OCEDC Hosts Freshman College & Careers Event at HMS

Presenters (L to R) Brady DeVos, Kellie Einck and Alivia Grothaus answer questions from HMS students.

Kiana Johnson, Executive Director of O’Brien County Economic Development Corporation, moderated a discussion last month at the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School in Hartley. The Freshman College and Careers discussion was designed to initiate a conversation between the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn high school freshmen and some young professionals who have chosen to live and work in O’Brien County.

 Presenters at the event included Kellie Einck, Alivia Grothaus and Brady DeVos. Kellie Einck is a Diesel Mechanic and Accountant at AgriVision in Paullina. Ms. Einck graduated from South O’Brien High School with a two year community college degree. After graduating from South O’Brien High School, Alivia Grothaus pursued an AAS degree in Surgical Technology from Iowa Lakes Community College. After working in that field for several years, Mrs. Grothaus become an EHS (Environment and Health Safety) Specialist at AMPI in Sanborn. Brady DeVos, a Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn graduate, became an Independent Owner/Operator after completing the necessary training, meeting state requirements and acquiring his CDL. Mr. DeVos’s career path has allowed him to become his own boss at a young age with no student debt.

Each of these presenters were given a few minutes to introduce themselves and explain their personal education and career choices. After the introductions, the students, teacher and moderator were given an opportunity to ask questions. Ms. Johnson said the question and answer session went well with many excellent inquiries into the career choices of the three panelists. Kiana Johnson plans to take her College and Careers Discussion to the South O’Brien and Sheldon Community School districts in the next few months. 

For more information, contact Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development Corporation at 712.957.1313 or e-mail ocedc@tcaexpress.net.

HMS Substitute teacher, Bev Haack, encourages students' questions.