F.I.R.S.T. School celebrates Career Day in Mansfield

MANSFIELD—In honor of Ohio’s In Demand Jobs Week, the F.I.R.S.T. School organized a Career Day celebration on May 5, 2023, from 8:30 am to 2 pm at Foundations for Living. This event marked the first Career Day since the onset of COVID-19 delays and closures, and students eagerly welcomed members of the community into the school building.

From 8:30 am to 11 am, six speakers traveled from classroom to classroom, engaging with different groups of students and sharing insights into their careers and educational journeys. The distinguished speakers included Jeff VanDyne, Licensed Professional Counselor; Terry Thornsberry, former John Glenn International Airport Weather Observer; SMSgt Matthew Isganitis of the Ohio Air National Guard; Andrew Buck, Research Scientist; Jordan Brlan, Associate Director of Recruitment and Retention in the Department of Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Akron; and Bethany Rachel, Junior Achievement Program Manager. The students attentively listened and took notes as each speaker recounted their life experiences.

In the afternoon, the students were divided into three larger groups, where they had the opportunity to spend an hour with various keynote speakers: David Peacock, Licensed Drama Therapist; Bethany Rachel, Junior Achievement Program Manager; Durrell LeGrair, IT Manager at Goodyear and Gospel Singer/Composer; Dr. Robert Brownlow, Co-Chair/Professor of Instruction, Music Theory & Composition in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Akron; and Jordan Brlan, Associate Director of Recruitment and Retention in the Department of Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Akron.

Following the speaker sessions, the students engaged in hands-on activities, acquiring a range of practical skills. Keynote speaker David Peacock guided the students through various Drama Therapy exercises, while Dr. Brownlow focused on teaching them basic keyboard functions and features, including encoding musical notes. This process also enhanced their technical abilities as participants were equipped with tools to edit music using digital notation software, Finale. Speaker Durrell LeGrair provided additional musical education, demonstrating harmonization and vocalization techniques drawn from his singing and composing background. Bethany Rachel concentrated on enhancing the students’ interview skills, emphasizing the distinction between hard and soft skills while offering valuable tips on professionalization and confidence during interviews. Jordan Brlan, on the other hand, delved into career development, providing details about various programs at the University of Akron and sharing her experiences in recruitment and retention.

The coordination of speakers for this event was made possible through the efforts of Mrs. Brownlow and Mr. Jones. Mrs. Brownlow remarked, “Career day is an invitation for students to engage in critical thinking about the future, communicating needs and thoughts through questions and discussions with successful professionals from different fields. Hopefully, this event inspires them and potentially gives them the opportunity to imagine a greater future for themselves.”

Mr. Jones stated, “Career Day 2023 at F.I.R.S.T. School enabled our students to be inspired by local business professionals who provided insight into their career choices. Our students were engaged and motivated to say ‘yes’ to opportunities. The students were provided with a plethora of new tools to support them in their future career journeys.”

Organizing an event of this magnitude requires immense support, and the F.I.R.S.T. School recognizes and appreciates the assistance provided by the staff at Foundations for Living throughout the entire event.

The F.I.R.S.T. School is a Private Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) program funded through the Ohio Department of Education Private Residential Treatment Facility Pilot Program. It operates the academic program at two of the three PRTF sites: Abraxas, located east of Shelby, and FIRST, located west of Lucas. PRTF programs also receive support through Title 1-D (Delinquent) funds administered by Mid-Ohio ESC. Mid-Ohio ESC collaborates with the residential treatment program administration and staff to deliver an educational program that meets the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education for students in correctional facilities.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. Client districts benefit from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, among other professionals.