At Rising Starr Middle, the young Panthers are always preparing for the future. In Beth Ann Webb’s career development classes, students got to hear from a number of guest speakers about their occupations.

Parents were surveyed and invited to share their occupations with students, and many lined up for the opportunity.

Speakers covered a wide range of careers, including Lieutenant Colonel Chris Callaghan, a current Delta pilot who served 20 years as an Air Force fighter pilot, US Army Captain John Clark, and Lieutenant Colonel Jon Moore, a current Delta pilot who served in the US Air Force.

After shifting focus to trade school options, they heard from Thomas Saunders, Project Controls Manager at Georgia Power. He emphasized which trade jobs were highly valued in the workforce at Georgia Power.

They have lined up future visits with former Secret Service officer Derek Lyman and interior designer Carrie Kleppe.

“Each of these parent professionals were able to speak to their child’s careers connections class, allowing questions and a direct connection to the daily life of employment,” said Webb. “It is my hope that these students can relate to the speakers and envision themselves in the working world as a success!”