KELLOGG — The 2026 Silver Valley High School Career Fair has been rescheduled for May 7 after a countywide power outage caused by a windstorm forced its cancellation earlier this month. 

Organizer Tina Karst said students and business leaders from across the region reached out to ask if the event could be rescheduled. 

The annual career fair brings high school students from Kellogg, Wallace and Mullan to Kellogg High School for a day of learning, career exploration, and professional networking. 

Karst, who also serves as the districts’ special education director, had secured more than 40 businesses before some withdrew amid concerns about the forecasted weather. When the storm hit, the district canceled school and all associated activities. 

Since then, Karst said she has reengaged most of the businesses and continues to recruit additional participants. 

“I’d like to get as many businesses to sign up as possible,” Karst said. 

Participating businesses can also host optional breakout sessions. The 20-minute sessions allow business leaders to move beyond brief booth interactions and offer deeper insight into their careers and industries. 

The event is personal for Karst, who created the fair as an inclusive space allowing students with special needs to explore career opportunities alongside their peers. 

“My daughter, Sam, turned a classroom conversation with North Idaho College into a career decision and now she’s close to receiving her dental hygienist certification,” Karst said. “The importance for our students is that sometimes a five-minute conversation can lead to new ideas and opportunities for their future.” 

North Idaho College, Avista Utilities, Shoshone Medical Center, Hecla, Kootenai Health, Bunker Hill Mining Co. and Mountain Valley of Cascadia are among the organizations that have already committed to the fair. 

Kellogg School District Board Chairperson Alexa Griffin highlighted the fair’s importance to the youth throughout the community, both because it provides students with college and workforce opportunities that might otherwise be missed.  

“The career fair is a great opportunity for our Silver Valley students to come together and learn about all the opportunities available to them locally and outside of our area,” she said. “I have seen first-hand how many booths are set up, and this can really open their eyes to pathways they may not have considered before.” 

The 2026 Silver Valley High School Career Fair is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Kellogg High School. 

Businesses interested in participating can find the registration link on the Kellogg School District Facebook page or contact Tina Karst at [email protected].