CONNEAUT — In case you were wondering, Conneaut firefighter Roy Pratt Jr., has never used a ladder to rescue a cat from a tree.
That nugget of information surfaced Friday, during Lakeshore Primary School’s first-ever Career Day, which gave kids in kindergarten, first- and second-grade a chance to learn and ask about what people do for a living.
The day’s program marked the first time Ashtabula County kids in primary grades were the focus of such an elaborate career program, said Kay Roller and Anne Starcher, career education coordinators associated with the county’s Joint Vocational School.
Students spent most of the day visiting 23 stations, each staffed by a representative or two from different occupations. A wide range of jobs were showcased, including law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical service, the U.S. Postal Service, library arts, landscaping and retail.
“It was a wonderful day,” Roller said. “It was a tremendous success. We saw smiles on everyone’s faces.”
The idea was hatched months ago, said Lakeshore Principal Ruth Farr. A committee laid out the itinerary and arranged the extensive guest list, which eventually included 55 people.
Students spent around 10 to 15 minutes at each location, heard a brief description of that person’s job, then offered some questions. Pratt, representing Conneaut’s Fire Station 4, brought the station’s big ladder truck to the school, which got plenty of attention. A short distance away, other vehicles were on display, including an Ashtabula County Transportation System bus.
ACTS driver Vicky Peak delighted kindergartners with a ride on the bus’ disabled access lift.
“Don’t worry,” she told the squealing kids when the lift began to move. “I haven’t lost anyone yet.”
ACTS dispatcher Bea Barnes said the students had plenty of good questions. Taylor Cleveland, an Ashtabula County sheriff’s deputy, agreed. “They asked some very insightful questions” about training and qualifications, he said.
One of more unique presentations was provided by Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School students, who talked about carpentry. With the aid of Lakeshore youngsters, the Vo-Ed students assembled a small house to demonstrate their skills.
Conneaut Police Sgt. Randy Poore used the event to tell kids police officers are their friends and helpers. “Don’t be afraid of us,” he said.
Ryan Tattrie, a lieutenant at Conneaut’s Fire Station 3, brought that station’s heavy rescue truck to the school. Students were dazzled by the big machine and its sophisticated gear. “This is an easy job to sell,” Tattrie said.
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