Windsor Woods Elementary School was recently transformed into a truck stop for a couple hours.

Students barreled out of the school in excitement, eager to visit with approximately 60 trucks parked outside.

The third annual “Touch a Truck” event organized by school counselors Tammy Schubart and Taylor Casey was in full swing by 9:30 a.m. April 11. Sirens blared, lights flashed, horns honked and children chatted with excitement.

“This is my Superbowl!” exclaimed Schubart.

“The goal is to create excitement for all the students about different career options and what better way for them to do that than touching the trucks and asking all kinds of questions,” Schubart said.

Students spent the morning going from vehicle to vehicle learning about different jobs. Each carried a passport with sample questions and empty spaces to be stamped by truck volunteers.

A group of kindergarteners couldn’t stand still waiting their turn to pat the noses of Titan and Jusino.  The horses belong to the Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol and were ridden by police officers Ryan Ashby and Matt Ward. The students were curious about the horses’ diet and their birthdays.

Nearby, some second graders crowded around a 2008 Corvette. Daniel Domenech explained that the racecar participates in a motorsport called drifting. One student asked, “Can I sit in it?” while another admired the car’s pink wheels. They couldn’t believe the racecar could travel at 160 miles per hour.

The VBCPS Food Services truck was very popular. Dorian Sejko, age 5, placed his “Celebrate Good Nutrition” sticker on his shirt after touring the truck. “I saw a fryer and a pan,” he said. “I like french fries.”

Second grader Aniya Miller was intrigued by the “Mosquito Joe” truck.  “I like how they help us not get bit by mosquitos,” she said.

Virginia Beach Emergency Communications & Citizens Services brought along Cellphone Sally, a large stuffed cellphone promoting what to do in emergency situations.  When asked what number to dial in an emergency, shouts of “911” erupted.

Jacob Sherlock with Conquest USA construction company showed off a Caterpillar 315 excavator. “They wanted to know how hard it is to drive and make turns,” he said.

Specialist Alexander Belanger with the Army National Guard stood by a military Humvee and gave out lots of high-fives.  Students were very curious and asked lots of questions, he said. “They want to know about the different components inside, and the tires, bolts and screws.”

Samantha O’Donald with First Landing State Park, also known as “Ranger Sam,” stood by her truck.  Some kindergarteners were curious about what kinds of animals were in the park, such as rabbits and squirrels. One student wondered if giraffes were ever spotted there.

Fifth grader Brittany Matteson said she enjoyed learning about O’Donald’s job, especially when they need to transport sick animals from the park. “I’m an animal lover,” she said, adding that it was amazing to see so many trucks at one time. “It’s fun to learn something new,” she said.

Trucks were also on hand from Dominion Energy, Cox Cable, Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, PiN Ministry, Atomic Plumbing and many others. The Virginia Beach Fire Department’s giant Monster Fire Truck was popular, as were tours on a VBCPS school bus.

Math specialist Margaret Trejo said each year the truck event grows. “It engages every student and provides ideas of jobs they could be in for the future.”

Principal Michala Cardwell commended the team for putting together the event and thanked volunteers for helping achieve the goal of “promoting science, community and pride in everything available in Virginia Beach.”