Wayne High School Juniors (ACT Prep Courses) have had the privilege of meeting and listening to presentations given by members of our community. The focus of the meet and greets was to encourage “after school” interest in careers and jobs available for our students. Our presenters included information on how they got into the jobs they have, what education was necessary to get there, the ups and downs of the jobs and careers they have, and answers to any questions our students may have had.

            Wayne County has many interesting job options and lots of interesting people! The list of our guest speakers included the following:

Jacob VanDyke, Fremont River Vet Clinic/Veterinarian 

Teri Leavitt, RN/Hospice Nurse with Gunnison Home Health

Dave Love, Construction Industry/Business Owner

Faun Jackson, Photographer/Business Owner

Julie Jeffery, SSW/Victims Advocate & Bereavement Coordinator

Rachelle Jeffery, Cosmetologist/Desi’s Hair Shed

Gary Brian, Brian Auto Owner/Mechanic

Jason Grundy, JG Electric Owner/Electrician

Christina Brown, Christina Brown Designs Owner/Interior Designer

Jim Lamb, Wildlife Biologist/DWR

            Not only do these community members live in and have ties to the county, but most of them graduated from Wayne High School. Our students helped choose community members and were really interested and excited to listen to the information each person had to share.

            ACT Prep teachers, Nikki Stringham and Gena Cox, and all the WHS Juniors wish to thank these community members for their willingness to take time from their busy schedules to share their stories with us. Remember, students of WHS, “You have the power to change, adjust, and do what you need. It’s never too late to get a new job, and don’t be ‘fine,’ be the best you can be!”

On Friday April 5th, the 7th and 8th graders at Wayne Middle School participated in Reality Town. Reality Town is an educational program that gives realistic financial experience to middle and high school students. Many schools around the country participate in this program and are already giving their students an edge in the real world. The program is a two-hour simulation that was held in the Middle School gym. Before entering Reality Town, students received a handbook and personalized pay stub which contained information about their Reality Town family. Students were selected for a job based on their GPA. They got a chance to see if they could support a family on the salary of their job.

As part of the preparation for the Reality Town Simulation, students learned about loans and tax withholding as they examine their personalized pay stub. Members of the community and FFA students from the high school manned booths that simulated all aspects of the students’ financial life. They visited banks, car dealers, realtors, insurance agents, communication companies and other businesses that they would visit in real life. The students had to adjust their purchases to meet the realities of life. They enjoyed the experience, though several students were disappointed that they did not make enough money to buy a big truck. This was a good experience that allowed the students to learn about where their money goes and how their choices determine their lifestyle. They also learned that how well they do in school will impact their earning potential. We would like to thank Wayne Middle School for sponsoring the event and Candance Peterson and Jennifer Hunt for setting up the experience.

The combined first grade classes of Mrs. Brinkerhoff and Mrs. Potter at Loa Elementary did a masterful job of presenting the play “Baby Beluga” on Friday, March 31st. They have been practicing for weeks to make the play a great experience for the school and the community.

The play is centered around a collection of songs describing what people have to do to get up early in the morning in order to view the whale known as “Baby Beluga.”

In the presentation, students not only sang and acted out songs, but had speaking parts which set up the next song and stage of the play. Both classes worked hard under the skillful direction of Mrs. Brinkerhoff and Mrs. Potter to carry off the performance without a hitch—providing lots of energy and spirit.

“Baby Beluga” was a smash hit performance for all in attendance!