WILLOW SPRINGS — Sgt. Thomas “Eddie” Young, public information officer for Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop G, center, chats with Willow Springs High School students during a career fair Oct. 23. The school partnered with the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce to host the inaugural event, designed to spark students' interest in regional opportunities and life after graduation. Through the morning, teenagers connected with representatives from 29 participating businesses and public entities, spanning fields such as law enforcement, health care, retail, insurance, banking, sales, manufacturing, social services, real estate and news media. "It was amazing to watch these conversations happening throughout the room and think about how one conversation might plant a seed that changes the course of a student's life, or reinforces a path they are already considering,” said Chamber Executive Director Kim McCormick. (KIMBERLY LANGSTON/WPDQ)