Fire Department, Hill’s Classic Cars, Washington County Career Center, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Meigs County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio University, OhioHealth, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio University Small Business Development Center, the University of Rio Grande, Washington State College of Ohio, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office and its K-9 unit, Farmers National Bank, the U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, Hocking College’s CDL program, Marietta College, and Marshall University.
During the event’s free-roam sessions, students explored hands-on activities and career demonstrations. One station featured woodworking, where Southern High School Agriculture Education Instructor Jenna Meeks supervised her students doing projects such as building a birdhouse and a lamp. Students Hunter Jarrell, Bryer Holley, Colton Jones, and Tyson Hupp made the experience possible.
The medical field proved to be one of the most popular areas of interest. Students engaged in interactive experiences such as practicing CPR on a mannequin, exploring medical devices, and learning about careers like phlebotomy.
Deb Kesterson, a nurse educator at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, praised the event’s organization and student engagement.
“This is one of the most well-organized career events I’ve been to,” Kesterson said. “There were so many opportunities for the students, great communication, and even students helping us throughout the day. Other schools should mirror what you’ve done. The students were engaged, inquisitive, and polite. I had a great interaction with everyone.”
Another station focused on physical therapy, led by former Southern High School teacher and alumnus Wyatt Jarrell, who is currently studying in a three-year physical therapy program at Marshall University.
“During free roam, multiple students stopped by asking questions about the career field,” Jarrell said. “It felt great to see their interest in helping others.”
Students were especially excited by a semi-truck on display outside the school. Jonathan Kasler, CDL Training Manager at Hocking College, introduced students to careers in trucking.
“The younger students were very excited,” Kasler said. “They didn’t want to just hear about it—they wanted to climb inside and explore. They were amazed at how big it was and enjoyed seeing the shifter and gauges you don’t typically find in regular cars.”
Additional activities included navigating remote-control vehicles (used to go through culverts), learning about careers in law enforcement, exploring 3D-printed housing, firefighting, STEM careers, wildlife conservation, entrepreneurship, automotive, and banking.
SHS Principal Daniel Otto is a strong advocate for exposing students to a variety of career paths so they can better plan for a bright future.
“Events like Career Palooza give our students the opportunity to explore possibilities they may have never considered,” Otto said. “When students can connect with professionals and experience careers firsthand, it helps them start thinking about their goals and the steps needed to achieve them. We want every student to leave here feeling inspired and more confident about their future.”
Students also had valuable opportunities to speak directly with professionals who serve the community, as well as representatives from the military, colleges, universities, and career centers, helping them begin or expand their plans for the future.
Career Palooza organizer and SHS Guidance Counselor Russ Fields shared that every guest made a positive impact on students throughout the event.
“Each presenter brought something unique to the table, and that made a real difference for our students,” Fields said. “Whether it was a hands-on activity, resources, a conversation, or simply answering questions, every guest helped open students’ eyes to new possibilities and career paths. We’re incredibly grateful for the time and effort they gave to make this day meaningful.”
One of the highlights of the day was K-9 Gretchen from the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, who quickly became a crowd favorite, bringing smiles to students eager to interact with the friendly dog.
Special guests in attendance included Racine Mayor Scott Hill and Meigs County Commissioner Zachary B. Manuel.
Under the leadership of Kayte Manuel, National Honor Society members who assisted with the event included Noah Leachman, Audrey Riffle, Mia Little, Sophie Popp, Lauren Allen, Laynee Hill, Jake Wickline, Jaylynn Hupp, Braydin Thomas, Carson VanMeter, Isabella Cornell, and Eddie Templeton. Thank you for helping with the event.
Southern Local School District extends its gratitude to all presenters, teachers, staff, custodians, and community members who contributed to the event’s success.
Special thanks to Mr. Fields for his planning efforts and support of the refreshment room.
