SOUTHWICK – The Diversified Learning Experience (DLE) program at the Southwick Regional School continues to grow.
People in attendance are seen looking on as Maryanne Margiotta speaks at the podium to start the event. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
The DLE was established in the 1990’s to provide seniors at the Southwick Regional School an opportunity to take part in an internship in a career field they may want to pursue at a college or university or beyond. A semester-long experience, the student not only receives high school credit but they’re able to learn effective skills in a workplace and learn how to be successful with job applications and interviews.
For the 2017-18 school year, 32 students participated in the DLE program and that number grew to 36 for the 2018-19 school year.
While Southwick Regional School Principal Joseph Turmel is pleased with the increased student participation, he’s also happy with the variety of workplaces that are now involved like hospitals, court systems, and colleges.
“Where we’re sending our students is diverse as well,” said Turmel.
On Wednesday night, an appreciation and recognition of seniors participating in the program this past year was held at the Southwick Regional School. Sponsored by the Business Education Alliance and the River West Schools, the ceremony on Wednesday highlighted the 36 students that took part in the program.
Connor Roy, who did his DLE internship with Department of Public Works Engineer Dick Grannells, saw a benefit from the opportunity.
“I learned a lot from it,” said Roy. “I got to do projects every day and go out in the field.”
Going out to big projects like the work being done on Congamond Road, Roy worked with Grannells Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. doing drainage work.
Grannells enjoyed teaching Roy and saw a positive outcome for Roy with the work that he did.
“It stimulates the engineering mind,” said Grannells.
With Roy expecting to attend the Virginia Tech engineering program, Roy’s stepfather, Glen Girouard, also saw the advantage of Roy being in the DLE program.
Students, staff, administration, and parents are seen at the Business Education Alliance recognition event at the Southwick Regional School on Wednesday night. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“This helped solidify his college choice,” said Girouard.
Madison Dewinkeleer was another student who enjoyed her experience in the DLE program. Interning in the emergency department at Baystate Noble Hospital, Dewinkeleer helped nurses getting blankets, cleaning beds, and talking with patients Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Dewinkeleer’s experience was also worthwhile.
“I think it’s a great opportunity if you have a career field in mind to go and explore it yourself,” said Dewinkeleer.
According to Dewinkeleer, she plans to take part in the nursing program next fall at Merrimack College.
Ever since Southwick Regional School English teacher and Career Facilitator Maryanne Margiotta began to organize the DLE program about four years ago, she has loved developing relationships with businesses and watching the students achieve success.
“It really cements their idea of what they want to do,” said Dewinkeleer. “They’re really able to test out the job market.”
