DAVIE — The Center for Student Success and Services’ Oct. 21 Education Expo brought together people of all ages for a day of learning and opportunity.

Approximately 60 vendors, including K–12 schools, colleges and universities, education companies and Tribal departments, hosted informational booths during the event in Davie. Each organization provided information, career opportunities and/or general information about its mission and influence in education and the job world.

Education Director Randall Budde, motivational speaker Chance Lee Rush, Miss Florida Seminole Randee Osceola and Brighton Councilman Andrew J. Bowers Jr. welcomed people to the annual expo.

During her welcome, Osceola explained the importance of education. She recollected her family’s history with education, as her great-grandmother and grandmother did not attend school. Her mother changed that pattern, earning her master’s degree in psychology.

“My mother told me, ‘Wherever you go, don’t forget where you came from. Don’t forget who you are and who was here first,’” she said. “I just want to emphasize that to kids today. You’re not going to get by on a high school education. … Please go to college.”

Rush shared this view, telling students to strive for higher education and parents to encourage them to do so.

“You are a blessing. … You’re big-time because you’re a special person and you’ve been put on this earth to make a difference in the lives of others,” he said. “Education is going to open doors for you.”

Afterwards, expo visitors had the afternoon to eat a catered lunch, meet with representatives from visiting organizations, and acquire free giveaways and brochures. There were also numerous workshops available for students and parents, including “Social Media and Students in Education” by Grand Canyon University, “Funding Your Education” by CSSS, “The Collegiate Student Athlete Experience” by Florida International University, and more. Vendors from Florida State University, the University of Florida, Ahfachkee, Florida Virtual School, AAA Tutoring and Coaching, Inc., Tribal departments and more had representatives at the event.

Budde encourages all students to follow @CSSS on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to stay updated on education opportunities and events.