Career Launch was busy providing career exposure and experience opportunities to students this year! Read more to learn about recent events, and about what some of our graduates will be pursuing.
Career Exploration Day!
We welcomed 127 professionals who presented 84 different career sessions to our building. All 1,900 high school students chose their session of choice and attended a 45 minute career information session to learn more about a career field of interest. It was particularly special to see FLAHS alumni returning to share information about their career fields. Thank you to all of our attending professionals! Contact Molly Bonnett at mbonnett@flaschools.org if you'd like to join Career Exploration Day next year.
Construct Tomorrow!
Representatives from the union construction trades brought amazing hands-on experiences to the students of FLAHS. All 9th and 10th grades students attended as well as many 11th and 12th grade students. Thank you trade representatives!
Brooke Barenz - Computer Science
Some of my elective classes in middle school first exposed me to my interest in technology, and understanding the "behind the scenes" side. Through classes, and on my own, I have learned Python, HTML, Java, Java Script, and C++. This year, I took AP Computer Science, which really confirmed that I want to major in computer science. I am so excited to start this fall at St. Olaf.
For years, Brooke has pursued experiences outside of the classroom to better understand a career in information technology. This year alone, she has attended a Career Field Trip to Infinite Campus and Career Exploration Day with a data engineer, who she then was able to job shadow. The job shadow experience showed her what type of work and how much work is involved in information technology. More importantly, the experience made her even more interested in the career field. Congratulations, Brooke!
Luke Nellis - Engineering Drafting Design
For the past three years, I have been developing my drafting and design skills in my high school classes using SolidWorks. My Career Launch internship class placed me at Teamvantage, where I worked on the production floor. I quickly realized my true interest remains with engineering and design. Teamvantage has been great! I am now interning in their engineering and design department, where I work on designing fixtures for parts and other production needs.
When Luke isn't pursuing his primary passion of race car driving, he has been focused on determining what other career path is the best fit for him. Through his coursework, Career Exploration Days, and job shadowing experiences, Luke identified an Engineering Drafting & Design program at Dunwoody College of Technology, where he will begin his coursework this fall. Congratulations, Luke!
Keira Busby - Agriculture Education
Horses and agriculture have been a passion of mine since I joined 4-H, and started riding when I was 8 years old. When I was in 8th grade, I got to attend FLAHS's Ag Day. I knew from that event that I wanted to open enroll at FLAHS so that I could take advantage of their great ag classes and FFA program. Four years later, I am sad to leave behind my FFA family, but excited to continue on the path to becoming an Ag Educator at UW - River Falls.
After deciding to attend FLAHS, Keira has capitalized on her opportunities both in the classroom and out. Over the past couple of years, Keira has been the chapter treasurer and secretary as well as the Region 4 FFA Treasurer. Through her CIS Animal Science class, she was able to tour and learn from professors and students at the University of MN's College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources, which turned out to be a deciding factor in establishing her career goals. Congratulations, Keira!
Christian Matson - Elementary Education
When people ask me if there was one single teacher that played a role in my wanting to become a teacher, I always tell them no, it wasn't just one teacher who impacted me, but every teacher I've ever had. They each played a role, whether it was the way they taught the class by being super chill or how they would assist me when I needed help with assignments. I knew I wanted to be just like them. I was super glad when I got to take Cheryl Smoczyk's Exploring Education class because I would be able to learn more about what it means to be a teacher. I learned so many things from teaching styles, to making accommodations for all learners in a classroom. I also owe great credit to Mrs. Eberspacher's 6th grade class at FLE (Forest Lake Elementary). I was able to go to their classroom every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and obtain teaching experience! I worked with the students on their writing and reading skills! I cannot wait to become an English teacher and one day teach in my very own classroom.
Christian has always known that he wanted to become a teacher. Upon meeting him, you know that he has the perfect character and demeanor for the career. Christian has pursued leadership and mentorship roles while in high school to continue developing educator related skills. He has been a Link Leader (mentor to 9th grade students) the past two years, and he started a book club at our school. Christian will be pursuing English Education at UW River Falls in the fall. Congratulations, Christian!
Save the Date! August 15, 7:30 a.m.
Career Launch Business Summit
Partners are invited to connect with one another and Forest Lake Area High School's Career Launch Program to serve students, businesses, and communities. Additional details and a registration form will be sent early July. Contact Molly Bonnett (mbonnett@flaschools.org) or Mike Miron (mmiron@flaschools.org) with questions.