On Thursday, Feb. 26, students partook in the annual Career Day event presented by SkillsUSA and the National Technical Honor Society. Career Day at CHS gave students an opportunity to browse classrooms and speak to professionals, each giving advice on how to attain success in their own field, followed by the keynote speech given by P.J. Bracco.

Bracco, a well-liked substitute teacher at CHS, owns his own production company, Red Hook Films. During his speech, students also learned that he has experience as a producer, director, actor, musician and production consultant.

Junior and SkillsUSA Vice President Olivia Malesco of Middletown said Bracco was chosen to give the speech after former English teacher and SkillsUSA adviser suggested asking him, and the council unanimously agreed.

Bracco’s speech illustrated his ups and downs as an independent filmmaker, as well as how he got to where he is today. Previous to his success, Bracco explained that he auditioned for Juilliard but walked out midway through the audition. Even now, after his many successes, Bracco said he uses a variety of means such as real estate and substitute teaching to make ends meet.

Freshman Marcos Guevara of Aberdeen said he enjoyed the speech.

“I have talked with Mr. Bracco in the past … and I thought the way he delivered the speech and everything it was about was very well done,” said Guevara. “Bracco is my personal hero and I hope he adopts me.”

Sophomore Mary Ryan of Neptune City said the keynote speech wasn’t the first time Bracco has shared his experiences.

“I love Mr. Bracco, but I hear him talk all of the time, so I already know his life story,” said Ryan.

Junior Allie Wheeler of Wall said that knowing Bracco made his keynote speech that much better.

“Mr. Bracco’s speech was a great end to career day,” said Wheeler, “and with Mr. Bracco being a substitute teacher who everyone has talked to before, it made his speech more relatable and personal.”

Malesco said she also gained something from Bracco’s speech, which provided realistic insight into the world of acting and filmmaking.

“Mr. Bracco was an interesting contrast to the rest of the speakers. [He] showed us rejection does not mean to give up, it means find a different way,” said Malesco.