Once a Westmoreland student, always a Westmoreland student.
Throughout the school year, several alums return to Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School to discuss life after high school with members of the senior class. The discussions are part of the Jr./Sr. High School’s Senior College & Career Enrichment Program.
On October 3, Cory Hall, ’08, met with a small group of seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in graphic design. Cory, who earned his B.A. in graphic design and digital animation from SUNY Oswego, created the logo which appears on the front window of the Jr./Sr. High School’s Bulldog Federal Credit Union. The logo was installed just before the credit union - - in its new location - - opened for the 2019-20 school year.
On October 9, David Stuttard, ’12, met with a small group of seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in cyber security and computer programming. David currently works for the Turning Stone Resort and Casino’s Information and Technology Department.
On October 11, Josh Davis, ’19, met with a small group of seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in music. Josh is currently majoring in music education and technology at Messiah College in Pennsylvania.
“These types of discussions are much more personal,” Mrs. Weissenberger, Senior College & Career Enrichment Program coordinator, said. “It’s so beneficial for students to learn about a career they are actually interested in and from a professional they can relate to.”
In addition to hearing from guest speakers, the Senior College & Career Enrichment Program gives every senior several, unique opportunities to shadow a professional in his or her work environment, allowing students to learn, first hand, how the important workplace skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in the real world. As part of the program, each senior must be in good academic standing and create a portfolio, which includes a cover letter, resume and references. Additionally, each senior is required to complete a research paper about his or her career choice, write a reflective essay at the conclusion of every visit to a specific job site and send a thank you card to their host.
Last school year, 65 seniors visited nearly 100 job sites to shadow professionals in a wide variety of fields.
The Class of 2020 is looking forward to hearing from more alums and professionals in the near future!
Pictured from left to right: Cory Hall, David Stuttard and Josh Davis
