Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s annual STEAM Career Fair returned to John F. Kennedy High School on April 21, bringing students, families and professionals together for an evening of hands-on learning — and building on recent statewide recognition for the program.
More than 50 businesses, schools, medical professionals and organizations participated in this year’s fair, offering students a firsthand look at careers in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Among those in attendance were representatives from Northwell Health, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Weill Cornell Medicine, Barracuda Networks, Delta Airlines, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, and Civil Air Patrol. Several Kennedy alumni also returned to share their experiences.
Throughout the evening, students explored interactive exhibits and workshops featuring virtual reality, flight simulations, robotics, and 3D printing, while also networking directly with professionals about their day-to-day work and potential career paths.
“This event exemplifies the district’s commitment to STEAM education while connecting students with the professional community,” Roger Bing, the district’s science and STEAM chair, said. “It was especially rewarding to see the level of interaction and genuine interest exhibited by those in attendance.”
The event’s continued success comes as the district’s STEAM Career Fair was recently recognized by the New York State School Boards Association as a “Champions of Change” program, for highlighting initiatives that make a meaningful impact in schools across the state. The program was selected from among dozens reviewed.
Gerard Owenburg, Kennedy’s principal, said the recognition underscores the fair’s role in preparing students for the future.
“This year, we were honored that the New York State School Boards Association recognized our STEAM Career Fair as a program of excellence,” Owenburg said. “Since its inception, this event has grown into a cornerstone of our school’s mission to provide real-world, meaningful experiences for our students.
“For us, the true success of the STEAM fair lies in those moments when a student connects with a professional and realizes a new career path is within their reach,” he added. “By bringing these industry experts to Kennedy High School, we are empowering our students to see themselves as the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
The fair was originally developed by Rob Soel, Bellmore-Merrick’s former STEAM chair, and Barbi Frank, the district’s director of advanced science research and the event’s organizer, with the goal of connecting students directly with professionals across a wide range of industries.
“The STEAM Career Fair is an incredible opportunity for our community to gain firsthand experience by connecting with professionals, learning about their day-to-day work and hearing the highlights of their careers,” Frank said. “It’s an enjoyable night for all, and it’s clear that everyone walks away having learned something new.”
Leading up to the event, Kennedy also hosted its annual medical Scrabble fundraiser, where students competed in a science-themed version of the classic game. For the second consecutive year, seniors Cole Stern and Joseph Littman took first place.
Organizers said the fair continues to grow each year, strengthening connections between students and industry professionals while helping young people explore potential career paths.
