Atchison County Development Corporation (ACDC) hosted a Youth Professionalism Workshop at the Tarkio Activity Center Thursday, November 10, 2022. Nearly 40 Juniors from Fairfax, Rock Port, and Tarkio high schools were in attendance. The students learned how to (and how not to) through skits by Casey Martin and Mark Staten.  A panel representing major employers in Atchison County, including Doug Garrison with Advanced Pork Systems, Community Hospital-Fairfax’s Ann Schlueter and Jason Watkins with Midwest Data Center.

Students were divided into groups and went to different stations where employees and owners of local businesses discussed different employee skills and professionalism. Rochelle Henegan with Midwest Data Center discussed customer service. Madison Dick with the Rock Port Farmers Market discussed social media etiquette. Business owners Hallie Pyeatt with Midwest Chic Boutique and Paige Agnew with Paigstries talked about starting a business in Atchison County.

Following the breakout sessions, Crystal Woodring with Northwest Missouri Living Center gave a presentation. A panel of recent Atchison County graduates including Christina Hall, Bella Hurst, Brady Minter, Dalton Jones, and Trevor Brown, concluded the event.

Lunch was provided before the students returned to school.