Lots of options at MLHS College and Career Day
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months AGO
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | May 6, 2025 1:55 AM
MOSES LAKE — One of the challenges of high school is that eventually, it comes to an end. Graduation arrives and – then what? Whatever the choice – college or into the workforce, career training or military service – the decision affects the rest of the student’s life.
The college and career fair at Moses Lake High School on May 1 was designed to give students a look at their options long before graduation arrives. More than 100 local businesses, training programs, colleges and military branches sponsored booths.
“According to (counselor Enrique Tarver), this was the best one ever,” said Ryan Shannon, Moses Lake School District director of public relations.
College and career fairs are longtime institutions, but at MLHS, they’ve adapted with changing times. Not every career or every job requires a degree, and the fair reflected that, Shannon said.
He cited a student who attended a Moses Lake School Board meeting and explained how a firefighting class changed her perspective on possible careers.
“We want to make sure every student has the opportunity to realize and the opportunity to explore what their future may be,” Shannon said.
Tarver said students appreciated the chance to learn about some of their choices and talk to people who worked in those industries or were familiar with those colleges and universities.
“There was a little something for everyone. And I think that’s key,” Shannon said.
Business participants ranged from Genie Industries to Samaritan Healthcare, from the city of Moses Lake to SkillSource. Colleges included Washington State, Whitworth, Central Washington and Whitworth universities, among others. Shannon said Big Bend Community College brought representatives from many of its programs, from agriculture to welding.
“Representatives shared how well students behaved and were prepared with questions, and the MLHS staff mentioned students were hesitant before arriving but left with big smiles on their faces,” Tarver said in an MLSD press release.
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