At Salem Community High School, preparing students for life beyond the classroom is more than an academic goal—it’s a community-wide commitment. One of the school’s most important postsecondary initiatives is the annual Career Fair, now in its second year, designed to connect students with local businesses, regional industries, and the diverse opportunities that await them. With guidance from dedicated educators like Kyla Motch, the fair has become a cornerstone of career readiness and community engagement.

“Our goal is to give students exposure—to help them discover what’s possible and to connect them with the people and paths that align with their interests,” says Kyla, one of the school’s guidance counselors and a co-sponsor of the Peer Helpers program. “It’s about showing them the steps they can take to achieve their dreams and helping them see that their future is within reach.”

This year’s Career Fair brought together 39 businesses, ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to agriculture and broadcasting. Booths lined the gymnasium, offering students the chance to explore fields as varied as veterinary medicine, radiology, welding, and radio production. Companies like South Central FS discussed their scholarship programs, which guarantee employment upon graduation, while healthcare providers such as SSM Health showcased the vital roles available in their facilities, often staffed by Salem High School alumni.

For seniors like Cole Wimberly, Makayla Braddy, and Emma Gregg, the fair has been a defining experience. Cole, who works at WJBD radio through the school’s Cooperative Education program, credits the fair with solidifying his passion for media production. “Last year, I met Bruce from WJBD at the Career Fair,” he explains. “Talking to him gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity. Now I’m learning the ins and outs of radio, and I love it.”

Makayla, an intern at a local dental office, envisions a career in dentistry. “The fair is a great way to explore your options,” she says. “You can learn what different fields are really like and figure out if it’s something you want to pursue.” Emma, who is interested in radiology, echoes this sentiment. “Seeing what’s out there and talking to professionals gives you a better understanding of what you might want to do.”

The Career Fair isn’t just about inspiring students to dream big—it’s also about helping them make informed decisions. “Sometimes students discover they’re not as interested in a field as they thought,” Kyla says. “That’s valuable too. It saves time and energy and helps them focus on paths that truly resonate with them.”

A unique feature of Salem’s Career Fair is its accessibility. Unlike other fairs where students pre-register for specific booths, Salem’s event encourages exploration. Students from grades 10 through 12 are guided through the gym in a “snake” formation, ensuring they interact with every booth. “It’s all about exposure,” Kyla explains. “Even if a student isn’t sure what they want to do, this format allows them to see the full spectrum of possibilities.”

The impact of the fair extends beyond the students. Many of the professionals who host booths are Salem alumni, eager to give back to their community. “Having alumni present adds a layer of relatability,” Kyla says. “Students can see firsthand that people from Salem have gone on to achieve great things. It’s incredibly motivating.”

Looking to the future, the school hopes to expand the Career Fair into a combined college and career fair, utilizing both the large and small gymnasiums. “We want to give students even more options and resources,” Kyla says. “Whether they’re heading straight into the workforce or pursuing higher education, our job is to help them find the right path.”

The Career Fair exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines Salem High School. It’s a place where educators, students, businesses, and community members come together to invest in the next generation. For Cole, Makayla, Emma, and countless others, it’s more than an event—it’s a launchpad for their futures.

As Cole puts it, “The fair is about building a foundation. Once you start exploring, you realize how much is out there. It gives you a whole new outlook on what’s possible.”

For SCHS students, the future is bright, and opportunities like the Career Fair can help chart a solid course for success.