Students from Graves County and Mayfield High Schools recently spent the day outside the classroom and inside the wide world of media as part of the Community Connections Program coordinated by Graves County Economic Development and the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce.
The students, freshmen and sophomores who are either in the media program at their school or have an interest in media, were introduced to the kinds of jobs available locally in the field and began fostering relationships with business leaders that could lead to future student internships and other professional opportunities.
“Media Day really highlighted the heart of what our Community Connections Program is all about,” said Katie Beth McCord, Executive Director, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce. “It was incredible to see students engaging directly with local companies, learning about potential careers, and forming real connections. Our local businesses continue to impress us with their commitment to investing in the next generation of our workforce and helping students see a future right here in Mayfield & Graves County.”
“We were thrilled to speak with the next generation of media professionals and share some of the many career paths that are available,” said Kyle Smith, owner, Kyle Smith Design. “Our company has always been future-focused, so we are excited to see these students to grow into their own and make their mark on the Graves County community and beyond.”
Kyle Smith, a graduate of Graves County High School and Murray State University, opened his design company in Mayfield and provides high-quality graphic and website design, helping businesses of all sizes to compete both locally and nationwide. Smith brings advertising, copywriting, marketing, and graphic design experience to meet his clients’ needs.
Another local, Austin Lamb, owner of Lamb Film Company, also hosted the students. “I had a fantastic time speaking with the high school students from Mayfield and Graves County about my work in video production, photography, and social media management,” said Lamb. “The students were incredibly respectful, engaged, and asked thoughtful questions about the creative process and running a business in this field. It was inspiring to see their curiosity and enthusiasm for the opportunities available in our community. I’d love to continue partnering with the “Community Connections” program to help show local students that exciting, fulfilling careers in this industry can start right here at home.”
"We enjoyed hosting the Mayfield and Graves County High School students,” said Maggie Choate, Program Director of Sprocket, Inc., located in Paducah. “Sprocket's mission is to create, recruit, and grow scalable businesses for the innovation economy. It's exciting to see the next generation of our workforce become curious about entrepreneurship and what it means to build something great.”
A Murray State University graduate, Choate added, “Western Kentucky is rich with assets and talent, and that begins with our young people. Thank you to our regional partners in Graves County for their support of Sprocket's mission, and we look forward to ongoing partnership opportunities."
“When we hear the word ‘media,’ we usually think of journalism,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “But in today’s digital world, media includes all the countless ways that people communicate and the technology that supports broadcasting, publishing, and the internet. Community Connections is all about helping students expand their thinking and imagine the career possibilities available locally. We appreciate these businesses opening their doors to our students and taking time to share their experiences.”
For each Community Connections visit, students are equipped with a business profile and a student playbook that outlines expectations and offers recommendations for discussion. Businesses hosting student visits also have a playbook that includes ideas for activities, suggestions for facility tours, and helps them prepare for meaningful discussions.
Community Connections visits are scheduled throughout the school year.