Valley Park High School hosted an inspiring Explore U Career Day, giving students a firsthand look at a wide range of professions and pathways beyond graduation.
From public service to private enterprise, the lineup of guest speakers was as impressive as it was diverse. Students met Police Officer Brian Heulsing, Fire Chief Jim Polk, and U.S. Navy ABH2 Aleena Nelson, who shared what it means to serve and protect both locally and nationally. Sergeant Bentrup, a Marine Communications Chief, gave insight into leadership and teamwork under pressure.
The business world was equally well represented by Corporate Sales Professional Cynthia Luhning, Senior Financial Representative Walter Lindsey, and Attorney and Managing Partner Steven Waterkotte, each highlighting the importance of communication, perseverance and ethics in their fields.
Creativity and design took center stage thanks to Photographer David Preston, Engineer and Architect Emily Johanson and Construction Project Manager Chris Adams, who discussed how innovation and problem-solving shape their daily work. Students also heard from Contractor and House Flipper Jill Payton, Entertainment Managing Partner Max Goldfarb and Athletic Trainer Braden Lawson, who demonstrated how passion can become a lifelong career.
Rounding out the impressive panel were Real Estate Agents Frannie Benoist, Grace Crossley and Laurent Fahy, Engineer Tyffani Msengi, Nurse Kiarra Stillman, and Chiropractor and Business Owner Leighton Duerksen, each emphasizing the value of education, adaptability and continuous learning.
High School Principal Dr. Ryan Luhning said the event directly connects to Valley Park’s mission of preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
“Explore U allows our students to see the real-world application of what they’re learning every day,” Dr. Luhning said. “These career connections bring our curriculum to life and support the goals of college and career readiness, student engagement and community partnerships.”
While upperclassmen explored off-campus college and career experiences, ninth graders stayed on campus for an afternoon of team-building activities. These hands-on challenges focused on communication, leadership and collaboration.
Sophomores spent the afternoon at Laumeier Sculpture Park, participating in a Geocaching Scavenger Hunt that combined art, adventure and real-world problem solving.
Juniors traveled to St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley for a college visit, where they toured campus facilities, explored degree programs and learned about admissions, scholarships and student life. The experience gave students a firsthand look at the college environment and helped them begin planning for their postsecondary pathways.
Seniors visited First Phorm Headquarters for a corporate site tour, where they saw business operations in action and heard from team members about professional culture, leadership and the skills needed to succeed in a modern workplace. The visit offered students valuable insight into career readiness, entrepreneurship and the connection between passion and purpose.
Explore U Day gave all students a chance to learn, lead and connect in new ways. Whether they were discovering future careers, exploring college life or developing essential life skills, one thing was clear, there’s no limit to what’s possible when you’re curious, confident and ready to learn.
Click the photo below to see the pictures from the day's events: