Huntington Career Fair Connects Students with Real-World Opportunities

Huntington High School hosted a highly successful Career Fair late last week, providing students in grades 9–12 with meaningful exposure to a wide range of career pathways. The event brought together more than 40 local businesses, organizations, and institutions, along with eight featured presenters who shared insights, experiences, and advice from their respective fields.

The Career Fair was designed to help students explore careers, ask questions directly of professionals, and begin making connections between their academic experiences and future goals. Throughout the day, students engaged in thoughtful conversations, learned about industry expectations, and gained a better understanding of the skills and education needed for success beyond high school.

“This career fair was an outstanding example of what happens when schools and community partners come together with a shared focus on student success,” said Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea, Jr. director of school counseling and testing, K-12. “Our students were fully engaged, asked insightful questions, and took full advantage of the opportunity to learn from professionals who are doing the work every day. The level of participation and energy throughout the event spoke volumes about its impact.”

Dr. Papandrea also credited the Huntington High School Counseling Department for their leadership in planning and executing the event. “I cannot say enough about the dedication and professionalism of our school counselors,” he shared. “From coordinating logistics and preparing students, to supporting presenters and managing the flow of the day, their hard work was evident in every aspect of the event. This was truly a team effort, and their commitment to our students made the Career Fair a tremendous success.”

The Career Fair also reflected Huntington High School’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for post-secondary pathways, whether college, career, or service. By offering direct access to employers and professionals across multiple industries, the event helped students envision future possibilities while reinforcing the relevance of their education.

“With over 40 businesses participating and eight engaging presenters, our students were exposed to an incredible range of options,” Dr. Papandrea added. “Experiences like this help students begin to see what’s possible for their future, and we are grateful to our community partners and staff who helped make this day such a success.”