Westwood Elementary students found out Monday morning that it's never too early to start planning for the future.  Approximately 40 guest speakers joined the elementary students to share their expertise and pique the interest of future doctors, engineers, theater managers, artists, nurses, realtors, mediators, builders, and cosmetologists. 
        The Westwood character cam caught the action as little leaders rotated through four workshops to travel down the career paths that the guests took from elementary school to where they are today. 

       “We visited with a vet, checked out x-rays with a chiropractor, laughed through Deal or No Deal with a lawyer, borrowed play money from a banker, explored with an entrepreneur, and tried to fit in the fire fighters' gear.  We counted with the accountants and got excited about the exterminator.   We danced with the DJ, talked with a teacher, and glimpsed a moon rock with the geologist.  All in all, it was an engaging experience as we welcomed professionals from the world of work that awaits us,” counselor Barbara Gruener said.
       Speakers included J. Michael Newman – Aerospace Engineer, John LeBorde – Accountant, Amanda Oakley – Accountant, Betsy Miller – Artist, Shawn Wyble – Artist, Kurt Hammerle – Attorney, Charles Kelly – Attorney, Doug McAninch – Attorney, Jean Tubbs – Attorney, Steve Gonzalez – Attorney, Jeremy Magnusson – ACE Hardware, Allan Rasmussen – Banker, Roxanne Corarrubias – Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union, Amanda Winson – JSC Federal Credit Union, Dr. Jay Heintz – Chiropractor/Sports Medicine, Julie LaCour – Chiropractic Studies, Steve Ridout – Construction, and  Kelly Hall – Construction.
       Also speakers included Geane Stevenson – Dean at College of the Mainland, Norma Saenz – Dentistry, John Prince – DJ/Radio,  Dr. Ana Amaya-Morales – OB-GYN, Dr. Matt Wilber – Pediatrician, Dr. Richard Warneke – Surgeon, Garland Moreland – Fire Fighter, Bill Cole – Fire Fighter, David Sherer – Fire Fighter, John Gruener – Geologist, Chris Turner – Mediator, Anna Jarvis – NASA, Shannon Melton – NASA, Dawn Barta – Nurse, Elena Black – Nurse, Tiffany Johnson – Nurse, Renee Lovett – Nurse, Charlie Organ – Johnson’s Pest Control, Beth Stanfield – Realtor, Veronica Ramirez – Supercuts Stylist, Rosa Gallo – Supercuts Stylist, Tuyen Nguyen – Supercuts Stylist, Eva Lord – Teacher, Maureen Patton – Theater Manager, Dr. Diane Kuecker – Veterinarian, Dr. Jacqueline Marcoux – Veterinarian, and  Sandeep Kadur – What-A-Burger Regional Manager.
       “The Westwood family extends its heartfelt appreciation to our PTO for its partnership in planning and to our guest speakers for sharing their spark,” Principal Lynn Hobratschk said.