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May 6, 2008

Waukomis students get lessons on careers on wheels

By Violet Spader Staff Writer

No fewer than 18 vehicles, ranging from police cruisers to semi trucks, lined the parking lot behind Waukomis Public Schools’ baseball field Tuesday afternoon. Students checked out the vehicles and spoke to their drivers, all of whom make their living on four wheels or more.

The second Careers on Wheels event is designed to introduce students to people whose careers are based out of a vehicle, Betsy Heasley, FCCLA adviser, said.

Waukomis FCCLA members helped organize the event, she said, which included showing younger students around and taking lunch to the vehicles’ drivers.

“Hopefully, it will get better each year,” Heasley said, adding it’s an event that helps elementary students become familiar with their high school counterparts.

As students strolled among the gathered equipment, they ate ice cream from the Schwan’s truck, checked out a computer system in the Enid National Guard’s Humvee, peered through PEGASYS’ TV cameras and listened to Waukomis Police Department try out its cruiser’s siren.

PEGASYS public relations/membership coordinator Stephanie Wnetrzak helped Waukomis pre-kindergartners look through the camera.

“You’re making TV right now,” Wnetrzak told them.

Mason Ingram said it was a good view from behind the lens.

“I saw all the trucks,” he said.

Other participants were Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Waukomis Fire Department, Advance Food Co., Northwest Oklahoma Blood Institute, KNID, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, OG&E; Electric Services, Advanced Water Solutions, Spring-Green, JK Farms and Pennington Welding of Waukomis.

A Garfield County road grader and a game warden’s truck also were present.

“Look at this turnout,” Garfield County deputy George Dillman said. “It’s just wonderful. It’s all about career exploration and expanding the minds of these young people.”

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