By Jacob Hatcher

Photos by Jodi Hyde

More than 2,000 6-12th grade students and their parents gathered at Hartselle High School Monday night for the second annual Finding Your Future event. Businesses from across North Alabama, as well as schools, armed forces representatives and other career field organizations were present with booths for attendees to gather information as they begin to consider their future after graduation.

The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Hartselle City schools and local businesses to make the event possible.

“Finding Your Future is the product of private and public partnerships working at its best. It is inspiring to see businesses generously serving alongside out schools to mentor and inspire tomorrow’s workforce,” Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Missy Evans said.

Hartselle High School guidance counselor Cory Wilbanks said, “Educators, business and industry came together for the good of students in our community tonight at Finding Your Future.”

When asked about the impact of Finding Your Future from a student’s perspective, Hartselle High School junior Katee Anna Aker said, “This event is a great opportunity for students to obtain information for potential career paths. The exam exemption is a great incentive to encourage students to attend.”

The presenting sponsor for Finding Your Future was Sonoco Reels and Plugs. Gold sponsors were Cerrowire, Decatur Morgan Hospital and Redstone Federal Credit Union. Silver sponsors were Nucor and Powergrid Services LLC. The supporting sponsor was the Morgan County Commission.