On Friday, May 9, Oak Knoll’s Lower School hosted its Annual Career Day, an exciting opportunity for students to learn from accomplished professionals who shared insights about their careers and the joy of helping others. 

Students in grades three to six gathered in the Mother Mary Campion Center, while kindergarten through grade 2 met in the Bonaventura Chapel, creating an engaging and age-appropriate experience for all participants.

The event, organized by Lower School Counselor Meridith Molinaro, featured inspiring presentations from a variety of speakers, including several Oak Knoll faculty and staff members. These professionals passionately discussed their career journeys and daily routines, encouraging students to imagine how their own future careers could bring them purpose and fulfillment. By connecting with the dedicated adults in their community, students were not only introduced to different career paths but also reminded of the meaningful contributions made by Oak Knoll employees, both in education and beyond.

“We love having this event in the Lower School as our students explore responsibility, motivation, and inspiration,” explained Molinaro. “Career Day introduces our students to the working world and expands their knowledge of possibilities while sparking excitement and curiosity. This event also allows our students to build connections between school and the outside world around us.”

We thank the following individuals for sharing with our students and enthusiastically answering a colorful range of questions about their jobs.

• Dr. Kelly Childs: Oak Knoll Athletic Director and Oak Knoll parent
• Mrs. Cristina Hammond: Yoga Instructor and Lower School Reading Specialist
• Mr. Bob Weck: Former Summit Chief of Police and Oak Knoll Director of Security
• Mrs. Rose Puleo: Oak Knoll School Nurse
• Mrs. Dani Peckham: Oak Knoll School Nurse
• Dr. Jennifer Zocca: Anesthesiologist/Pain Management Physician and Oak Knoll parent
• Dr. Maryse Manasse-Romain: Prosthodontist and Oak Knoll parent
• Mrs. Amy Loxley: Dance Studio Owner and Oak Knoll parent
• Ms. Catherine Barry: Public Defender and daughter of an Oak Knoll staff member
• Ms. Meghan Cassidy: Oak Knoll Physical Education/Health Teacher and Coach 

Common themes emerged throughout the presentations and question-and-answer sessions, highlighting how these professionals were drawn to their careers by a strong desire to help others and make a meaningful impact.

Kindergarten to grade 2 students learned that a policeman’s most important asset is not his/her handcuffs but their mouth and the ability to remain calm and speak clearly. Our school nurses demonstrated the standard equipment they use to monitor vital signs. Students learned that a Yoga instructor’s favorite position can sometimes be lying quietly, breathing, and meditating. And our Athletic Director shared the many aspects of her job that go beyond teams, fields, and tournaments.

For older students in grades 3 through 6, the sessions offered deeper insights into diverse professions. A Prosthodontist expressed the joy of transforming lives by restoring smiles, while an anesthesiologist described their vital role in ensuring safety in the operating room. Students discovered that running an Irish dance studio involves far more than just teaching dance, and learned about the critical work of attorneys in ensuring everyone has access to representation in America. The rapid rise of ice hockey as a female sport in the U.S. further inspired discussions about passion-driven pursuits.

Further illustrating to the students that passion and purpose are key to a happy and productive life, Mrs. Amy Loxley, Dance Studio Owner and Oak Knoll parent, shared sage advice. 

“Who I truly am comes out in the dance studio,” she explained. “That’s why it’s enjoyable for me, even though there are many other aspects of the business. So, how can you pursue your passion? I’m sure you all have things that you love doing. My advice is whatever you are doing, do it a hundred percent.”

Though our Lower School students are in no rush to choose a career and have many more years to simply enjoy childhood, they can cultivate their passions and sense of purpose all along the road to discovering their myriad hidden gifts and talents.