Scores of veterinarians and doctors poured through the front doors of Dolores Elementary School on Friday, in addition to a handful of motorcycle riders, dog trainers and even a falconer.
Friday was Career Day at Dolores Elementary School and students were encouraged to dress up as their career of choice.
In addition, local professionals gave presentations to students on everything from being a diesel mechanic to a dog trainer.
Leela Robson, a third-grader, twirled down the hallway Friday. She was dressed up as a dancer.
"I want to be in the Abby Lee Dance Company," Robson said. "They travel the world going to dance competitions."
Dillon Eichner, a third-grader, was wearing a full-face helmet and motorcycle clothes.
"I want to be a dirt bike rider, and if I can't do that, I want to be a park ranger," Eichner said.
But Eichner learned a thing or two on Friday, especially when he saw photographer Sam Green of the Cortez Journal give a presentation.
"I went in thinking I knew what being a photographer was all about, but holy cow, you can really get a picture of a baseball being bent by a bat," Eichner said.
Another picture of a bee intrigued Eichner.
"I never knew a bee looked like that," Eichner said.
Third-graders Andy Mott and Kylie Trader were dressed to help animals - Mott as an animal rescuer and Trader as a veterinarian.
"I don't like seeing animals without homes," Mott said.
"I am really attached to animals," Trader said.
So Trader signed up to see a presentation given by Dolores veterinarian Kris Muscari.
"It was cool. They showed us how they would do surgery on animals," she said. "I've always wanted to do surgery on pets."
Ashlyn Mikkelson, also in third grade, said she was interested in the presentation given by Muscari.
"I learned that sometimes you have to deal with chickens," Mikkelson said. "She told us about helping a chicken with a broken leg."
Also at career day Friday was Chuck Doolin of Diesel Technology. He fired up a diesel engine for students who were impressed when it roared to life.
Travis Randolph of the Colorado State Patrol gave a presentation about hazardous materials.
Other presenters included wildlife biologist Ivan Messinger, artist Jan Wright, park ranger Jessie Farias, dog trainer Elaine Eschtruth and Outdoor Pursuits coordinator Brett Davis.
A scheduled visit from the Tri-State Care flight crew was canceled because the crew and the helicopter were needed for an emergency.
