WOODVILLE &045;&045; Local students and teachers came together with representatives from a variety of outside agencies at Tuesday’s Health and Career Fair at the Martin Luther King Career and Technology Center in Woodville.

Vocational programs director Gwendolyn Vanderson said the fair served a two-fold purpose.

&uot;First, we have to make sure we’re doing something for the community. And this gives our students some work-readiness skills and hands-on contact with community college and career counselors,&uot; Vanderson said.

Students from Wilkinson County High School arrived in groups, mingling with college counselors, military recruiters and area Red Cross and Extension Service officials at sidewalk booths.

Inside, the center’s Allied Health Care program sponsored a blood drive and disseminated information on the importance of fitness and nutrition in controlling blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

AHC director and registered nurse Tracy January said the event offered free medical services to the general public.

&uot;We want people to be aware that these are the same quality services offered in hospitals and clinics. We want people to take advantage of these events,&uot; January said.

January said health care professionals from Field Memorial Community Hospital, Mississippi Blood Services and several area clinics helped with the event.

A mobile unit from the state Department of Health also offered information and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, along with glucose and cholesterol checks.

WCHS junior Dominique Turner donated a pint of blood at the event while some of her classmates waited behind her and watched.

&uot;I wanted to give blood so I could get the T-shirt,&uot; Turner said. &uot;But I also wanted to help the people who need blood.&uot;

Elsewhere, Wilkinson County Circuit Clerk Mon Allen assisted students with voter registration forms.

In addition, local business owners visited with students and staff members at the fair.