GREEN COVE SPRINGS — From holding a rare Megalodon tooth to stepping into oversized firefighter gear, local children learned much about where their future could lead them on March 27. 

 In a partnership between the Village Improvement Association, Friends of Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center, the Clay Education Foundation and Community First Credit Union, the organizations hosted a Career Fair dedicated to giving youth a look into potential jobs.

Each room at the Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center hosted an organization — their tables decorated with items, trinkets and pamphlets and their voices ready to speak and answer any questions about their day-to-day lives in the field. 

Representatives from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Georgia Aquarium, Green Cove Animal Hospital, child-serving agency Daniel Kids and Clay County Fire and Rescue were in attendance.

The children listened in on what it meant to be a scientist, studying aquatic life as a marine biologist, and the ins and outs of training wild animals as a zookeeper.

Veterinarians at the animal hospital gave a presentation on caring for animals and the ways to determine whether they are sick. The children also inquired with a lieutenant from Clay County Fire Rescue about what it takes to be a firefighter, with the team also providing a front-seat experience on Engine 20. 

Even if the children were unaware of what they wanted to do, the event also welcomed Take Stock in Children of Florida, where a representative spoke about treading their college path with the help of mentors and scholarship programs.

Maybe they will take a career path helping to improve the social welfare of kids with Daniel Kids, or maybe they’ll look at becoming an artist like Michele McConner, who also showcased her photography, painting and cake-decorating skills.

Either way, the event proved to give them a head start.