The Mineola UFSD, Winthrop University Hospital, and Mineola Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board is a coalition of teachers, students, administrators, and Mineola business professionals.  The guiding force of the Advisory Board is to provide enriching experiences for the entire student body of the Mineola UFSD while encouraging our students to take advantage of the professional possibilities that exist right here on Long Island.  Currently, the Advisory Board, which was re-established this past fall, is still developing and brainstorming activities to implement. 

However, our first endeavor was assisting the Mineola High School Guidance Department in organizing and hosting its 4th Annual Career Fair.  On April 4th, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the High School Lobby, representatives from various businesses and universities from our area participated in the Career Fair.  Students had completed class assignments in English or Social Studies to prepare them to interact with the professionals who were eager to discuss various career paths, educational requirements, benefits, and potential for growth within a given profession. 

When walking around the lobby, one could feel the excitement in the air.  The students were extremely enthusiastic and the career professionals were eager to share their experiences with our students.  Many of the 9th through 12th graders indicated that this was the best career fair ever!  Similarly, the career professionals were amazed at the high level of questioning our students brought to the event. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the day was the students’ ability to explore the professions in which they were most interested while expanding their horizons with the active exploration of related fields.  Furthermore, the high school students asked pertinent questions of prominent figures in our community such as a scientist, architect, inventor, doula, nurse, veterinarian, mayor, real estate executive and various business leaders.

May 4th was a fantastic day that will help shape the futures of many of our students. It truly was a community event.  A special thank you is extended to all of the career professionals who helped make this a successful career fair.  Appreciation is also extended to the Social Studies, English, and Guidance Departments; their involvement helped facilitate the Career Fair by reinforcing the students’ experiences through various reflection exercises.  Finally, gratitude is extended to the members of the Advisory Board who organized and executed the Career Fair.  Thanks to Diane Bachor, Nancy Portoghese, Jan Digeronomo, Matt Miller, Sheryl Goffman, Hilary Bernstein, Nicole Moriarty, Donna Joyce, Kathleen Sheehan, and Marsha Iverson.

Again, thank you to all and we look forward to putting our next event together for the continual edification of our students.