Gov. Snyder to Address UCS 6th-Graders

Sixth-graders will have a chance to meet Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and enjoy adult conversation at the Utica Community Schools' annual Career Focus Luncheon.

Snyder will be the keynote speaker on May 5, which is the second day of the 18th annual luncheon.

The event, which is sponsored by the UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence, will be held May 4-5, at the Sterling Inn Banquet Center.

Ron Tavernit, director of the UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence, said they had to spilt the event in two days because there are more than 2,000 UCS sixth-graders who will participate.

The annual Career Focus Luncheon connects children and successful working adults, and gives the children an opportunity to come away with a better idea of the education and skills they will need for 21st century careers.

A successful businessperson sits at each table of children.

“They come away with a unique perspective," Tavernit said. "They might be sitting with a person who is in a business that they never thought of."

Snyder, however, was a shoo-in as the keynote speaker. Prior to being elected the 48th governor of Michigan, he was the co-founder and CEO of Michigan-based venture capital firm Ardesta LLC.

Danny Foster, host of children’s show, Build it Bigger, will be the keynote speaker on May 4.

“The children all come away with a good idea of what it takes to be successful in the business community,” Tavernit said.

Tavernit added that the he is always so impressed with the children’s behavior at the event. The children are well behaved and excited to attend the luncheon because they have been prepped for the event since the fourth grade.

“They come maybe for the first time all dressed up in a suit and tie, and the girls are in dresses. Sometimes the little girls wear little heels for the first time,” said Tavernit.

For more information, visit www.ucsfoundation.org.