Community Mentoring Week Helps BHS Students Look Ahead

Editor's note: The following is a press release from Valley View School District 365U. 

Dozens of Bolingbrook High School students got a good look at the possibilities life after high school holds during Community Mentoring Week this past week. Each student was able to visit a Valley View School District 365U community partner to interact and ask questions in an everyday work environment.

“It’s all about connecting our students with the community and giving them opportunities to see what’s out there,” said BHS Transition Specialist Alison Ondracek.

Independence Elementary School hosted five BHS students with job shadowing in the Kindergarten classrooms where, according to BHS student Kishia Mitchell, the best part of her day included “working and interacting with the kindergarteners.” 

 “This is a great opportunity for our high school students to get hands-on experience in a career path they may choose someday,” Alicia Edwards, Executive Secretary at Independence Elementary School, stated.  

Family Image of Bolingbrook, which has partnered with BHS for several years, mentored three students interested in cosmetology.

“It’s important for them to have goals they want to achieve for the future,” said Family Image owner Vita Cortez. “If I can plant a little seed for them, I would be happy.”

Among the many mentors was the Village of Bolingbrook, which continued its annual tradition of mentoring BHS students in areas of criminal justice, automotive, public works, technology, and the performing art. Village Clerk Carol Penning organized the day.

Student Issiah Albea, who shadowed with the public works department,   made a great point stating “the village does a lot that no-one knows about.” 

Office Max corporate offices in Naperville hosted an experience for two students interested in pursuing a career in business.

Ron Wilson at the WalMart-Supercenter in Romeoville hosted five students looking for information about the retail industry.

The Olive Garden company is also a huge supporter of mentoring week. The Bolingbrook restaurant always mentors students for the day. In addition, the Olive Garden in Oswego provided a kickoff luncheon during which students prepared for their upcoming experiences.

“This mentoring experience allows our students to gain valuable knowledge that only the experts in their fields can offer”, said BHS Transition Specialist Gina Rafalski.

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