‘Careers on Wheels’ rolls into Vina School
VINA — Elementary students at Vina School got an up-close look at a variety of professions Friday during the school’s first “Careers on Wheels” event. Vehicles included a bucket truck, a game warden car, a police car and a fire truck.
The program has been held at other schools in the county. It gives students the chance to explore vehicles and equipment connected to different jobs, learn safety lessons, and hear from community members about what they do.
PHOTO BY MARÍA CAMP
Vina kindergarteners in Bailey Borgstrom’s class see what it’s like in a bucket from Russellville Electric. Shown are students Sam Elrod, Leyton Hood and Ethan Strickland with Hunter Smith from Russellville Electric.
Hunter Smith with Russellville Electric attended with the company’s bucket truck. He said helping children understand safety around electricity is one of his favorite parts of participating.
“I think it’s important children know electricity is dangerous,” Smith said. “I want them to understand what causes power outages and what we do to fix them. You want the kids to be safety aware. During a house fire or if a tree falls, we have to cut power so firemen can go in safely.”
First-grade teacher Skyler Madden got a firsthand look at the view from above when she took a ride in the bucket truck.
“I think it gives the students a good idea about what they might want to be when they grow up,” Madden said. “They’ve been really excited.”
Mayor Michael Moomaw, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, said the event provided an ideal opportunity to reinforce fire prevention and safety messages during October, which is Fire Prevention Month.
He said it’s important for children to recognize firefighters as helpers, not strangers.
“We want them to see us without our gear, so they won’t be scared if they see us suited up,” Moomaw said. “It’s something our department enjoys doing — helping kids learn how we work to keep them safe.”
New teacher Bailey Borgstrum said her students were “so excited” about the event.
“I think it’s awesome because they get to see people in the community who help them, and they love to talk about what they’re going to be when they grow up,” she added. “It helps them see firsthand.”
