Up Close and Hands-On: St. Mary’s County Students Discover Careers Beyond the Classroom 

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Students at Park Hall Elementary School stepped outside the classroom and into the driver’s seat of discovery during a Vehicle Career Day held May 15.

The interactive event brought together local agencies, businesses and community organizations, giving students a hands-on look at careers tied to transportation, public safety and essential services. From emergency vehicles to heavy equipment, students explored a wide range of professions while engaging directly with the people behind the work.

Hands-On Learning Sparks Curiosity

Throughout the day, students rotated between stations where volunteers showcased their vehicles and explained their day-to-day responsibilities. Many students had the chance to climb inside vehicles, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how different roles support the community.

Principal Amanda Kellam said the event was designed to create both a welcoming and educational environment for students.

“Hands-on events like Vehicle Career Day help students feel more confident and aware of future career options,” Kellam said. “By trying out real tasks and meeting professionals, students better understand different jobs and see what skills are needed. This makes career choices feel more possible and less confusing, encouraging students to explore their options.”

Haley Thorn, school counselor and event organizer, said the event was intentionally designed to reflect careers students already see in their daily lives.

“We chose a variety of vehicles and careers that students regularly see and interact with in the community,” Thorn said. “Each presenter highlighted important skills like teamwork, leadership and safety while giving our students a hands-on look at real-world career opportunities. Our goal was to introduce students to many different careers, helping to spark curiosity and future interests.”

The experience connected classroom learning to real-world applications, encouraging students to think about their own interests and future career paths.

Community Turns Out To Inspire Students

Thorn said the event required extensive planning and collaboration with community partners.

“Planning the event took coordination with several community organizations, scheduling vehicles and presenters, and organizing student rotations so every class could participate safely,” Thorn said. “The event’s success came from our strong community partners who generously gave up their time to speak with our students about their careers and how these vehicles are used to serve our community every day.”

The event featured a strong showing of local and regional partners who volunteered their time and equipment, including representatives from NAS Patuxent River Port Operations, NAS Patuxent River Cargo Team and NAWCAD Webster Outlying Field (WOLF).

The NAS Patuxent River Cargo Team showcased a specialized tactical vehicle, giving students a closer look at the logistics and coordination required to support operations on and off base. Personnel explained how cargo teams manage the transport of equipment and materials, emphasizing the importance of organization, safety and teamwork. The display offered students insight into careers focused on logistics, transportation and mission support.

NAS Patuxent River Port Operations provided students with an in-depth look at its role in environmental protection and maritime safety, highlighting its oil spill response capabilities and shoreline security operations. Working closely with environmental teams, Port Operations supports more than 23 miles of shoreline and maintains a fleet of specialized vessels, including rapid response equipment designed to contain and clean spills. Personnel also explained how their work supports search-and-rescue efforts and complies with strict federal and state regulations, giving students insight into the responsibilities behind protecting local waterways.

Special Communications Mission Solutions (SCMS) offered students a unique behind-the-scenes look inside its mobile communications truck, giving them an up-close view of the technology used in real-world operations. Students climbed aboard the vehicle to explore advanced equipment, including monitoring systems, communication panels and live video displays. The interactive experience allowed students to see how mobile command centers function during emergencies and large-scale events, providing insight into careers in communications, technology and public safety.

Public safety agencies were also well represented, with participation from the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Additional county services included the St. Mary’s County Animal Control Division and the St. Mary’s County Mobile Library.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police serve as the state’s primary law enforcement agency for protecting natural resources and ensuring public safety on the water. Officers enforce conservation laws, respond to boating emergencies, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and educate the public on safe and responsible use of Maryland’s waterways and outdoor spaces.

Utility and community organizations such as SMECO and Pets on Wheels joined local business J. Browne Excavating in showcasing career opportunities, while Elisa Townsend, an orientation and mobility specialist, provided insight into specialized support services.

Students had the opportunity to take part in a hands-on activity with SMECO, giving them a closer look at the tools and equipment used in the electrical field. The interactive experience allowed students to engage directly with the work, helping them better understand careers in energy and utility services.

Pets on Wheels brought a unique and comforting presence to Vehicle Career Day, introducing students to the role of therapy animals in the community. Volunteers explained how trained pets visit schools, hospitals and care facilities to provide emotional support, companionship and stress relief. The presentation offered students insight into volunteer opportunities and careers centered on animal-assisted therapy and community service.

Elisa Townsend, an orientation and mobility specialist, introduced students to the tools and techniques used to support individuals who are blind or have low vision. Through hands-on materials and demonstrations, students learned how skills like navigation, spatial awareness and the use of assistive devices, such as a white cane, help individuals move safely and independently in their communities. The display highlighted careers focused on accessibility, education and support services.

School officials expressed appreciation for the volunteers who helped make the day both educational and memorable.

By bringing real-world experiences directly to campus, Park Hall Elementary continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore their interests, ask questions and begin imagining the possibilities that lie ahead.

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