On September 25, Benton Central High School hosted its second annual Career Fair in the Atha Gym from 8 a.m. to noon. The event welcomed more than 40 outside organizations alongside student-led booths, providing a wide range of career, college, and service opportunities for students to explore.
This year’s fair featured 24 employers and businesses, 7 post-secondary schools, 4 branches of the military, and 8 Benton Central student organizations. In addition to Benton Central students in grades 9–12, opportunities for interaction were also offered to 7th and 8th graders. Juniors and seniors from Tri-County and Attica High Schools joined the event as well, making it a regional effort in career preparation.
JAG Student Leadership
In its second year at Benton Central, the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program continues to provide students with leadership and service-learning opportunities. The Career Fair gave JAG participants a chance to step up and take ownership of an event that impacts the entire school community and regional employers.
Planning for this year’s fair began immediately after the 2024 College & Career Fair. JAG students reflected on what went well and what could be improved, using those lessons to strengthen the structure, flow, and participation of this year’s event. Their work is one of many examples of how JAG prepares students for life beyond high school.
JAG Specialist and Instructor Rob Slavens emphasized the impact of this student-led effort:
“This year’s career fair was a tremendous success. We built on last year’s lessons to make the event even more valuable for students and staff. I’m proud of my JAG students for their professionalism and adaptability in planning, organizing, and carrying out every part of the event.”
JAG is also following up the event with a social media campaign to showcase highlights and spread awareness of the fair’s success.
Broad Range of Opportunities
Students met with a wide variety of employers, including Adkev, Benton County EMS, DA Dodd, DeShazo Cranes, WorkOne West Central, and many more.
In addition, Drug Plastics, Inc. collaborated with Benton Central’s internship instructor, Mrs. Silver, to generously provide refreshments for all participating vendors.
Colleges represented included Purdue University and its College of Education, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes College of Technology, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, and Lincoln Technical Institute. Four military branches—the Army, Navy, Marines, and National Guard—were also in attendance, offering advisement on careers in the military.
Meanwhile, student organizations played a central role in showcasing opportunities right at Benton Central. Represented groups included BPA, CNA Class, FFA, JAG, SODA, Spanish Club, and Supermileage Club—all whom shared past successes and future goals for their programs.
Interactive Highlights
Students had the chance to network, learn about local job opportunities, participate in interviews, and explore next steps for their futures. Vendors offered a variety of incentives, from candy and merchandise to job-shadowing experiences and even employment opportunities.
Adkev added to the excitement by giving students the chance to win Casey’s gift cards, which served as an important reminder that reliable transportation is essential when entering the workforce.
Student and Staff Reactions
Teachers praised the event’s variety, noting that there was “something for every student, regardless of their plans.” Many highlighted the value of conversations with employers and the strong interest in college booths.
Students also spoke positively about the experience. Some shared that they valued connecting with local businesses such as Eberhardt Heating & Cooling, Helena, and Valley Oaks. Others appreciated the chance to meet lawyers, CNAs, EMTs, and company representatives to better understand real careers.
Several noted that the fair opened their eyes to careers they didn’t know existed, giving them a new sense of direction and possibility. Beyond career exploration, many students enjoyed the social side of the fair—walking the gym with friends, recruiting peers for clubs, and yes, collecting the popular “goodies and free stuff.”
The fair also encouraged teamwork and pride, as students working booths built camaraderie while connecting with local businesses. It also provided a chance for Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff to form meaningful partnerships with the local workforce.
Growth from Last Year
Compared to its inaugural year, this year’s fair grew significantly, adding nearly ten new vendors and expanding to include more student clubs. The involvement of JAG students in the planning process helped ensure a smooth and engaging event for all who attended
Looking Ahead
The JAG program hopes to continue growing the Career Fair in 2026 by using student, staff, and vendor survey responses to make it as beneficial as possible for all attendees. Plans include increasing the number of vendors, adding more student organizations to the Atha Gym, and creating a natural flow for visitors.
Looking forward, the JAG team hopes the Career Fair will continue to serve as a launchpad for students’ futures, inspiring them to explore pathways in college, careers, and service that will strengthen tomorrow’s workforce.
Thanks to all participants who helped make this year’s event a success:
AHW, LLC, Alliance Bank, Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, Barce & Redlin PC, Benton County Chamber of Commerce, Benton County Sheriff, Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District, Benton Group Dairies, Cackley Real Estate, Caterpillar, Castongia Tractor, DA Dodd, Deep Klean Detailingm, DeShazo, Drug Plastics & Glass, Inc., Eberhardt Heating & Cooling & Sheet Metal, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Huston Electric, Shine on University, Valley Oaks Health, Westminster Village, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Lincoln Tech, Purdue University & Purdue College of Education, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, Vincennes College of Technology, United States Army Recruiters United States Marines Recruiters, United States National Guard Recruiters, and United States Navy Recruiters