CHSS hosts co-op program appreciation breakfast
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) held its biannual Co-op Supervisors Hot Breakfast Buffet on Thursday, June 15. The event, which commenced at 7 a.m. in the school cafeteria, aimed to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of numerous local businesses and students involved in the CHSS co-op program.
Shane Taylor, the department head of co-op at CHSS, highlighted the event's purpose of recognizing and thanking the employers who had taken on co-op students throughout the year. Taylor emphasized the significance of their support, as, without it, CHSS students would be deprived of the opportunity to gain practical experience in a real-world setting. Taylor also discussed the importance of fostering connections in the community and the integral role played by supervisors who willingly offer their time and expertise to guide students. He believes that in a small town, the collective effort of the community is essential to nurturing and ensuring the successful transition of young individuals into their post-secondary careers.
Ken Ryan, the service manager at Huron Tractor’s Blyth location, highlighted the dealership’s long-standing participation in the co-op program and the success employees have witnessed as a result. Ryan expressed satisfaction with the responses Huron Tractor receives from co-op program participants and said that it offers students an opportunity to explore potential career paths and gain hands-on experience.
Owen Beacom, a Grade 12 student from Auburn, enthusiastically spoke about his co-op placement at Sparlings Propane’s service department. Despite having no previous experience in the field, Beacom expressed his enjoyment of working as a gas fitter through the co-op program. He shared his interest in pursuing a career in the trades and acknowledged the hard work involved, but praised the job's merits.
CHSS Principal Petra Goetz proudly praised the school’s co-op program as the best in the Avon Maitland District School Board, but acknowledged that she “may be biased.” Recognizing the value of experiential learning, Goetz underscored the importance of such programs in providing students with practical experiences that shape their understanding of various career paths.
The success of the Co-op Supervisors Hot Breakfast Buffet would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of Heather Hart, Deb Hopper and Agnes Marks, who served a delicious and plentiful hot breakfast to all attendees. Their contributions added to the warmth and appreciation felt throughout the event, further solidifying the strong bonds between CHSS, local businesses and supervisors involved in the co-op program.