Dear Editor,
I wanted to take a moment to highlight the wildly successful career day at Hollywood Elementary on April 28.
More than 50 guest speakers presented to Hollywood students about pathways to future careers. From Amazon and UPS truck drivers to Branchville’s volunteer firefighters, from local business owners to folks who work at the University of Maryland, the day was full of light and life. Hollywood’s students were inquisitive, engaged and excited about their futures. Career day also featured members of our law enforcement community, and federal and city government workers. As you might know, Hollywood Elementary’s symbol is a star, and we think of every student here as being exactly that. From my position as a parent and volunteer on career day, I saw stars shining bright, everywhere I looked!
I also wanted to take the opportunity to applaud school counselor Racquel Lambert and her team, who did an amazing job coordinating and ensuring that the event went smoothly. Principal Carlos Johnson and Vice Principal Jillian Speigle led the way with the passion and pizzazz that all elementary leadership needs! Events like career day are important, especially in elementary school. As Ms. Lambert reminded me after the event, early exploration of careers is vital for students to help them envision how their academic success connects to their possible futures.
Hollywood Elementary has a long tradition of representing the best of our neighborhood in North College Park. I was so grateful to be a part of this event and to witness firsthand the ways in which we’re nurturing Hollywood Stars to become civically engaged, curious individuals who will make differences in our community as they learn and grow.
Thanks to Here & Now for the opportunity to highlight this wonderful event in our community.
Jaclyn Bruner is a Hollywood parent and an asst. clinical professor at the University of Maryland.
