On February 2, WEP and the Career & Technical Education Department for Wilson County Schools collaborated to host Groundhog Job Shadow Day for high school juniors. National Groundhog Job Shadow Day is a nationwide initiative that provides job shadowing experiences for students in a variety of professions.
Eighteen students from Beddingfield, Fike and Hunt High schools spent most of the day shadowing a local mentor who showed them the ropes of a career field. Students had the opportunity to get an up-close look at the world of work and to see how what they learn in school relates to the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workplace.
Students and workplace mentors enjoyed breakfast and a chance to get acquainted before departing to work sites across Wilson County. Superintendent Lane Mills thanked the business participants for their support and encouraged the students to have fun and take advantage of this unique chance to learn about careers. WCS Work Based Learning Coordinator Jimmie Lucas reminded the students that additional opportunities, including internships, can follow a meaningful job shadow experience. The goal of the Groundhog Day program is to introduce these students to a career they have expressed interest in and hopefully open doors for an internship when they are seniors next year.
The following students and mentors participated:
From Beddingfield High
Holly Williams – interested in agriculture, paired with Norman Harrell (Cooperative Extension Service)
Brianna Hale – interested in pharmacy, paired with Eric Nguyen (Merck)
Paris Farmer – interested in crime scene investigating, paired with Kelly Stone (Wilson Police Department)
Andrew Cobb – interested in engineering, paired with Will Evans & Tony Barrett (Fresenius-Kabi)
Deonna Brown – interested in culinary arts, paired with Marilyn Stallings (Something Different Cafe)
Savannah Barberio – interested in Exceptional Children Education, paired with Stephanie Norris (Jones Elementary)
From Fike High
Victoria Nowaczyk – interested in counseling/social work, aired with Marybeth Stephenson (Wesley Shelter)
Malik Piersaul – interested in computer technology, paired with Manosh Premchandra (Bridgestone)
Scott Harold – interested in music, paired with Adam Schultz (Elm City Middle)
Rachel Cobb – interested in elementary education, paired with Hope Whitley (Stantonsburg Elementary)
Sarah Jones – interested in medicine, paired with Eileen Carter (Comprehensive Rehab)
Maurissa Barnes – interested in medicine, paired with Dr. LaTanya Simpson (Eastern Carolina Chiropractic)
From Hunt High
Winnie Xiao – interested in pharmacy, paired with Rebecca Brantley (Wilson Community Health Center)
Bryanna Carter – interested in pre-school/kindergarten education, paired with Kelly Gunter (Land of Learning)
Katelyn McKinney – interested in veterinary medicine, paired with Dr. Maria Glennon (Wilson Veterinary Hospital)
Olivia Norales – interested in elementary education, paired with Penny Johnson (Barnes Elementary)
Vanessa Delgado – interested in elementary education, paired with Ginger Kelly-Bissette (Rock Ridge Elementary)
Shanice Sauls – interested in day care careers, paired with Susan Brinson (Wee School)