Global experts show UCS students how career is a great ride

Utica Community Schools students are even more onboard the career opportunities available in one of the nation’s fastest growing recreational industries.

A group of students from Henry Ford II and Eisenhower high schools recently explored snowboarding careers by visiting Burton Snowboards in Vermont, one of the global leaders in the industry.

The Career and Technical Education Woodworking/Gone Boarding students worked side by side with the experts who create snowboards for the Olympics, X-Games and U.S. Open.

"The Burton trip was an amazing and unforgettable experience, and I got to learn a lot about myself and what I want to do in my future,” said Henry Ford II senior Sydney Szymanski.

Added Eisenhower senior Cole Weber, "I learned a lot about the industry and what it takes to get into that kind of career path. It was a really fun experience and would love to do it again."

The students had the opportunity to sit down with corporate department heads in areas such as Human Resources, Marketing, Graphic Design, Photography, Board Building and Engineering.

They also received hands-on experiences in creating boards, using a rapid prototype 3D printer and working on a photo shoot.

UCS CTE teachers continue to develop programs that are among the first of their kind and prepares students for one of the nation’s fastest growing fields.

Teachers in the program are Chris Davis, of Henry Ford II High School and Ryan deCardenas, of Eisenhower High School.

"It is amazing to see students learn directly from professionals especially at Burton Snowboard Headquarters,” deCardenas said. “The amount of learning about careers our students were exposed to is like no other. A special thank you to Burton Snowboards and Gone Boarding for the amount of access and learning provided for our students."

"I could not be more happy with the way both the Ford and Ike students represented Utica Community Schools,” Davis said. “Burton went above and beyond to show us the day to day of what makes Burton the number one snowboard product in the world."

Students also saw first-hand the work environment at the snowboarding company.

"It was very interesting and eye opening to see how a company like Burton is so different and how it functions and what kind of atmosphere the company sets," said Eisenhower senior Hayden Baker.

"By far one of the best things I've ever experienced,” said Henry Ford II senior and second place Gone Boarding graphic design contest winner, Gavin Duncan.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent of Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org