Garden Plain is known for more than just their great athletic programs, but also for preparing students for a successful future. With a focus on academics, career readiness, and character development, Garden Plain hopes to equip its students with the tools they need to be successful in whatever they choose to pursue after high school. Many options are given to students, such as classes at WSU Tech, earning college credits, opportunities for job shadows, and the ability to explore interests in different fields through career research and internships.
One way Garden Plain is investing in the future of their students is through enhanced trade programs through WSU Tech such as welding, electrical, and HVAC. Counselor Kirsten Moritz estimated that roughly 20% of students attend a trade program through WSU Tech. As a school, Garden Plain is willing to schedule around these classes and courses to ensure students’ interests are met. In doing so, students can take a deeper exploration into these fields of interest.
Chris Weber, a junior at Garden Plain, is participating in his first year at WSU Tech. He is currently enrolled in an Alternative Fuel Vehicles course (AFV), where he is expanding his knowledge over all motor vehicles. Currently, Chris said, he is learning battery management and electrical wiring for things such as lights, starters, alternators, etc. The reason why Chris was interested in this program was to expand his knowledge in the automotive industry. He hopes this knowledge will lead to opportunities in the future, and knows these hands-on experiences are going to help him become successful in whatever he chooses to pursue. “Learning through WSU has been a great experience, and I feel like I am getting a great work experience that will prepare me for my future,” Chris said.
Another student with plans for a future in the trades industry is Hunter Kampling, a current sophomore at Garden Plain. For Hunter’s junior and senior years, he plans to attend PCC Lineman school. The high school Electrical Power Technology Program is a career and technical education program offered through Pratt Community College to high school students interested in a career as an electrical lineman. Completion of this program, and all required prerequisite courses, will provide Hunter with an Electrical Powerline Technology Certificate, allowing him the potential to complete an Associates of Applied Science in Electrical Powerline Technology in the summer following his high school graduation. Kampling shared his excitement for this opportunity, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend trade school, and learn what it takes to become a successful lineman.”
In addition to technical enhanced programs, Garden Plain is also a part of a small number of schools that allows students to select and participate in job shadows they are interested in. This gives students the opportunity students to explore different jobs and fields of interest, and help them make an educated decision with their future plans. Junior Elijah Eck participated in Career Connections this fall, and said, “It was a really cool experience to be exposed to real life experiences, and explore fields you may be interested in. I had several job shadows this fall, and was able to find several future careers I may be interested in.”
Another opportunity offered at Garden Plain High School, is an advanced internship students can participate in. Kinsley Gordon, a senior at Garden Plain High School, is currently participating in an internship at Wichita Primary Care, under the direction of Dr. Heidi Larison and her staff.
In this internship, Kinsley has learned how to room patients, administer shots, and become a more educated worker within the medical field. Next fall, Kinsley will attend Kansas State University where she will major in Integrative Human Sciences (pre nursing). “I want to be a nurse to care for and help other people,” Kinsley said. Her passion for the medical field has only grown through her hands-on work experiences at Wichita Primary Care. Throughout her internship, Kinsley has developed essential skills in patient care, communication, and medical procedures which will help her as she expands her internship with rotations at Wesley hospital in Wichita. During her first week of a 6-week rotation at Wesley, she will shadow in pediatrics, ICU, and the Post-Anesthesia Care unit.
College and Career Advocate, Gina Clark, expressed how proud she is of students like Kinsley, Hunter, Eli, and Chris for taking advantage of the opportunities our school district offers. Clark said, “There are so many ways for students to get a jump start on their career, and the advice I would give to any student is to take advantage of those opportunities, especially if you know what your career direction is. Chris, Kinsley, Eli, and Hunter are prime examples of students who are taking control of their futures by finding these real world experiences and learning outside of the classroom. Even if in the future they change their minds and career path, the experiences they are getting from our industry partners are very valuable. You just can’t duplicate those experiences in the classroom.”
Garden Plain’s commitment to student success goes far beyond the playing field. By offering diverse academic opportunities and hands-on work experiences, the school is ensuring that students are well prepared for life after high school. Whether students choose to pursue a higher education after high school, enter the workforce, or attend trade school, students leave Garden Plain equipped with knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals.
