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If there's a common theme that's shared by the education and business communities, it's how to keep local graduates working in the Juniata Valley.
There were two examples this week of how to do exactly that with Free Wheeling Day, sponsored by the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Signing Day at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology.
Free Wheeling Day allowed elementary school students to learn about the different careers in law enforcement and the medical fields, including emergency medical services and hospital care. Officers served as the instructors and shared their first-hand experiences with today's impressionable youth.
There's no better educator than law enforcement or medical professionals who deal first-hand with an assortment of crimes or patients on a daily basis.
Signing Day at the Academy has grown by leaps and bounds and was attended by a full house this year. Seniors enjoyed the spotlight as they were honored by signing their first contracts to enter the real-world workforce in all walks of life.
Two students were highlighted in The Sentinel and the names of all 46 students who participated on Signing Day also appeared. Each deserved their shining moment for their years of hard work and dedication. We wish them well in their professional and future endeavors. More importantly, many will be entering the local workforce.
Besides the Emergency Medical Technician program, the jobs the seniors will enter include Agriculture Science; Auto Mechanics Technology Collision Repair; Construction Trades; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; Early Childhood Education; Electrical Installation; Health Professions; Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation; Precision Machining; and Welding Technology.
If today's graduates can show future graduates that there are good jobs here in the Juniata Valley, then that will have a ripple effect on the workforce for years to come.
Also honored were students who made military and post-secondary education commitments. We certainly thank all the military for protecting this great land and the freedoms we enjoy.
Kudos to all of the instructors, teachers, counselors, mentors, and other professionals who helped these students find their career paths. Students can easily get directed down the wrong career path and end up in the wrong field.
These students appear to have navigated the uncharted waters and arrived at paths that will suit them just fine.
Thanks to the role models they had along the way to guide them, including family members and friends, along with those in education.
Congratulations to everyone here in the Juniata Valley.