SOUTHWICK – An appreciation and recognition reception took place in the cafeteria of the Southwick Regional High School on Wednesday night. The event was based on the Diversified Learning Experience Program.
Twenty two seniors at the regional high school had the opportunity this academic year to spend 16 weeks with a local business that had a career path that the students may be interested in. Those students were assigned to an employee at the business who would be their mentor.
Maryanne Margiotta, who is the Career Facilitator at the Southwick Regional High School, organized the program and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome this year.
“This has been an amazing program,” said Margiotta. “It has given kids a birds-eye view to show what it’s like to be in a business.”
High School principal Joe Turmel added that he too is very fond of the opportunity seniors get.
“It provides kids with real-world experiences,” said Turmel.
Southwick Regional High School seniors talked about their experiences in the Diversity Learning Experience Program. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The students also expressed their thoughts on the program.
“This program allowed me to look into my future,” said Brandon Castor, who had his Diversified Learning Experience at Fitness First Health & Fitness Center in Feeding Hills.
Planning on attending Keene State College for exercise science, Castor experienced what it’s like to go through a daily routine working at a fitness facility, as well as sitting in on personal training sessions.
Aly Phelps was another senior who took part in the program as she spent 16 weeks at Mercy Medical Center, learning how to be a registered nurse.
Hoping to attend a registered nurse program at a four-year college, Phelps was able to watch procedures going on through a monitor and other aspects that occasionally occur in a nursing environment.
“It was the best experience I’ve had in all of high school,” said Phelps.
Elena Gasparri, who is a teacher at Southwick Regional High School, was also a mentor to a student. Gasparri enjoyed the experience as she could remember being in a similar situation in her younger days.
“I remember being a student teacher,” said Gasparri.
A large crowd was in hand on Wednesday night for the reception. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Gasparri also pointed out that her students enjoyed Holden Mechachonis, who was mentored by Gasparri.
“The kids got to know her, they got to really like her,” said Gasparri.
Michelle Sherlin of Baystate Health also had the chance to be a mentor.
“It’s been a great experience for both the mentors and the students,” said Sherlin.
Special recognition, awards, and citations were then given out. Following that, all 22 students went up to the podium and briefly talked about their experience in the Diversified Learning Experience Program.
The event was sponsored by the Business Education Alliance (BEA) in addition to River West Schools.
