Graduates talk to freshmen about their bright futures
As our freshmen are about to choose which of the 23 vocational-technical programs they will pursue, they were introduced to seven Whittier Tech graduates who showed how valuable their high school education will be. They left Whittier with resumes packed with job experience, industry certifications and confidence that opened doors for them.
"Don't let anyone tell you that your vocational-technical education isn't good enough," said Kaitlin Wright, Class of 2014, who just started a job as a legislative aide to Rep. William Crocker (R-Barnstable) "The seven of us are great examples of how successful you can be."
Organized again this year by Tia Roy, Class of 2011, graduates on this year's Alumni Panel took a day out of their jobs to share their experiences with freshmen who gathered in the auditorium. They included: two plumbers, a legislative aide, a third grade teacher, a business owner, a case manager, and a college admissions counselor.
"It's cool to be able to come back here at such a crucial time of their freshman year," said the teacher, Deanna LeBlanc, Class of 2011, of Haverhill. She told them not to put too much pressure on themselves because they can always change their programs or careers in the future.
"I love their questions," said Julie Simard, Class of 2011, a case manager for Opportunity Works. "They seem so intrigued with our experiences. The real world is eye-opening and that's what the co-op program gives you -- a way in the door."
"It's great that freshmen get to think about where they're at and where they can be," said Justin Isaac, Class of 2011, of Haverhill, a plumber for Powerhouse Plumbing in Plaistow, NH who served in the U.S. Marines for four years after high school. "I'm encouraging them to be open minded."
The panelists were:
Tia Roy, 2011, of Haverhill, Admissions Counselor, Northern Essex Community College
Deanna LeBlanc, 2011, of Haverhill, third-grade teacher, Sargent Elementary School, North Andover
Billy Pepe, 2014, of Haverhill, owner of W.C. Pepe Career Training, Haverhill
Kaitlin Wright, 2014, of Haverhill, legislative aide for Rep. William Crocker
Eli Roy, 2014, of Hampstead, NH, plumber for Joe Roy & Sons, Plaistow, NH
Julie Simard, 2011 of Raymond, NH, case manager for Opportunity Works
