The annual GPS 2 Success event welcomed juniors from area high schools and homeschoolers to see what opportunities await them after graduation.

Text and Photos
By Haylee Gardner
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE – Juniors from all Kosciusko County schools, including Whitko and homeschool students, attended the annual GPS 2 Success Job Fair and Career Expo on Wednesday, April 29, at Manahan Orthopedic Center on Grace College’s campus.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office gives students an idea of what could await them and had them do 20 push-ups for a donut.

Students walked around and were able to talk with 38 different area businesses, colleges and government agencies about what they could potentially do after finishing high school. The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, along with Lutheran Health Network, put together a scavenger hunt for students to attempt while talking to different vendors.

“It gives kids another way to talk with people and open their horizons,” said Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. “We want them to know that there are so many careers that Warsaw and Kosciusko County have to offer them.”

Several of the booths have attended GPS 2 Success for multiple years. Bowen Health representatives Alice Hitchcock and Avelina Gonzalez stated that they wanted students to learn about the services and career opportunities that they offer and that they were not limited to just being a place for mental health.

“We’re trying to grow our co-op program with high school students. After programs like these, we’re hoping to get more students, including those who go to Whitko, to be a part of it,” stated Hitchcock.

Robinson Construction representative Angie Tom, who was handing out freshly made popcorn, stated that she wanted students to know that there are so many opportunities open to them after high school.

“There are some jobs that are temporary that you have for a reason, a season or a lifetime but it’s ok to try different things that they may or may not want to do the rest of their life,” said Tom. “We have had students in the past reach out after they graduate and say ‘hey, remember me from that event,’ and we find it very helpful. Students can also ask questions in a non-threatening and non-committal environment.”

Eric Poznanski with Avalign Technologies wanted to let students know that they are a lifetime job in a very stable industry. He wanted the students to have an interest in machining and that there are several employees that have been with the company for 20 or more years.

“We want kids to see the other side of the medical field,” said Poznanski.

Students walk around with a scavenger hunt in hand to get signatures pertaining to each business or entity.

Ginger Hicks and Laurel Richendollar from 80/20 wanted students to find out more about what they do, and how “it’s not just a cool building off of US 30.” They noted that when they talk to students, there are not many who know what goes on inside of 80/20 and encouraged anyone to check them out.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office rewarded students with a donut for completing 20 push-ups but mainly wanted to let students know about the great job opportunities in law enforcement.

“There are a lot of opportunities they can have for a job, or even a career in law enforcement,” said Sergeant Doug Light. “We’ve seen more internships after events like this or even after talking to their student resource officers. There’s a lot of unknowns about what we do, but we try to show them what goes on behind the scenes, including if they can ride along with one of our officers.”

Turkey Creek Fire Territory Chief Quinn Hunter and Firefighter and Paramedic Constance McKee-Richcreek echoed the sentiments of KCSO, in that they wanted more students to know what they do and wanted them to have an interest in the fire service. Students who want to pursue a career in fire service, depending on department regulations, can start as a junior and even go on a ride along with firefighters with parental permission.

“It’s not very well-known what the steps are to be a firefighter,” said Hunter. “A lot of the ways kids start out in fire services are through youth organizations or from being on volunteer departments.”

“As a volunteer, they can learn if this career is for them,” stated McKee-Richcreek. “A lot of careers you don’t know if this is the right fit. It allows them to get their feet wet. In our department, they will also get the medical and EMS side of the job.”

Hunter and McKee-Richcreek encouraged that if any students, or anyone in general, has questions about getting into the fire service to call the Turkey-Creek Fire Territory at (574) 457-4100.

“I’m so proud of all the companies that we have in our community and the support they show to our students,” said Parker.

Students from surrounding high schools talk to several vendors, including the Indiana National Guard, about opportunities waiting to them after they graduate.

Text and Photos By Haylee Gardner InkFreeNews

Text and Photos
By Haylee Gardner
InkFreeNews

InkFreeNews.com

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