National Guard offers 'Career Direction' for high school students

Juniors at South Hold High School participate in the Career Direction program with Sgt. 1st Class Ted Finney of the Missouri Army National Guard. Students explored different career options and worked on sample budgets. (Photo by Jennifer Archdekin)

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

OREGON, Mo. - It's no secret high school students are constantly faced with the conundrum of what path to venture down after graduating. Which is the best choice for them? Is it college, a technical school, the military or going straight into the workforce? There are many possibilities.

Sgt. 1st Class Ted Finney is one of many Missouri Army National Guardsmen who is helping high school juniors and seniors become more focused on their future. Recently he visited with juniors at South Hold High School in Oregon to help open their eyes to career options with the Career Direction program.

"I'm not here to sign them up for the National Guard," said Finney. "I want these kids to take a look at what their options are and what will best suit them."

Career Direction is a no-cost guidance program that has helped over three million high school students plan their futures. It is sponsored and presented by the Army National Guard and is designed to support and enhance the high school's career development program.

Diana Vernon, guidance counselor at South Holt High School, welcomes the opportunity to have guest speakers who can share their own real-world experiences with the students.

"From the kids' point of view, I think its real-life experience more so than what they get from us here at school," said Vernon. "Somebody from the outside, somebody they don't hear every day, they are more likely to listen to that."

As a National Guardsman, Finney sees the importance of investing in the future of the areas he lives and works in.

"These are our communities and if I can give something back to these communities, then fantastic," said Finney. "I get to help a lot of kids become what they need to be. I think that's part of what the Guard is all about, helping our own communities."

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

-30-

For more information about this release, please contact Jennifer Archdekin at 816-262-2893 or e-mail at jarchdekin@gmail.com.