March 3, 2025 —The hallways of Centennial High School buzzed as students eagerly explored possibilities for their futures. Students moved from booth to booth, each one offering a glimpse into a different career path, some students imagined themselves at a university, others saw potential in skilled trades, and a few were surprised to find new interests they hadn’t considered before. The College and Career Fair, held during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, was more than just an event; it was an eye-opening experience, helping students turn their classroom lessons into tangible career opportunities.

For Trinitee Ba, a sophomore at Centennial, the event opened her eyes to new possibilities.

“[The career fair and the CTE courses] help me prepare and give me a feel of things that I thought I would never consider,” said Trinitee Ba, sophomore at Centennial. “Of course, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor. As I got older, I really started to take more interest in tech. I really think that is something that I'm passionate about.”

The College and Career Fair helped show the value of hands-on courses like Business Foundations and Marketing Principles where students dive into essential business strategies like budgeting, marketing, financial planning, and economic decision-making. As students prepare for life after high school, courses in CTE are making real-world connections increasingly possible.

“We want our students to be prepared when they graduate,” said Jennifer Reese, school counselor at Centennial. “For years when you'd say go to college, students would say, ‘I'm gonna go be a doctor or a lawyer.’ There are a million other careers and we want them to know that.”

The fair served as a student vision board, showcasing college pathways from The Ohio State University, Central State University, and more. Career opportunities from Worthington Steel, FedEx, and other industries were available to those eager to enter the workforce. Civic organizations like the Columbus Division of Police highlighted public service careers and the steps to get there.

With the diversity of industries represented, students were guaranteed to envision a future tailored to their strengths and interests. Whether aiming for a four-year degree, seeking skilled trade certification, or entering the workforce immediately, Centennial made sure students had access to every option.

“Centennial has really pushed me and prepared me for success,” Ba said. “I know if I wanted to look into business, I would have all this knowledge from my high school years that I could use. It's just wonderful how simply planting one seed and watering it daily can bloom into so much. I think Centennial does a great job at doing that and getting their students engaged in things that they like and potentially want to do.”

Students enrolled in Centennial’s CTE courses, such as Business Foundations and Marketing Principles, were especially engaged in the fair, seeing direct connections between their coursework and real-world careers. 

These classes, offered to students in grades 9-12, cover core business concepts like financial management and marketing strategies. Through this course, students gain practical experience that mirrors professional expectations and prepares them for life after high school.

“Students are excited to think about what they could be doing in the future,” said Nina Dent, business foundations and marketing principles teacher at Centennial. “We've got a lot of students that we're wanting to put out into the real world. [There are industries here today] that can hire students to work a part time job now and potentially walk out with a full time job when they graduate high school.”

CTE Month at Columbus City Schools sparks creativity as students visit booths, tour colleges, and explore how classroom skills translate into careers after high school. By hosting the College and Career Fair during CTE Month, Centennial is flexing its commitment to helping students see the bigger picture, think creatively, and apply classroom experiences to real-world opportunities.