November 14, 2025 – Mexico High School hosted its annual Find Your Path Career Exploration Event on Thursday, November 13, bringing together students in Mexico and surrounding schools to explore future career opportunities.

The event is designed to help students connect classroom learning with real-world careers while highlighting the education and training needed to meet today’s, and tomorrow’s, workforce demands. By exploring careers early, students can make informed choices during their high school years to prepare for life after graduation.

This year’s event included students in grades 8–12, Hart Career Center programs and sending schools, and, for the first time, fifth graders. The expansion reflects MHS’s commitment to starting career conversations earlier, helping students identify strengths and interests long before graduation.

“Recent data shows that the sooner we can start discussing career pathways, the more successful our youth will be in finding a career with longevity,” said Rebecca Moppin, event organizer and College and Career Readiness Coordinator. “It’s possible that AI will replace some entry-level jobs within the next five to ten years, so it’s even more critical that we begin to inspire students at an earlier age.”

Students spent the day meeting local employers, exploring industries, and asking questions about classes and skills tied to specific career paths. Tables featured opportunities ranging from part-time jobs and internships to apprenticeships and job shadowing. Students were encouraged to think broadly about their interests—whether in healthcare, welding, business, or technology—and to see how different career paths intersect within organizations.

In 2017, local manufacturers partnered with the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce  and Mexico Public Schools to create a hands-on “trade show” experience focused on career exploration for students. Led by Mark Korman, owner of Fluid Power Support, the event initially welcomed students in grades 8–12 from Mexico and surrounding schools.

This year’s event also expanded its footprint by inviting surrounding schools, with more than 900 students attending throughout the day. The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce provided lunch for business participants, followed by a brief presentation on the MHS Workforce Development Model, which focuses on creating sustainable communities where students can live, work, and thrive.