On a recent spring morning, the Mission Valley USD 330 parking lot had a carnival feel, buzzing with excited students. The “rides” included an Evergy energy company bucket truck and the “booths” consisted of military, law enforcement, and first responder vehicles and equipment. The highlight for many was a CH-47 Chinook military helicopter.

Friday, May 10th was the district’s Military and Service Career Appreciation Day. The event combined career information with recognition of military, law enforcement, and emergency personnel along with corresponding educational programs. Check out the video showcasing this incredible event.

The program is part of Mission Valley’s K-12 Work-Based Learning Continuum, which spans career awareness, exploration, and preparation. It allows students from all grades to visit with representatives of these organizations and agencies about career opportunities as well as being exposed to the tools of their trade.

“As this had developed, it has also become our appreciation day,” said 7-12 Counselor Jamey Hancock, who organizes the event. “It allows our kids to say thank you to our service members, not just in the military, but all the ones that actually keep our electricity on, help us with the hospitals, and the ambulance rides, and keep our homes, schools and communities safe. I honestly think that the service providers and the military members may get a little more out of this than the kids do when you see the smiles on their faces.”

The event is held every three years, alternating with other programs. It reflects at least three of the State Board of Education’s Kansans Can goals including civic engagement, helping students plan and prepare for a career after high school, and personal and interpersonal qualities needed to function as an adult.

“I think we do a fantastic job showcasing multiple careers to our students,” said Mission Valley Superintendent Bill Clark. “We have 12 Career and Technical Education pathways. We have a student-run business. Almost every week we have a career speaker come out and do short presentations over various careers.” Clark noted public support for the district’s initiatives, including the passing of a $12 million bond issue now in the final stages of construction, which among other things will expand and enhance facilities for CTE programs. 

“We believe that education is far more than sitting in the classroom academically,” he said. “We’re preparing students for what they will be doing when they leave Mission Valley, and we want to show them opportunities that they may not even have known existed.”