By Zach Spicer
Crothersville High School’s Class of 2026 recently had an opportunity to shadow a business professional who works in their area of interest.
From emergency medical services to agriculture to teaching, the juniors got a glimpse into a potential future career.
JCIDC worked with school counselor Katie Whitehead to compile a list of interests from the 25 students. Then we reached out to local people who worked in those careers to pair them up for an on-the-job experience.
Rowan Sharp spent time on shift with Teia Thomas, an emergency medical technician with Jackson County Emergency Medical Services.
“It’s truly inspiring when a high school student expresses interest in a job shadow with me in EMS, and tonight, I had the pleasure of hosting Rowan on a ridealong,” Thomas posted on Facebook the night of April 11.
Sharp’s passion for nursing and nurse practitioner work, sparked by a meaningful encounter with Tory Rudolph, is genuinely admirable, Thomas wrote.
“After experiencing the world of EMS firsthand, I firmly believe Rowan has discovered a career path that aligns with her aspirations,” Thomas posted. “It was an absolute pleasure having Rowan on the truck tonight. Her bright future is undoubtedly filled with tremendous possibilities, and I have no doubt she will excel as a future EMT. Thank you, Rowan, for sharing this experience with me at JCEMS.”
Junior Baron Riley spent the morning of April 11 with Jeff Davis, a senior account manager for Premier Companies.
Davis said they began with a tour of the corporate office building in Seymour and explained some of the changes in the cooperative system over the years.
“We discussed different aspects of the cooperative and what they involve and how they contribute,” Davis said. “We went through a few of the digital platforms we use to learn and service our customers.”
Then they took a drive over to Lawrence County to evaluate a customer’s cover crop termination.
“Baron had some good questions about what we were doing, and I feel like he was evaluating how these things could fit into the idea or model of what he wants to do after college,” Davis said. “I personally enjoy trying to make young people think and help them to appreciate what opportunities they have in their lives. This can be from an occupational, family, economic or even a spiritual perspective — where are they going and how are they planning on getting there, whether it’s college, that next job, next relationship or eternity.”
From a company perspective, Davis said Premier likes to share what it’s all about and how it’s able to help customers continue to do what they enjoy doing.
“Our company can always use motivated, honest, hardworking individuals that are passionate about what they are doing,” he said. “Job shadowing and internships give us this opportunity to reach some that may have not gotten a chance otherwise.”
Juniors Grace Smith, Zoe Bowman and Jaelynn Smith all are interested in education.
Grace and Zoe were matched with Emerson Elementary School teachers Jami Kiel and Kara Thompson, respectively, and Jaelynn shadowed Trinity Lutheran High School art teacher Carrie Adler.
“We loved having Miss Smith in class today. She was so sweet,” Kiel said while sharing a photo of Grace sitting at a table with three students playing a money card game.
“Jaelynn Smith was an absolute pleasure to have visiting today,” Adler said while sharing a photo of Jaelynn in front of art made by Trinity students. “She was incredibly polite and engaging. She asked great questions.”
