Glenfield’s Annual African American Career Day (1)

Glenfield’s Annual African American Career Day (1)
Posted on 02/12/2016

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More than 40 people took part in the celebration.

On Fri., Feb. 12, Glenfield Middle School held its 11th annual African American Career Day. More than 40 professionals gathered for the celebration held in honor of Black History Month. The event brings members of the community to Glenfield to speak to students about their professions and offer life insight.

Dr. Putrino and Erika PierceDr. Joe Putrino and Assistant Principal Erika Pierce.

Dr. Joseph Putrino, Principal, kicked off the morning addressing the guests. "This event always receives positive feedback from our students. It is inspiring that this day brings together people with a variety of different backgrounds who live in Montclair, work in Montclair, or just know someone connected to our school to share their experiences."

African American Career Day is coordinated by Glenfield staff members: Guidance counselor Whitney Gibbs, math lab teacher Rosalind Thompson, social studies teacher Syreeta Carrington, art teacher Catherine Kondreck, technology teacher Harriett Parker, Smith, world language teacher Isabel Aguero and parent coordinators Nicole Gray and Dana Hawkins-Simons.

Roosevelt Weaver, Andre Blake and Dr. Tyran Minceyl-r: Roosevelt Weaver, Andre Blake and Dr. Tyran Mincey

Roosevelt Weaver, a former educator and athletic trainer, whose son went through the Montclair Public Schools, said he was going to instill a message to the students. "The most important thing is a good education to prepare yourself for world experience."

Entertainer and first-time participant, Andre Blake said he was looking forward to "the opportunity to enlighten kids about life, making good choices and believing in yourself."

Dr. Tyran Mincey has offered words of wisdom to students at Glenfield's African American Career Day in the past. He is a product of the Montclair school system having attended Hillside, Glenfield and Montclair High School and enjoys the chance to give back.

Tyrone Williams, Kristen Carter and Dana Singletonl-r: Sgt. Tyrone Williams, Kristen Carter and Dana Singleton.

Dana Singleton, who is in the media profession, said she hopes to "talk to kids about career ignitors. Hopefully they'll hear something they've never heard before. My advice to them would be to find your passion and pursue it."

Montclair State University Librarian Denise O'Shea's daughter is a 6th grader at Glenfield. "I thought this would be a good opportunity for her and her classmates to see me giving a presentation. A lot of kids are shy about getting up and speaking in public," she said. "The library field could use more diversity so this is also a great chance to promote the career."

Montclair Police Sergeant Tyrone Williams is a regular at African American Career Day. In addition to speaking to them about relevant issues, he tries to instill in them that "being a good student and a good citizen is important and that even as adult, you never stop learning."

Kristen Carter, who is in the television business, said she remembers Career Days during her formative years. "I felt encouraged after hearing speakers," she said. "I'm going to tell these students that they have everything you need inside. It's not about talent; it's about hard work and being diligent and learning about your craft."

Members of the Montclair Fire Department and Denise O'Shea, Kassandra Soriano and Shane FullerAt top: Members of the Montclair Fire Department; Below, l-r: Denise O'Shea, Kassandra Soriano and Shane Fuller

Members of the Montclair Fire Department, Mark Thompson, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Duncan, Kevin Green and JaQuan Scott were on hand to share their experiences.

Kassandra Soriano and Shane Fuller were the youngest participants, representing the not for profit organization Them Cloud Kids. Soriano is a Glenfield and MHS graduate. "I remember this event. It was very refreshing to see all the ethnicities that came together on this day to speak with us," she recalled. Her message "is about spreading kindness and compassion." Fuller is a Mount Hebron and MHS alum and said he is looking forward to "empowering the kids."

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