Students 'GEAR UP' for careers

Motivational speaker talks at Chief Moses Middle School

MOSES LAKE - Chief Moses Middle School students were treated Friday to a career day, which kicked off with inspiring words from a former football player.

The career day for eighth-graders was hosted by the school's Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program.

"The whole goal of GEAR UP is to increase the number of students that enter and succeed in post-secondary education," said Site Director Lindsey Jones.

Twenty-five community members spoke to students about their careers, Jones said.

Former New York Giants football player Keith Davis was featured on ABC, BET, CBN, CBS, ESPN Sports and TBN, and in USA Today and Sports Illustrated. On Friday, he was featured as a motivational speaker at Chief Moses Middle School.

Davis promised students he didn't travel to Moses Lake to give a boring presentation.

"One thing I don't like is a boring program," Davis said.

Jones said among the lineup of community members, students heard from a veterinarian, an engineer, an attorney, a photographer and a small business owner.

She said she understands students may not know what they want to do as a career. The event is intended to help them think about their future, she said.

Presenter Pam Curnel, who is executive director of the Mrs. Moses Lake Pageant, said she emphasized the importance of attendance and punctuality.

Curnel advised students who skip school under the guise of being sick should start showing up.

"They were really receptive to that," Curnel said.

In addition to offering career day to eighth-graders, GEAR UP offers seventh- and eighth-grade students tutoring before school, after school, and during lunch, Jones said.

Students also make visits to college campuses.