WAYNESBORO, Pa. – Waynesboro Area Senior High School officials have announced the upcoming First Choice Career Conference, an event designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional reality for the next generation of leaders.
The conference, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, features a lineup of over 100 industry professionals, community leaders and educators. The day kicks off with a keynote address by WASHS Alum Judge Annie R. Gomez Shockey, setting an inspirational tone for a series of high-impact sessions.
“Our goal is to move beyond the traditional career fair,” said school organizers. “By connecting students with professionals who are in their ‘First Choice’ career paths, we are providing them with the roadmap, connections and skills needed to navigate their own futures.”
The event is structured to provide both inspiration and practical skill-building:
- Passion & purpose panels: Featured speakers will engage in facilitated discussions regarding their career journeys, highlighting the importance of finding meaning in one’s work.
- First choice breakouts: Students will attend intimate, small-group sessions with professionals in their specific fields of interest. These sessions allow for “off-script” conversations and direct mentorship.
- Job skill workshops: Partnering with WASHS staff, these hands-on sessions focus on the essential “soft skills” and technical competencies required in the modern workforce.
- College & career fair: The day concludes with an interactive fair where students use “Bingo Cards” to engage with representatives from various industries and higher education institutions, competing for prizes while building their professional networks. Over 60 organizations will be represented at the College and Career Fair.
The First Choice Career Conference represents Waynesboro Area Senior High School’s commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that every graduate leaves not only with a diploma but with a clear vision for their future.
