BENMILLER – Nearly 100 students explored their careers and met their fears during two unique career events organized by The Foundation for Education Perth Huron at the Above the Falls Challenge Course at the Falls Reserve Conservation Area in Benmiller recently.
In Band of Brothers, a career and mentorship event, six dynamic men in various career sectors who met with 41 boys from Stratford Northwestern and F.E. Madill Secondary schools to discuss their work, passion and career path. The roster included: Nick Sawicki, 101.7 The ONE, CKNX Radio; Jeff Elliott, Elliott-Nixon Insurance Brokers Ltd.; Patrick Main, Musician; Douglas Barill, Business Development Co-ordinator, County of Huron; Kevin Van Arnhem, Petty Officer 2nd Class, Recruiting Officer, Canadian Armed Forces; and, Jamie Stanley, Huron Community Services Officer, Ontario Provincial Police, Huron County detachment.
Similarly, 57 girls from Stratford Northwestern and F.E. Madill met with inspiring women the next day at an event dubbed LaLoba. LaLoba, meaning “she-wolf,” replaces the former Girls Unlimited, which has been held in various locations across Huron and Perth over many years.
Designed to empower young women, this year’s mentors included: Angela Hanlon, Naturopath; Jennifer Zoethout, Branch Services Librarian – Huron County Library; Lisa Courtney, Environmental Planner – B.M. Ross & Associates; Katie Gibson, In-Home Care Supervisor, ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services; Megan Carnochan, Constable, Ontario Provincial Police; Monica Walker-Bolton, Huron County Planner & Co-ordinator, Huron Manufacturing Association; and, Aimee Gelinas-Rau, Owner, teacher, songwriter, The Music Box.
This year’s event also included a demanding and experiential adventure at Huron County’s Above the Falls Challenge Course.
“The course encouraged students to push their limits, build relationships and sharpen problem-solving skills,” said Wes MacVicar, of the Foundation for Education.
“It was an element that seemed to amplify what career mentors were relaying to the students.”
Hosted by the Foundation for Education, Band of Brothers and LaLoba are supported by: Passport to Prosperity, a province-wide initiative of the Ministry of Education designed to increase employer involvement in school-to-work programs for secondary school students.
For more information on these or other initiatives that the Foundation directs, please visit its website.
