
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 30, 1994                    TAG: 9406280149 
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS                     PAGE: W8    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY MICHELE FAIR, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT 
DATELINE: 940630                                 LENGTH: Medium

JOB FAIRS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS \

{LEAD} If you are a high school or college student searching endlessly for a job, Evelyn Etheridge of Norfolk is the woman to talk to. Etheridge, along with her daughter Robie Matthews and friends Tracy Lyles and Pearl Byrd, organize job fairs for young people in need of employment.

For three years, they have been organizing fairs and logging successes.

{REST} The job fairs offer positions from a cook at McDonald's to a career in the U.S. Marines. In the past, the fairs have been held in Norfolk high schools, but this year they have expanded to include Virginia Beach high schools.

Etheridge plans to expand even farther next year, stretching to cities like Hampton and Portsmouth. The success of the fairs for job-seeking students has been excellent, and though Etheridge receives no money for hosting them, she finds there are other rewards involved.

``When I pick up the newspaper and see all the crime going on . . . if I could do just one thing to help a person, then it doesn't matter whether or not I get paid,'' she said.

So what was the catalyst? The answer is simple: Kids were having a hard time finding jobs so she decided to host a job fair ``to see what would happen.''

At the fairs, employers bring applications, brochures and whatever else they need to encourage job-seekers. Participants in this year's fairs included Wal-Mart, K&W Cafeteria, Farm Fresh and HQ. The Norfolk Technical-Vocational Center also participated, urging students to try a technical skill. The Norfolk Fire Department was on hand for demonstrations.

Norview senior Joy Alexander thinks the fairs are ``a lot easier than looking in the classifieds and calling people. Last year I got a job here and I just think it's a great opportunity.''

Not only does the job fair give students a chance of employment, it gives them a learning experience as well.

Every time the students talk to someone, ``they're getting more experience to know what's needed in the job field,'' said Jennifer Downin, a Leggett's representative.

Richard Press, manager of a HQ in Chesapeake, hired 10 to 15 employees from last year's fair. Some of these employees have moved from part-time to full-time positions.

In today's world, jobs help teenagers to become more responsible and motivated. Co-coordinator Pearl Byrd said, ``We want to at least get a few kids a job so they won't be hanging around on the street. That's what we're all about.''

Etheridge doesn't plan to stop having the fairs. ``Every time I help a person, I'm blessed, so I really do get paid,'' she said. ``It may not be through money, but it is through helping other people.'' by CNB