San Pascual School Career Day Draws Local Pros, Alumni

San Pascual Elementary School students got a chance to look into their potential professional futures on Monday, as local professionals from a variety of fields showcased their jobs skills at San Pascual Elementary School’s Career Day.

The event was an effort to reestablish a student motivating school tradition that hadn’t been practiced in over 12 years, said Olivia Adams. “Having people from the community come in to show [kids] what they do gives them a better vision,” said Adams. “The ones who have a vision are the ones who know where they want to go.”

Twenty presenters--including music producers, scientists, mechanics and local law enforcement agents--shared experiences in their fields and took questions from numerous curious children.

Officers from LAPD's downtown headquarters and the Northeast Division allowed students to inspect their squad cars parked on the school’s playground. Firefighters from Highland Park’s Station 12 also brought in a fire engine for viewing and had a few student volunteers suit-up in firefighter uniforms.

Students also learned how a professional music producer creates a jingle in minutes and how a technician installs solar panels.

However, the most popular professional was Sage, a 4-year-old K-9 bloodhound from LAPD’s Metropolitan Division. Accompanied by Police Officer Jason Schwab, Sage greeted students who had many questions about the dog’s job in the field.

Although not all students had an opportunity to meet every presenter due to time constraints, no one missed the opportunity to wave at Sage, hoping to make the K-9 dog feel welcomed at their school.

Among the day’s presenters were L.A. County Fire Department Capt. Robert Rodriguez, an alumnus who attended San Pascual in the '70s.

“I’ve always been connected to Highland Park, that’s why I return to San Pascual,” said Rodriguez. “Believe it or not, my desire to become a firefighter started here at San Pascual when we had a firefighter come visit us. It was in kindergarten, and from that moment on, I made up my mind about what I wanted to be.”

After leaving San Pascual, Rodriguez attended Burbank Middle School and graduated from Franklin High School in 1983.

 Monica Flores, is a clinical social worker and parent of two San Pascual students. She’s also a San Pascual alumni and says she enjoys being part of these events because they bring back memories.

“I feel a connection and a nostalgia when I bring my kids everyday and [I enjoy] seeing the wonderful work that the teachers do. It reminds me of my own childhood experience,” said Flores.