South School's 3rd Annual Future Fair continues to grow, connecting students with careers across Midcoast
Thu, 06/11/2026 - 9:00am
Dental Hygienist. (Photo courtesy South School)
SMCCVR Welding. (Photo courtesy South School) 
Maine Adaptive Outdoor Education Center. (Photo courtesy South School)
Frank FM. (Photo courtesy South School)
Granite Coast Orthodontics. (Photo courtesy South School)
Midcoast School of Technology. (Photo courtesy South School)
The Apprenticeshop. (Photo courtesy South School)
John Deere. (Photo courtesy South School)
Rockland Police. (Photo courtesy South School)
Fisher Engineering. (Photo courtesy South School)
Rockland Fire Department. (Photo courtesy South School) 
Maine Coast Construction. (Photo courtesy South School)
Dental Hygienist. (Photo courtesy South School)
SMCCVR Welding. (Photo courtesy South School)
Maine Adaptive Outdoor Education Center. (Photo courtesy South School)
Frank FM. (Photo courtesy South School)
Granite Coast Orthodontics. (Photo courtesy South School)
Midcoast School of Technology. (Photo courtesy South School)
The Apprenticeshop. (Photo courtesy South School)
John Deere. (Photo courtesy South School)
Rockland Police. (Photo courtesy South School)
Fisher Engineering. (Photo courtesy South School)
Rockland Fire Department. (Photo courtesy South School)
Maine Coast Construction. (Photo courtesy South School)ROCKLAND — What began three years ago as an idea to help South School students explore future possibilities has grown into a district-wide event serving 475 students. This year, all RSU 13 students in grades 3–5 attended South School's 3rd Annual Future Fair, while South School students in grades PreK–2 participated in a Touch-a-Truck experience featuring local businesses, organizations, and community partners.
Held on May 27, the Future Fair welcomed more than 60 businesses, organizations, and community partners from across the Midcoast. Many exhibitors returned from previous years, while numerous new organizations joined the event for the first time, "helping strengthen connections between schools and the broader community," said a South School news release.
Unlike a traditional career fair, the Future Fair is intentionally designed to be hands-on and interactive. In the weeks leading up to the event, students completed career interest inventories, learned about career clusters, and practiced questions to ask exhibitors. On the day of the event, students arrived with clipboards and pencils in hand, ready to explore careers that matched their interests and discover new possibilities.
Students drilled screws into wood with Maine Coast Construction, practiced orthodontic procedures with Granite Coast Orthodontics, tested their nautical knowledge with The Apprenticeshop, explored adaptive outdoor wheelchairs with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, climbed aboard a fire truck with Mid-Coast School of Technology EMT and Firefighter students, and experienced virtual reality welding through Southern Maine Community College's Workforce Development program. They also had opportunities to try broadcasting equipment with Frank FM 105.7 and paint model airplanes while learning about aviation careers with Penobscot Island Air.
Ashley Ricker, Development Director of the American Heart Association, praised students' "genuine interest, enthusiasm, engagement, curiosity, and maturity," noting their ability to communicate confidently with adults while maintaining their sense of wonder.
While the hands-on activities generate excitement, organizers say the event's purpose extends far beyond career exploration.
"At its heart, the event is designed to strengthen connections between students and the community they call home," said Victoria Hamilton, South School music teacher and Future Fair co-coordinator. "By bringing local businesses, organizations, skilled tradespeople, public service professionals, and community leaders together, students are able to see the many opportunities that exist right here in Midcoast Maine."
The impact is felt on both sides. Community members gain meaningful opportunities to engage with young learners, while students discover new possibilities through shared interests, hands-on experiences, and conversations with professionals from a wide range of fields.
"One of our goals is to help students recognize that they don't have to look far to find inspiring opportunities," said Monica Karam, South School counselor and Future Fair co-coordinator. "We want them to see the incredible people, careers, and organizations that exist in their own community. Those connections are what make this event so special."
South School extends its sincere gratitude to the businesses, organizations, district staff, families, volunteers, and community members who contributed their time and expertise to make the event possible.
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