Greenville’s JMG Career Day brings community and school together
By Mike Lange
Staff Writer
GREENVILLE — It was a different type of school day in Greenville on April 18, as students from kindergarten to senior high had an opportunity to explore a variety of occupations from real estate agent to paramedic.
Displays were set up in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria and Pritham Gymnasium while heavy equipment like front-end loaders and a fire truck were set up in the parking lot.
Observer photo/Mike Lange
LISTENING FOR SIGNS — Greenville seventh-grader Nate Pierce checks the heartbeat of a human patient simulator (HPS) during the Jobs for Maine Graduates’ Career Day on April 18. Pictured, from left, are Cathy Cobb, R.N, of C.A. Dean Hospital; and LifeFlight paramedics Josh McNally and Richard Simpson.
Career Day was also “student-driven” as the Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) were responsible for contacting the presenters, scheduling the classes, escorting visitors and raising some funds on the side. “There was no charge for the participants,” said JMG director Becky Bardosy. “But during the last five years, our students have donated $6,500 to community service projects.”
This year was no different. At the Career Day kickoff in Oakes Auditorium, JMG students presented a check for $1,000 to the Greenville Fire Department for their rescue vehicle fund and a check for $500 to the JD Foundation, a suicide-prevention program headquartered in Abbot.
One exhibit from LifeFlight of Maine and Maine EMS featured a human patient simulator (HPS) which are most commonly used in medical schools. The lifelike mannequin blinks, speaks, breathes, has a heartbeat and pulse and responds to CPR, intravenous medications and catheterization.
“In a rural hospital, you never know what’s going to come in the emergency room,” said Cathy Cobb, R.N. of C.A. Dean Hospital. “It could be a serious auto accident or a child that shoved something up their nose. So you have to be prepared for everything.”
Students took turns listening to the HPS’ heartbeat and breathing, which could be adjusted to simulate distress. “When you hear that crackling sound in the lungs, that’s a sign that something is wrong,” Cobb said.
Observer photo/Mike Lange
HEAVY LIFTING — Greenville fourth-grader Serenity Duncan tries on a Scott air pack with assistance from Eric Nelson, lead engineer for the Greenville Fire Department.
Other participants in Career Day included Indian Hill Trading Post, Moose Country/Century 21 Realtors, Plum Creek Timber Co., the Maine Forestry Service and Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
IF&W Wildlife Biologist Doug Kane has participated in four of the five JMG Career Days and said he thoroughly enjoys it. “The quality and depth of the youngsters’ questions amaze me,” Kane said. “I always caution them that it takes a lot of work to get into this field.”
But Kane, who obtained two advanced degrees in seven years of college, said that he truly loves his work. “It’s a very competitive process to get into IF&W,” he said, “so when kids take an interest in it this early in life, I’m delighted.”
JMG students Robert Mello and Aysia Jardine said they enjoyed putting the program together, even though it was a considerable amount of work. “I like the idea of the businesses in town getting involved,” said Mello. “It gives us an opportunity to show them what’s going in our program, and gives them the opportunity to tell us about their business.”
Jardine, who is interested in veterinary science, agreed. “This is one of my favorite projects of the year,” she said.
JMG is a statewide, non-profit organization designed to help students in grades 6-12 who may face some barriers to education to achieve better grades and chart a career path. There are 34 students enrolled in JPG at Greenville Consolidated School.
Bardosy admitted that even though Career Day was “student-led,” she has a few sleepless nights before the big event. “But it always turns out fine. That says a lot about our school and our community,” she added.