A student career fair with a STEM focus returned to Kiski Area Upper Elementary on Tuesday.

The annual STEM Career Live Museum fair, held in the school gym, is hosted by English and Science department teachers Katie Curry, Susan Feudale, Gloria Peterman and Laurie Salandro.

The event was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

“The students and staff worked really hard to make the event immersive and educational. In a normal year, families would be able to come in alongside students as the participants,” said Upper Elementary Assistant Principal Dan Smith.

More than 170 fifth- and sixth-grade students participated, with sixth-graders selecting a career and presenting a video slide show, Q&A opportunity, education requirements and visuals at their respective career stations.

Fifth-graders were invited to cruise the gym and explore various career presentations such as psychiatrist, teacher, astronomer, mechanic, animator, engineer, pastry chef, FBI agent, photographer, interior designer, surgeon, architect, Marine sniper and shoe designer.

Sixth-grader Sotero Gomez donned a FBI hat at his career station. He was prepared with the required ID career lanyard, desk sign, cue cards and brochures to promote his career to fellow students.

Sotero said his cousin works for the FBI and he’s been motivated by her career journey.

“She stops people from hacking — cyber security — and she’s a girl,” Sotero said.

Student Keti McCaskey created a colorful poster promoting mental health awareness for her psychology-themed career station.

“I’m interested in the brain and want to help patients with mental health. I learned the average salary can be $98,000,” Keti said of pursuing a career in psychology.

The career fair satisfies a state-mandated requirement that students research a career related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for career and college readiness.

“Presenters go above and beyond in their dress and presentation style to get others excited about their researched career,” said Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander.

Noah Callender, outfitted in a mechanic’s jumpsuit, displayed a large hubcap next to his mechanic’s career station.

Noah said he comes from a mechanical family and his great-grandfather once owned a car repair shop.

“I like cars. I like hands-on stuff,” Noah said. “I am considering going to a trade school.”

Noah said he enjoyed the career fair, his first because last year’s event was canceled.

“It’s not something you always see,” he said. “It’s a new experience.”

Aspiring astronomer Cole Wolfgang spoke excitedly about outer space with his fellow students.

“I’m always interested in space,” said Cole, who donned a NASA shirt for his presentation. “My goal is to be the first person to touch Mars. I need to express my love of space.”

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