Windsor Central High School’s annual Day With Professionals was on Friday, with 20 professionals from a range of careers helping students jump start their career exploration. Students spoke either one-on-one or in small groups with each professional.

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti was among the professionals sharing his experience with the WCHS students. 

“It’s always an honor and privilege to invest in next generation. I applaud the WCSD for always echoing that feeling,” said Battisti.
The professionals met with high school juniors to talk about their professional paths and what the students can do to get the best start in their careers, whether their next step is college, the Military, or the workforce.

“Today helped me boil down what I envision for my future and what I like and don’t like. Today was a good day to decide what you’re looking for and how you see yourself in a future role. I met with an architect, and I can see myself in that role where when I met with the civil engineer, I didn’t see myself in that role as much,” said WCHS junior Grady Leonard.

“I want to do more with forest management and forestry. You can do that privately, cutting trees, planting trees, and doing other things to help the forest,” said WCHS junior Andrew Bennett, who met with a carpenter and a Department of Environmental Conservation officer. “I learned about how closely I would work with the DEC.”

A new element to this year’s event was the creation of a closet with dress shirts and pants available for students who needed appropriate business attire.

“Day with Professionals is an opportunity for students to meet someone in a field they’re interested in pursuing after high school. It gives students the ability to connect with someone local, begin forming their network, and start finding opportunities like job shadows,” said WCHS Career Counselor Heather Bidwell.

This event is part of Windsor’s Future Ready Knights program, which allows students to pursue careers through ten different pathways: Business/Finance, Career & Technical Education, Computer Science, Agriculture, Biomedical Science, Human Services, Fine Arts, Education, Construction Trades, and Engineering, with the help of internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships.