News & Events
WMST Career Day speakers inform students about opportunities
Officer Sandy
of the D.C. Fire Department
Demonstrates his Water Rescue Gear
More than 40 speakers representing 18 key career fields presented to WMST Public Charter High School students during a three-hour Career Day at the Ward 5 school on November 19.
A couple dozen students in Mr. Clarence Alston's social studies classroom, for example, listened to several Government/Law Enforcement speakers. One speaker, Officer Sandy from the D.C. Fire Department's Water Rescue operations, spoke about how he went from scrubbing decks to second in command on a merchant marine ship through the Seafarers International Union during a 12-year career. He also spoke with the students about working as an Army infantryman before becoming joining the D.C. Fire Department.
“It's one of the few jobs left where you are kicking in doors not to arrest someone but to help,” he said of being a fireman. He spoke about the educational requirements for each job he's held and how those with college degrees have higher opportunities for advancement as officers at the D.C. Fire Department.
When attempting to rescue someone who is drowning, Officer Sandy advised his audience, try to bring an aid like a branch or a shirt that one can use to pull the person to safety. One can be drowned in the act of attempting to help another without such an instrument.
Mr. Rashid Jones, an autopsy technician with the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, spoke with students about how autopsies are conducted in the Funeral Service/Forensics track. One area of particular interest to students had to do with families being notified of untimely injuries and deaths of family members in automotive accidents and shootings.
Ms. Dana Hallman from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, spoke with students in Ms. Vivienne Forrester's classroom in the Computer Technology/Graphic Design track about testing website usability.
Mr. Enrique Watson, director of student services at WMST Public Charter High School, organized the Career Day, which included a reception before classes where Head of School Mark Holbrook spoke with the presenters, and a lunch afterwards at the Holiday Inn Express across the street from WMST. Students in the WMST Public Charter High School Air Force Junior ROTC program also provided hospitality.
Potential speaker for our 2010 Career Day should contact Mr. Watson at 202-636-8011 or ewatson@wmstpchs.net (please hide email address) to indicate their interest in making a presentation.