January 22, 1999

 

Groundhog Job Shadow Day to team up scores of organizations and students

 

News-Press executive editor Allen Parsons and County Superintendent Bill Cirone were slated to be among more than 100 community professionals countywide serving as role models for students on the first Groundhog Job Shadow Day, cleverly timed to coincide with Groundhog's Day on February 2.

The special day is intended to engage students K-12 in the world of work, and provide them with a chance to explore career options. It is a national initiative, organized locally by a partnership involving the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO), the Industry-Education Council, the School-to-Career Advisory Committee, Adopt-A-School, and the participating school districts.

Local coordinators include Mary Scopatz, director of career and youth employment programs at the SBCEO; Marilyn Lake, assistant coordinator of Regional Occupational Programs at the SBCEO; Stina Hans, president of Vista Hospital Systems; and Rusty Fairly, school-to-career project coordinator.

"I'm personally excited to be involved in this very worthwhile project," said superintendent Bill Cirone. "We are very happy that in just its first year, the program has attracted the participation of some 13 schools in the south county alone and more than 100 individuals or organizations who will serve as models. In Santa Maria, 75 students from five schools will take part as well.

Further information is available by calling Mary Scopatz at 964-4711, ext. 4480.