Radio personality Elle Duncan helps Parks Middle students carve out career paths

Parks Middle School has always worked to provide students with positive role models and mentors to help carve their journey to success. Today was no exception as attorneys, chiropractors, funeral directors and scientists descended on the campus for Career Day.

“It was a great success this year,” said guidance counselor Barbara Santiago. “We actually had so many volunteers that we had to turn some away.”

In one seventh-grade class, Delta Air Lines pilot Patrick Ryan shared that is path to the cockpit of a commercial airplane included a stint cleaning high schools.

“You always thave to be prepared and work hard,” he said. “No matter what the task is, do your best.”

The day’s events culminated with a speech by V-103 on-air personality Elle Duncan, who urged students to block out distractions and focus on excelling in school.

“This is your chance,” she said. “No one is exempt from hurt or pain based on where they grew up. I had just as many opportunities to succeed as you do — but I also had just as many opportunities to fail.”

She also reminded students that the choices they make today will shape the course of their future. For seventh-grader Jonar Roper, Duncan and the other Career Day speakers offered encouraging words to keep him on the right path.

“Career Day motivates students to get to that next level,” he said. “It reminds you to set higher standards.”

Special thanks to guidance counselor LaTarsha Mills-McKie for sharing the good news about this event with TalkUPAPS.com!