Hauppauge’s Elementary Schools Host Impressive College and Career Week Programs
Hauppauge’s elementary schools recently hosted a series of impressive programs for the District’s annual College and Career Week. “Choosing an occupation is an overwhelming task. Exploring different career paths gives students an opportunity to learn about what they might want to do in life,” stated Forest Brook Principal Kristen Reingold. “The District’s annual College and Career Week is a wonderful way to support this adventure of exploration and discovery.”
Last November Forest Brook’s 5th grade students participated in a Career Education Program called Creating Your Future, which was designed to engage students in the process of matching their personal interests to career possibilities. The students learned how to make informed and appropriate choices, how to assess their personal interests and accomplishments, and how to explore and evaluate career opportunities. During its 10th Annual College and Career Week, the students participated in various activities and educational programs designed to introduce them to the vast array of college and career opportunities that lie ahead. Numerous community members and parents generously volunteered their time to speak about their own career paths and jobs for the School’s Career Day.
Bretton Woods College and Career Week was highlighted by a special assembly featuring American Para-Olympian Wrestler and Motivational Speaker Rohan Murphy. Murphy was unable and unwilling to participate in sports due to his physical disability in his youth. In 8th grade, East Islip Coach Ron Croteau offered Murphy a position as equipment manager. After noticing Murphy’s dedication as manager and upper body strength, Croteau suggested that he begin wrestling. Murphy and Croteau spent the summer training, and he joined the East Islip Wrestling Team in 9th grade. Although Murphy lost his first match, he began to train even harder and dedicated himself completely to wrestling. Murphy became one of the most decorated wrestlers in East Islip history and went on to wrestle at Penn State, where he earned three varsity letters.
Murphy began participating in Para-Olympic weightlifting events while attending Penn State. In 2006, he won a Bronze medal in the IPC World Powerlifting Championships – lifting 281.1 pounds and breaking the previous U.S. Para-Olympic record. His amazing feat grabbed the attention of Nike and earned him a spot in the company’s “No Excuses” advertising campaign that sought to motivate people to create a workout plan and stick to it. “Murphy’s hard work, dedication and perseverance allowed him to reach his college and career aspirations. He is a role model and source of inspiration to us all,” described Bretton Woods Principal George Gagliardi.
“Pines Elementary School’s Career Day was a great success!” stated Principal Dr. Claudine DiMuzio. The 4th and 5th grade students attended presentations about various careers, featuring: an FDNY firefighter, a physician assistant, an acupuncturist and even an ice sculptor. The 5th grade students also had an opportunity to learn about college from a Hofstra University admissions representative. “These presentations were all given by Pines wonderful parents who volunteered their time and enthusiasm to be part of our annual Career Day program,” DiMuzio said.