Students Get Hands-On At JMHS Summer Camp | News, Sports, Jobs

photo by: Photo by Joselyn King

Reagan Ali, left, grade 6, and Janelle Shabdue, grade 9, participate in woodworking classes Wednesday during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Camp at John Marshall High School.

WHEELING — School has just ended. It’s among the hottest days of the year, and some Marshall County students decided they want to learn to weld — or maybe make pepperoni rolls.

John Marshall High School is hosting its annual career and technical education (CTE) camp this week for Marshall County students in grades 6-9.

The program began Wednesday and concludes today at JMHS.

Teachers from JMHS, and in some cases Cameron High School, oversee the classes.

There are also some high school students participating to assist the younger students.

A total of 160 students registered for the camp, which offers a two-day instruction program in their choices of concentration.

Students attend sessions in their first choice of concentration during morning sessions, and they attend class for their second choice of concentration in the afternoons.

Learning opportunities available start with instruction in welding, automotive technology and collision repair technology.

For the business-minded students, there are classes in accounting, broadcasting, principles of business, computer repair, computer science, and networking and marketing management.

Other students wanting to be handy or create items get involved with carpentry, drafting, machine tool technology and home mechanics.

They also have opportunities to learn about animal science, medical and therapeutic services, cooking and crafting, and careers in education.

In addition, members of the Glen Dale Volunteer Fire Department are present to instruct students interested in firefighting and EMS techniques.

“The kids get to shoot the hoses and go up the ladder,” explained Melanie Knutsen, career development counselor at JMHS. “They also get to see them demonstrate the jaws of life.”

But welding is the most popular of the concentrations, with carpentry and computer classes close behind, she said.

Students in the cooking and crafting class were baking pepperoni rolls Wednesday morning. The class includes the teaching of many home skills, and students even get to change diapers on electronic babies, Knutsen said.

“This is really good outreach for our CTE program,” she continued. “Many people don’t realize the vast array of our programs.”

Knutsen added there were about 250 students who graduated from JMHS this year, and about 150 of them had completed a CTE program.

Many will go immediately into jobs in the field – such as those in welding or auto repair. Others concentrating in business, education or medical-related fields, likely will go on to college to further pursue these careers, she said.

“This camp gives them an opportunity to see if these are classes they want to take in high school – or maybe even pursue as a career after they graduate,” added Marshall County CTE Director Bob Wilson.