High school students learn about careers

National Mentoring Day needs a new name in the Bolingbrook and Romeoville areas because it took an entire week to make sure more than 100 Bolingbrook and Romeoville High School students had enough time to learn about future career opportunities in their communities.

The young men and women spent up to five hours with local business people and governmental workers during the week of Oct. 19.

"It's important for more and more of our businesses to see what excellent employees our students can make," said Laura Bargas, transition specialist for Romeoville High School.

"It's so important for students to meet people who are passionate about their work," added Bolingbrook High School transition specialist Michele Bochnak.

Courtesy of former Bolingbrook resident Linda Moore, who is president of the Association of People With Disabilities, and Romeoville resident Ann Johnson, the students were able to spend time at a variety of businesses. Among them were Meadowbrook Manor, Culver's, Brookville Animal Hospital, Office Max, Olive Garden, Ats-A-Nice Pizza, Walmart, Allegra Printing, Kindercare, Family Image, Golden Corral, Collision Revision, Pet Supplies Plus, Rogy's and Beauty Within. Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, Joliet Junior College, Lewis University and several groups within Valley View School District, including Transportation, Early Childhood Center and Salk School.

A variety of officials from both villages, including police and fire departments, mentored students, with Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar providing a personal sendoff for his village's mentees.

"We couldn't have done this without the village (Bolingbrook) and the mayor," said Moore, who handled Bolingbrook arrangements. "All of the people who were mentors are people who care and don't think it's a chore to give kids a chance."