Mount Vernon middle school counselor Kori Leighty highlighted what students had learned during the recent career day held at Mount Vernon Middle School.

Leighty explained that the career day is built to help increase exposure to students of the jobs and career pathways open to them after graduation.

“Businesses present a talk roughly 30 minutes long to five different sections that students are able to choose from,” Leighty said.

Students were able to engage in learning about ag and natural resources, city government, health care, science technology engineering and math (STEM) and other career opportunities this year. Speakers were organized by Kirkwood Community College for the day, and presenters gave a hands on presentation.

“This helps increase the students exposure to professionals and what they do in our community,” Leighty said. “It also helps them understand their local opportunities.”

In a video, students spoke about their favorite things they learned during career day.

The presentation by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department and Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance services were very popular presenters.

Items like how the cots get into the ambulance, tools firefighters use or the tools and training it takes to be a police officer were shared in the video by middle school students.

Another session that was interesting to students was the presentation by city administrator Chris Nosbisch, outlining the process of budgeting for a project like a new pool and the decisions he and city council make while weighing other needs of the city.

Middle school principal Bob Haugse explained that one presenter was not able to make the career day, so teacher Lori Moss presented on the many jobs that she has had over the years, and that was another highlight for many students.