Tyrone High School students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to explore job and career options at the annual Tyrone High School Career Fair on October 22, 2015.

Thirty-one local businesses, colleges, trade schools, recruiters and others filled the high school gymnasium in hopes of spreading the word about their workplace or educational opportunities.  The expo was planned by TAHS guidance counselor Tiffany Johannides and the Tyrone Chamber of Commerce.

‘’My hope is that students will get information about post-second opportunities. If something sparks their interest and they become excited about the future we have accomplished what we set out to,’’ said Johannides.

Several Tyrone area businesses were there including Albemarle Chemical, Epworth Manor, Tyrone Hospital, First National Bank, G & R Excavating, Conner Heating and A/C, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, The Daily Herald, Jeff Long Construction, HealthSouth Tyrone and Thrivent Finiancial.

Volunteer and non-profit organizations were also represented with Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships, the United Way of Blair County and members of the the Neptune/Allegheny Fire Department, who were on hand to recruit volunteers.

One of the most popular local businesses at the expo was Gardner’s Candies, who were giving away peanut butter melt-away bars to students who stopped by their booth.  Tyrone Junior Griffin Gantt loves their candy so much he wants to get a job a Gardner’s.  Also popular for freebies were the representatives of the Altoona Curve.

Although many students look forward to the expo for the free stuff, its really an opportunity for students to ask questions and get the information that is offered.

“The expo is an investment in their future and it should be taken seriously,” said Johannides.

Sophomore Jaylon Beck used the opportunity to look at colleges for her future career.  “There were a lot of schools there and it was cool getting the chance to see what each had to offer,’’ said Beck.

There were ten colleges and post-secondary schools at the Career Fair.  They were the Altoona Beauty School, Central PA Institute of Science & Technology, Dubois Business College, Mount Aloysius College, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Penn State University, South Hills School of Business, The Salon Professional Academy, Triangle Tech and YTI Career Institute.

Recruiters from the US Air Force, US Army & Reserve, and the US Navy were also there to give students an opportunity to learn about the military as a future career option.

The career expo ended as a success with many students getting a glimpse into what their future may hold. Mrs. Johannides and the chamber were happy with the results and can’t wait to see what next year has to offer.