By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO— Police Officers, cosmetologists, scientists and more filled the gymnasium of Calera Middle School Jan. 19 at the school’s first Career Day Jan. 19.

Students explored about 45 career booths, illustrating the specific tools, skills and objectives of various occupations available all over Shelby County.

“I was very pleased with how (the presenters responded),” said Doug Cound, a counselor with Calera High School and Calera Middle School. “We had many careers from varying professions, and each one really enjoyed talking with this age group, which is not easy to find.”

Vincent and Chameca Cockrell made poster boards in preparation for Career Day. Vincent is a data manager and Chameca is a cosmetologist, and both said they enjoyed sharing their careers and passions with the sixth-, seventh- and eight-graders.

“A lot of kids have a narrow view of technology, so explaining to them the different opportunities available with it has been eye opening for them,” Vincent said.

Chameca said several students lined up around her booth to hear about the exciting work she does.

Military fields, careers in the fire departments and positions with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office were also popular booths for the students. Damarion Jones, a seventh-grader, said he wants to be a police officer when he gets older.

“I’d like to catch criminals when they do bad things,” Jones said. “I don’t like seeing people do bad things.”

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Debbie Sumrall explained the qualifications of being an officer with the sheriff’s office, as well as the personal and professional skills that are necessary to perform her job successfully.

“I think it went very well,” Cound said. “For them, it’s so important to ask questions and just learn about new careers that they haven’t thought about.”