Northumberland County Public Schools hosted a career fair this month that was praised as a major success.

According to NCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Leslie, the turnout exceeded anything she had seen in her previously. She said there were about 38 businesses along with colleges and several branches of the military participating in the career fair.

She told the Northumberland Board of Supervisors that she comes from a city with a very large school division. “This is the largest career fair I’ve ever seen.”

Dr. Leslie said eighth graders were brought in as well, so it wasn’t just high school students who benefited. She added that this comes on top of an amazing event last year.

The career fair was coordinated by CTE Director and teacher Stacy Hendrickson, who worked closely with the Economic Development Commission and the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) to bring participants into the schools.

Northumberland Finance Director Dr. Ann Curran praised the outcome. She thanked BCWDB for its hands on support. BCWDB staff—including the region’s business services representative— were there speaking with students about local industries and career pathways. The Consortium also brought its virtual reality career exploration tools, giving students a hands on look at occupations across the region.

Curran also thanked the EDC for its role in generating opportunities of interest that exist within Northumberland County.

County Supervisor Chip Williams, who attended the event, echoed that sentiment.

“I want to say that I was happy to see how engaged the students were with every booth that was set up,” Williams said. “I don’t know if they got a push from their teachers to behave in that manner or if they did it on their own, but it was impressive.”

Dr. Leslie agreed that the students were “totally engaged.”

“This was huge. It was absolutely huge. And I’m so proud to be a part of what went on today,” she added.

Dr. Leslie said the event extended beyond the high school grounds as some career fair participants even visited younger students at Northumberland Elementary School earlier in the day.