On February 15, about two dozen students from Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) attended the Conservation Career Expo job fair at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio in Independence. The Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District organized the event.
The day began with an opportunity for students to ask questions to a board of five individuals holding different jobs in the southeast Ohio area related to the conservation of this region's natural resources. They then toured four conference rooms where between five and seven organizations presented visual displays and hands-on activities that piqued the students’ their curiosities about job opportunities within the realm of conservation. A few demonstrations were held outdoors. Some of the organizations present include the Regional Climate Action Youth Advisory Group, Big Creek Connects, Legacy Land & Wildlife LLC, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Southerly Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“Every student came away with an enormous amount of appreciation for having experienced the vast array of positions that they could one day hold after high school and/or college,” noted CHHS science teacher Chadwick Robinson, who accompanied the students along with CHHS Transition Specialist Dr. Brian Friedt. “The time spent outside the classroom, gave each student a clearer perspective into why their education here at CHHS goes beyond the textbook and the direct connections they have with our land, water, and air," noted Mr. Robinson.
Captions:
Zach Bernstein lifts a 350-lb sewer grate using a magnetic lift.
Teacher Chadwick Robinson marvels at the grate filter used to separate and catch debris and limit toxic chemicals from entering the wastewater treatment facility.