Ridgeway students get ideas for future at College and Career Day

The image shows a classroom setting with a teacher standing in front of students who have their hands raised, and a motivational message displayed on a chalkboard behind the teacher.

Jan 30 2026

“You can be anything you want to be!” was the message for Ridgeway Elementary School’s College and Career Day today. Parents who work across a broad spectrum of careers visited the school to share their experiences and show students that there are many great and fulfilling ways to make a living. Ridgeway teachers even shared their experiences from their careers!

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The image shows a classroom setting with a group of students seated at desks, engaged in what appears to be a lesson or activity. In the foreground, there are several students of varying ages and backgrounds, while in the background, a teacher or instructor can be seen interacting with the students.

Students heard from professionals who work in medicine, public safety, fitness, banking, creative fields and more! The College and Career Day Committee at Ridgeway wanted to be sure that children were aware of the sheer number of career opportunities they will have in their futures.

“The big idea for today is to expose children to different opportunities after high school,” said Odalys Cedeño, a second-grade teacher who is on the College and Career Day Committee.

“It could be going to college, it could be trade school. But just learning about different options and careers that they can pursue once they graduate high school.  And most of all, that they choose something that they love to do. And that might change over time.”

A young girl with a camera in her hands, surrounded by various items in what appears to be a classroom or study area.

For example, one of the presenters went back to school after establishing his first career, finding what he really wanted to do later in life. Some of the presenters even had multiple jobs, showing students that they can find meaningful work in many different ways.

Several presenters brought equipment or props to demonstrate their work to students. In one class, students passed around a photographer’s camera equipment, testing it out and exploring it at their desks. In another, two doctors visited with models of different body parts to show what they work on.

For the students whose parents presented, the pride was evident on their faces. They were thrilled to have their classmates hear about their family’s work. For all students, they ended the day with many more ideas about what their futures might look like and are already starting to plan for their careers!

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The image shows a classroom setting with several students and a teacher interacting with a piece of technology, likely an educational tool or device.

A young girl with braided hair is sitting at a table, surrounded by other children, and appears to be engaged in an activity or lesson.

The image shows a man in firefighter gear standing next to a young woman wearing a firefighter helmet, both posing in what appears to be a classroom or office setting with various posters and signs visible in the background.

A young girl in a pink sweatshirt is sitting at a desk, focused on a task in front of her, while other students are visible in the background.

The image depicts a classroom setting with a teacher interacting with several students, who appear to be engaged in various activities. The classroom is equipped with educational materials and resources, including a globe, bookshelves, and other classroom supplies.

A group of young students, some with braided hair and hoodies, are intently focused on their work at a table in what appears to be a classroom setting.