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As part of the effort to help students train for careers after graduating, South Albany High School has a lunch and learn program that introduces students to business owners who share expertise and tips for pursuing skilled work.

The following story is by Stutzman Services, Inc., which sent representatives to SAHS on Tuesday.

SAHS Students Explore Water Management Careers

On Tuesday, March 14, representatives of Stutzman Services gave an interactive presentation to students at South Albany High School as part of a Lunch & Learn event.

Fifteen students gathered in a classroom to eat pizza and learn more about career opportunities in the skilled trades, which are in high-demand according to Stutzman Services Communications Director Chris Nafziger. “We believe that water is life’s most valuable resource, and today we are going to talk about two careers that are crucial to managing water, and also in high-demand,” he said.

The presentation focused on two careers: Well Water Systems Technician and Journeyman Plumber.

Water Systems Manager Dale Aerni spoke about his career path and encouraged students to discover what they like to do and are good at doing. For him, it was managing groundwater by installing and servicing submersible pumps and water treatment systems, work that eventually led him to become a co-owner of the company.

Well Water Systems Technician Luke Butler described the education and training required for his career and what he likes best about the job. “I enjoy the travel. We drive a lot and get to see a lot of the Mid-Willamette Valley,” he said. “I also like the variety of the job and working outside with my hands. Seventeen years into my career and I’m still learning.”

Plumbing Manager Brent Stutzman began by asking students what comes to mind when they picture a plumber. After acknowledging the expected negative caricature, he explained the importance of plumbing systems and quoted from Plumbing Manufacturers International: “Clean, drinkable water has likely protected more lives and extended life expectancy more than any medical advancement.”

Stutzman said that Journeyman Plumbers are in very short supply across the nation, and that is resulting in increased wages. In Oregon, students in a plumbing apprenticeship are also required to work full time, which means they can move into a high-paying career without college debt.

Stutzman also encouraged the female students in attendance to pursue career paths in the skilled trades, including plumbing.

Afterwards, students had the chance to see a submersible well pump and control system close-up, and use a power tool to assemble some pipe and fittings.

“The students loved the presentation and the speakers did an excellent job engaging the group,” said Rose Zoellner, Business to School Liaison at South Albany High School.

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Memorial Middle School for their motivation, perseverance, growth, and school and community service.

Memorial students are:

Colby Vigil

Colby has faced many challenges in middle school and has always attacked them with a positive can-do attitude.  Even though things are not always smooth, he continues to display courage and persevere through some difficult situations.  Way to stay strong Colby!

Aliyah Haji-Mohamed​

​Aliyah has been a tremendous role model for other students at Memorial in how to stand up for what is right.  She has faced some pretty serious social adversity and with dignity worked her way through it for the betterment of all students.  She embodies the meaning of perseverance.

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Calapooia Middle School for their motivation, perseverance, growth, and school and community service.

Calapooia students are:

Susana Benito-Hernandez

Susana  is a model student who always works her hardest and helps others to do the same. She always has a smile on her face, and her work ethic and a strong sense of empathy help her to be a leader in the classroom.

Tayten McKamey

Tayten is a dedicated student who holds himself to high standards, and he challenges himself and others to extend and apply their learning in complex ways. He is a leader in the classroom, a helper to others, and has a kind heart and spirit.

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from North Albany Middle School for their motivation, perseverance, growth, and school and community service.

North Albany students are:

Chase Clure and Shelbylinn Connell

Shelbylinn Connell and Chase Clure are siblings and are both eighth graders being recognized for motivation and perseverance. Shelbylinn’s favorite class is choir and Chase’s favorite class is band. At the beginning of summer, the family went through some housing difficulties. The family stayed strong and the students found a way to start the year with a positive outlook. They have continued to do well as the housing issues were resolved.

Lauren Harvey

Lauren Harvey is in our seventh grade AVID class. Her favorite class is AVID. She is being recognized for perseverance and growth mindset. She has been making a concerted effort to retake assessments and has been sharing what she has learned in the tutorial process with her table groups in other classes like social studies.

Albany Options School science teacher Tassay Gillispie has been selected to be a member of a group of fifty educators from across the country who are WGBH Teacher Advisors. This group will help design and develop instructional resources that address diverse student needs through the K-12 STEM education project, Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms, a WGBH initiative in collaboration with NASA.

WGBH is a public radio station located in Boston, Massachusetts and is a member station of National Public Radio. They have partnered with NASA to develop STEM curriculum focused on climate change, on which Gillispie will serve as an adviser.

Gillispie will be working with the Oregon State University Center for Research on Lifelong STEM Learning. She will begin her training by attending the National Science Teaching Conference in Los Angeles, CA in April.

Gillispie has taught at Albany Options School for five years and has previous experience at South Albany High School, Jefferson High School, Linus Pauling Middle School, and Timber Ridge School. Through her teaching she has partnered with organizations including SOLV, City of Albany Public Works, City of Albany Parks and Recreation, Calapooia Watershed Council, Blue Ocean Project, and Oregon Museum of Science Institute (OMSI). She earned her Masters of Science in Science Education from Montana State University, and her Bachelors of Science in Science Education from Western Oregon University.