On Friday, May 23, 2025, the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) proudly participated in Wilmington Manor Elementary School's annual Career Day. This fun event provided a fantastic opportunity for our team members to engage with students and share insights into the diverse and essential careers that serve our community every single day. The enthusiasm from the students was contagious, making it a truly rewarding day for everyone involved.

A Hands-On Look at Community Service Careers

The goal of Career Day was to introduce students to a wide range of professions, and the DRBA was ready to answer that call. DRBA representatives took the time to create and deliver engaging presentations, speaking to small groups of 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th graders throughout the day. This way, students enjoyed personal and interactive discussions where they could ask questions and get a real feel for what a career in public service looks like. 

Our dedicated team for the day included Dave Hoppenjans- DRBA’s Chief Engineer, Amie Kortas- Lead Operations Clerk, Dave Holland- Maintenance Senior Journeyman, Jeff Kinsler- Senior Maintenance Manager, and Chris Donegan- Assistant Director of Maintenance.

While they all brought valuable expertise, the real star of the show was a piece of equipment they brought along: ILGV023, the impressive OshKosh blower. This powerful machine, a vital tool for airport operations, captivated the young audience and helped them understand the importance of roles in airport maintenance and safety. Although the presentations were tailored for the older elementary grades, our team enthusiastically engaged with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, sparking curiosity across all age groups.

Investing in Our Community's Future

The DRBA's presence at Wilmington Manor’s Career Day highlights our ongoing commitment to community engagement and our dedication to inspiring the next generation of professionals. By showing students the vital roles we play- from maintaining our bridges and airports to ensuring public safety- we hope to help them envision their own future career paths and understand the value of contributing to their community. 

The positive impact of the day was clear. The school highlighted our participation on its Facebook page, and our team distributed fun, promotional items that left a lasting impression on the young minds they met. Events like these are critical in helping students connect their classroom learning to the real world and recognize the importance of different jobs within their own neighborhoods. 

The Delaware River and Bay Authority was honored to be a part of such a meaningful day. We extend our sincere thanks to the students and staff of Wilmington Manor Elementary for inviting us to share our passion for our work. Our mission is to not only move people through transportation, but also through making meaningful connections with members of our community while we continue to build a brighter future together.