Chamber hosts career day for students
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REEDSVILLE -- The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Committee, chaired by Cher Harpster, hosted a Free Wheeling Career Exploration Day for all Mifflin County School District fourth graders Wednesday at the Youth Park.
In addition, fourth graders from Stone Valley Charter School and Belleville Mennonite also participated.
Representatives from a variety of local businesses were on site with their work-related vehicles to share information with the kids about their job in their particular field of expertise. Kids could explore a range of vehicles from a John Deer tractor to a fish truck from the PA Fish and Boat Commission complete with live fish. Some of the other vehicles included a tri-axle construction vehicle, a Cat 559 Log Loader, an RV and a police car. Local businesses that participated in the event include:
• Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology CDL program
• Glenn O. Hawbaker
• Mifflin County Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals
• Philips Ultrasound
• Metzler Forest Products
• PA Fish and Boat Commission
• Milroy Ambulance
• Lerch RV
• Mifflin County Regional Police Department
• Mifflin County Wireless
Robin Wilson, fourth grade teacher at Lewistown Intermediate School, said she has taken her class every year since it started.
"The kids really look forward to it," Wilson said. "They come and see the variety of careers and they just really enjoy it. They love the handouts that the companies give to them, too."
The Free Wheeling event has been taking place for the last six years and means as much to the teachers and students as it does to the businesses that come out to represent their career options.
Mike Holtzinger, equipment instructor and care specialist and company recruiter for Glenn O Hawbaker Inc., shared what it means to him to be part of Free Wheeling Career Exploration Day.
"I taught in vocational school and have been working with kids since 2003," Holtzinger said. "It means everything to be part of this. These kids are our future. This is why we are at these events. We talk about the dirt work and highway construction we do and even some about our emergency work we do, like water line breaks and things like that. And we let the kids ask us questions, too."
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director Rhonda Kelley said, "We are doing our part as a Chamber to do what we can to ensure our future workforce will be prepared, ensuring our community's economic stability. We couldn't offer the programs and events that we do for our students if it weren't for the sponsorships we receive. Thus, a big thank you goes to MCIDC, Engine of Central PA, Alltrista, Molly Maid, Amanda Moeller, State Farm Agent, MCS Bank, In Home Services of Central PA, Metzler Forest Products, Meeker Equipment Co., and Keystone Payroll."