Skip To Main Content
Career Day at Ladue Horton Watkins Provides Inspiration for Students and Professional

Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) recently hosted its highly anticipated Career Day, an event organized by the Ladue Education Foundation (LEF) to connect students with local professionals from various fields. The day provided over 150 high school students a unique opportunity to explore career possibilities, engage with successful alums, and gain insights into the world beyond the classroom.

Students attend Career Day at LHWHS

“It’s truly amazing that our school would host something like this because I have friends who go to other high schools around here, and they don’t get the same opportunities as Ladue gives. So, it’s really special,” exclaimed Reese Elick, a senior at LHWHS.

One of the highlights of Career Day was the return of LHWHS alumni, who shared their career journeys and life experiences with current students. These interactions were a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of a Ladue Schools education.

LHWHS Alum Charles Mem with Students at Career Day

“The first person I talked to was a lawyer who graduated in 1975,” detailed Taylor Gase, a sophomore. “It was so interesting to hear him talk about the friends he still keeps in touch with from Ladue and how they’re having their 50th reunion this year. So, it was just cool to hear that they have had so much success coming from this building.”

The event featured professionals from a wide range of careers, allowing students to explore diverse career paths. “I think it was great. I talked to professionals from all different fields, including a lawyer, an anesthesiologist, and then our superintendent, which was unexpected,” said Taylor Gase. “It was so good to hear what he had to say about education. It was interesting to hear his side of how the education system works here at Ladue, and having that kind of access to his expertise on how everything works was really cool.”

Dr. Wipke listens to LHWHS Students at Career Day

Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke participated in the event and provided interested students with valuable insights into the rewarding aspects of shaping young minds and leading an educational institution. 

“Career Day offers a unique opportunity for students to explore what’s possible for their futures,” said Dr. Wipke. “Seeing our students so engaged and curious about various career paths is incredibly rewarding. As educators, we aim to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, inspiring them to dream big and prepare them to be future-ready.”

LHWHS Students learn about Healthcare Industry at Career Day

The success of Career Day was a collaborative achievement, with the LEF organizing the event and providing a light breakfast and coffee for attendees. The LHWHS Student Council (STUCO) and the school’s activities department contributed significantly to the day’s logistics, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both professionals and students.

Career Day is a testament to the Ladue School District’s commitment to equipping students with the resources and connections they need to be difference-makers in our community. Events like these open doors to future opportunities and strengthen the bonds between our staff, alumni, the community, and current students.

LHWHS Students attend Career Day informational session