Much to the excitement of its students as well as presenters, Sierra View Elementary School hosted its Second Annual Career and College Awareness Day on Friday, Oct. 5.

The first of its type for elementary age students, students in grades Kindergarten through six spend the morning rotating through varying classrooms and learning of a variety of careers.

“We wanted to have it earlier in the year this year,” Sierra View principal David Kindred shared.

The inaugural event was hosted in the late spring of the 2017-18 school year. According to Kindred the event was such a success with the students and presenters that the decision was made to make it not only an annual event but more impactful. A total of 27 presenters from varying professions were in attendance.

“As we move through the school year we can connect to this day through instruction,” Kindred said of moving the event to earlier in the school year, noting knowledge from the speakers as “planting the seed for conversation.”

“Their path toward a career can change,” he continued. “That’s what we’re hearing from the presenters.”

Stan Boone, a United Stated Magistrate Federal Judge out of Fresno, was one such presenter. Boone shared while he pursued a career as a lawyer, he never had an idea he’d be a judge.

“Don’t limit yourself,” Boone shared as one of his messages to the students. “Pursue what makes you happy, but always stay respectful.”

“I do a lot of outreach educating students about the court, government and voting,” Boone said of his usual speaking engagements, adding he was delighted at having the opportunity to reach students directly regarding career choices.

Sharing Judge Boone’s passion for speaking and sharing with the students, second time presenter, Basi Insurance agent Cherilyn Bairos embraced the opportunity of sharing the various roles she plays in her every day life.

“At that age, I didn’t even know what I wanted to be,” she said. “I just knew I loved being with people, helping people and working with people.”

During her 20-minute presentations Bairos shared with the classes the importance of her role as a licensed insurance agent, as well as a City Council member and a soccer coach.

“This exposes them to a lot of different careers and opportunities,” she said. “I love doing this for the kids. They get excited at all the people who come out to talk to them.

“Even if I can help one kid, it’s worth it,” Bairos concluded.

Principal Kindred noted his pleasure with the growth of the program from its inaugural year to the current one, expressing gratitude for the presenters and the amount of time taken from their traditional work day to spend with the students.