8th Annual Girls in the Middle a Success

(Lamar, Colorado; March 10, 2016) On Saturday, March 5, more than 70 middle school girls from the surrounding area schools attended the Girls in the Middle Conference held at Lamar Community College. The day was packed with fun-filled activities related to career exploration.

The conference began with a welcome by Cheryl Sanchez, Vice President of Academic Services and Student Services, followed by keynote speaker, Megan Meyer. Meyer gave an inspiring presentation in which she described how she knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in the swine industry, and how she stuck with that plan despite the opinions of others. She included information about her career and how it has provided her with experiences and opportunities she may not have gotten otherwise, including traveling the world. She encouraged the students to follow their dreams, no matter what others may say or what obstacles they may face.

After the morning’s speakers, the attendees broke into groups depending on their interest in a specific field of employment. The girls attended two different break-out sessions, highlighting a variety of careers including Agriculture, Banking, Law Enforcement, News Reporting, Space Engineering, Chiropractic, Audiology, Engineering, and a Dietitian.

These groups were led by eleven of Lamar Community College’s finest female students: Aly Kelly, Carly Feuerstein, Courtney Adams, Kylie Weekes, Kylee Dudeck, Chloe Santos, Halie Schneck, Abigail Alstatt, Sami Johnson, Marie Mohler, and Mikayla Sharpe.

Group leader Carly Feuerstein was a first time volunteer. “It was a very good experience, especially to see all the girls light up when you asked what they wanted to be when they grew up,” she explained.

After a quick lunch provided by BJ’s Burgers & Beverage, the girls moved into the afternoon activities. Each team completed a scavenger hunt

with a map of clues, through which they explored the LCC campus as well as additional careers. They had to complete a quick challenge at each location and worked together to be the first tem back.

“We had some new professions to present to our girls this year, which was exciting, and we had more attendees as well,” said Tori Hawks, one of the event’s organizers. “At the end of the day, it was great to hear the middle school girls coming and telling us about their new dream job. And the college students were also great role models for these young ladies. You could tell at the end of the day it was another successful Girls in the Middle!”

Overall, Girls in the Middle 2016 was a great success. Plans are currently underway for the 2017 conference.

A special thank-you to the presenters who donated their time and expertise to share their careers with the girls: Katie Pelton, Emily Nieschburg, Dr. Katie Cox, Megan Meyer, Heather Lively, Amy Kelley, Jen Swanson, Emma Veyna, Melissa Zollars, and Dr. Frasier.

Thank you to event sponsors: BJ’s Burger & Beverage, Burger King, Clear Choice, Eagles, Eagles Auxiliary, Elks, Lamar Community College, Lamar Lodging Tax Board, Lamar Workforce Center, Prowers County Department of Human Resources and Southeast Colorado AHEC.

For more information on the event, contact Jenna Davis at 719.336.1589 or jenna.davis@lamarcc.edu.