E. Wilson Morrison Elementary Celebrates Career Day with Community Leaders and Future Dreamers

It was a lively and inspiring scene at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School as students got a hands-on look into the world of work during the school’s Career Day. The event brought professionals from across the community to share their jobs, experiences, and advice with the next generation—all while kindling big dreams in even the smallest learners.

“Career Day is a great opportunity for our students to meet amazing community members who volunteer their time to explain what their job looks like and how students can someday step into that role,” said guidance counselor Rachael Younkins. “It really opens doors for students to imagine their future in ways they may never have considered.”

Throughout the day, students rotated through stations, meeting professionals in fields ranging from emergency response to entertainment. Some students climbed aboard fire trucks and utility trucks outside, while others got a close-up view of careers indoors—from nursing and teaching to tattoo artistry and audio engineering.

Among the visiting professionals were:

• Margaret Tewalt, Registered Nurse at Warren Memorial Hospital
• Chris Funkhouser, DJ with Summitive Events
• Crystal Cline, Law Enforcement Officer, Warren County Sheriff’s Department
• Colonel Anthony Clark, Army Officer
• Billie Rheam, Disability Specialist with Encircle
• Henry Hassett, Audio Engineer
• Clint Pierpoint, Realtor, NextHome Realty
• Blake Pierpoint, Hairstylist and Barber, Blake & Co.
• Vince Gregg, Instructor from Blue Ridge Technical School
• Gene Rambo, Pilot with Southwest Airlines
• Lainey Lewis, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Center
• Samantha Harryman, Insurance Agent, Element Risk Management
• Katie Bonnet, Florist, Fussell Florist
• Michael Walker, Tattoo Artist, Tried & True
• Tony Bates, Pastor and Singer/Songwriter, MyChurch
• Kathryn Simmons, Animal-Assisted Care Coordinator
• Billy Bunning, Landscaper
• Travis Petty, Lineman
• Timmy Mawyer and Jared Lewis, Firefighter and Paramedic, Warren County Fire Department
• Casey Davis, Truck Driver and Mechanic, Shine Transportation
• Stephanie Phillips, Mechanic, Bill Long Auto Care Clinic
• Brian Whited, Chief of Police, Front Royal Police Department
• Ed Shideler, Beekeeper
• Jess Vacca, Teacher, Principal, and Special Services Leader

Guidance counselor Raychel DeArmitt joined Younkins in organizing the day and noted that Career Day is part of a broader month-long initiative focused on career readiness. “We go into classrooms for about a month leading up to Career Day,” said DeArmitt. “Students work on career research projects, take part in lessons, and start thinking seriously about what they might want to be when they grow up.”

This year, the school also involved its youngest students in a new way. Preschoolers through first graders dressed up as their dream professions, adding even more excitement and imagination to the day. “It’s never too early to start thinking about the future,” said DeArmitt. “Next year, we hope to include these younger students in the full lineup of presentations as we continue to grow Career Day.”

The variety of careers represented sent a clear message to students: You don’t have to follow the same path as your parents—there’s a wide world of possibilities out there. By connecting what they’re learning in school to real-world careers, students begin to see the relevance of their education in everyday life.

“Sometimes kids say, ‘I’ll never use this in real life,’” Younkins said with a smile. “But the truth is, they will. Algebra, reading, science—it all matters in the careers they’ll have someday.”

Career Day also gave professionals the chance to give back to the community and inspire future generations. Whether they were talking about being a florist or flying commercial jets, each presenter played an important part in helping students visualize a future full of opportunity.

As the school day continued and students buzzed between presentations, the enthusiasm was unmistakable.

With plans already underway to make next year’s Career Day even bigger and better, it’s clear that E. Wilson Morrison Elementary isn’t just helping kids dream—it’s helping them plan for real possibilities.