Odenton Elementary School held its first "Future Leaders" career day on Friday, featuring more than three dozen local workers.

The all-day session involved the entire school, with lessons on jobs ranging from limousine driver to military police officer.

Odenton Elementary guidance counselor Jennifer Beusse said the goal was to broaden students’ understanding about what career options were out there, while teaching them that good behavior and hard work can pay off.  

“It’s important in terms of preparing them for college and career readiness,” Beusse said. “It’s getting them to understand how academics relates to future careers.”

Breakout sessions included an outside demonstration featuring a bomb sniffing dog from Fort Meade and a presentation from an x-ray technician. An Anne Arundel County police officer was on hand and allowed students to sit in his car, and students also spoke with Mike Lewandowski, who builds bicycles despite being blind.

“They were mesmerized,” said second grade teacher Shana Miles. “It’s making them think ‘What do I want to do when I get out of here?’ and showing them that there’s life after workbooks.”

Debra Williams, the owner of the McDonald’s on Annapolis Road in Odenton, said she tried to convey that there is a wide range of jobs that students might not be aware of. She pointed to jobs at McDonald’s in the area of nutrition, graphic art and marketing.

“We want them to realize there are so many different opportunities,” she said.

Editor's note: A previous version of this article misidentified bike mechanice. Mike Lewandowski. Patch regrets the error.