DAINEL TYLER GOODEN

LUTCHER – What do you want to do with your life? That was the question posed to St. James Parish seventh- and eighth- graders Feb. 21 at their annual career day. Presenters from all over the River Parishes came to Lutcher Junior High to demonstrate what they do for a living, hoping to spark some interest and help the students get on the right track for a career. About 800 kids were exposed to some 40 careers, said Judi Petit, Lutcher Junior High counselor. The eighth-annual career day was put together by Petit and the rest of the school system’s school counselors. “The purpose was to emphasize the impact of how skills learned here effect career choices,” said Petit. The students gathered for a general session at 8:30 a.m., where they were welcomed by Superintendent Dr. Edward Cancienne and given the purpose of the program by Petit. Attorney Ron Adams gave the key note presentation. The students had six 20-minute sessions with presenters, selecting which presenters they would most like to visit as the day kicked off. The students chose between such careers as Sheriff juvenile officers, narcotics agents, environmental engineers, bankers, florists, photographers, chefs, electricians, painters, beauticians, firemen and K-9 officers. Though unable to arrive until late, due to the morning fog, two U.S. Marine Corps helicopters flew in from New Orleans. Both a Cobra and Huey helicopter passed over the school and swung back around to land just behind the school. The students were given a tour of the aircrafts and a description of the crews duties. At the end of the day, the counselors wanted the students walk away realizing that a career begins at school, said Petit. The presenters stressed that their job skills were dependent on what they learned, not only in high school, but in junior high as well.