Gravette Middle School students explored a wide variety of future career paths during Career Day 2026 on May 13. Professionals from across Northwest Arkansas visited with students to share their experiences, demonstrate hands-on skills, and answer questions about the work they do each day.
The event was made possible thanks to the many volunteer presenters who generously shared their time, knowledge, and career experiences with students. Also a special thank-you to Tabby Crane for organizing the event and helping create opportunities for students to connect their interests to future possibilities.
SKILLED TRADES, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY CAREERS
Crossland Construction — Robert Adams
Gravette Middle School students learned about commercial construction, building safety, and skilled trade opportunities from Crossland Construction.
Built Well Construction — Joe Martinez and Chris Flynt
Demonstrated tools and safety procedures.
Burns and McDonnell — John Sheely
Provided an overview of civil engineering and infrastructure design.
Skyline Printing and Merch — Lana Russell and Avery Alvey
Skyline Printing and Merch representatives showed students how design, branding, and production come together in the custom apparel and merchandise industry.
Howdy Prints — Donna Ryan
Discussed small business operations and apparel design.
Outdoor Cap — Jeanelle Harris
Gave a look into headwear manufacturing and brand merchandise.
User Experience Designer — Kayleigh Cooper
Students learned how user experience design combines creativity, technology, and problem-solving to make digital products easier to use.
Osage Plumbing and Air — Jake Knoedl
Demonstrated mechanical trade skills.
Carroll Electric — Crystal Howerton, Davy Copeland, and Eric Brown
Demonstrated utility hardware and electrical safety.
BUSINESS, FINANCE, AND LOGISTICS CAREERS
Realtor — Laura Ripsom
Students visited with local realtor Laura Ripsom to learn about the real estate market, home buying, and career opportunities in business and sales.
First National Bank — Sharon Grounds
Discussed banking services and personal financial literacy.
Grand Savings Bank — Jeanette Westrick
Shared how financial institutions support local businesses.
Watco Logistics — Andrea Cook
Explained transportation network management and supply chain operations.
PUBLIC SERVICE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT CAREERS
Arkansas House of Representatives — Hope Duke
State Representative Hope Duke visited with students about her role in state government and how ideas become laws through the legislative process.
Bentonville Water Utilities — Donald Schmidt and Dustin Youngblood
Demonstrated water management systems.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office — Valeria Serrano
Representatives from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office spoke with students about community safety, law enforcement operations, and specialized public service careers.
Bella Vista Fire Department — Michael Harris and Brandon Earley
Provided a tour of emergency response equipment.
Freelance Court Reporter — Natanya Riddle
Students learned about court reporting from freelance court reporter Natanya Riddle, who demonstrated stenography equipment and explained how speed and accuracy support legal proceedings.
Bentonville Police Department Bomb Squad — Ryan Simmons
Showed hazardous device tools and tactical safety gear.
Highfill Police Department — Blake Webb
Students learned how drone technology is used in law enforcement, including how officers use aerial tools to support public safety and emergency response.
Bella Vista Police Department Dispatch — Leslianne Pratt
Explained the role of emergency communications.
Air Evac Life Team — Eric Wood
An Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter gave students a firsthand look at emergency medical aviation as crew members shared how air medical teams respond to critical situations.
Gravette School District — Jeff Gravette
Jeff Gravette spoke with students about school administration, educational leadership, and the many ways educators support students and their communities.
AGRICULTURE, HEALTH, AND CREATIVE CAREERS
University of Arkansas Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences — Chandler Arel
Students learned about soil science, environmental stewardship, and agricultural research from the University of Arkansas Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences.
Arkansas Game and Fish — Olivia Perry and Bailey Coffelt
Students practiced casting skills while learning about wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and habitat management from Arkansas Game and Fish.
Falyn’s Flowers and Gifts — Juliette Chandler
Demonstrated floral design methods and boutique business management.
Orchard Dental — Dr. Hayden Huett
Students visited with Orchard Dental to learn about oral healthcare, dental tools, and career opportunities in dentistry.
Chef, Catering and Events — Chris Shioyama
Introduced culinary arts and event hospitality coordination.
Mercy Medical Science — Tyler Bazyk
Students learned about medical laboratory science and healthcare pathways, including how lab professionals use samples and data to support patient care.
Arisa Health — Miki Mitchell
Discussed behavioral health services and community care paths.
Medical Profession — Carol Piatkowski and Angie King
Students practiced hands-on medical skills while learning about patient care and career opportunities in the healthcare field.
Grass Roots Farmers Co-op — Rodger Howie
Discussed sustainable agriculture and food supply logistics.
Veterinarian — Mackenzie Overstreet
Students explored veterinary medicine through hands-on materials and learned how animal care professionals diagnose, treat, and support the health of animals.
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division — Presenters
Provided insights into forest preservation and resource protection.
Hair Artist — Taylor Evans
Students explored cosmetology careers with hair artist Taylor Evans, learning about styling techniques, creativity, and the business side of the beauty industry.