SOLON — One size fits all rarely does, especially when it comes to education.
Through partnerships with Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa, Solon High School students are able to craft an educational path tailored to their interests while earning college credit.
Superintendent Davis Eidahl and High School Principal Zach Wigle introduced two students to the school board during the Nov. 15 regular meeting.
Eidahl prefaced the students’ appearances by saying he felt the monthly Focus on Learning segment was the ideal platform to inform the board of the opportunities the district has, and what he sees as an educational advantage for Solon students.
Ryan Bilskie, a senior, is participating in Kirkwood’s academies: agriculture academy last year and is currently enrolled in the advanced manufacturing academy.
“What I love about them is they’re specifically for what I want to learn. It’s my dream to have my own row crop farm and I really like to be able to learn and get a head start on my agriculture degree. It was a really nice class to have because I did learn a lot, and I was also able to learn more at my internship because of it; I already had background knowledge.”
The agricultural science academy explores modern agriculture, “…through class lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and an introduction to the broad selection of careers in the field,” according to Kirkwood’s website. Courses include Survey of the Animal Industry, Principles of Agronomy, Introduction to Ag Business, and Working in America.
“The advanced manufacturing class is welding and CNC (Computer Numerical Control). I really like the welding portion of it because welding is a very useful skill, a very good backup plan to have. The advanced manufacturing class is very nice to have because it’s all hands-on learning, for the most part. Today, I got to do a bend test (a qualitative method for assessing material soundness and ductility often used as a quality control test for butt-welded joints), so, we get to be certified as an actual welder. We also did an OSHA 10 (a ten-hour safety class), so we’re OSHA-certified, which gives us opportunities to be hired.” The Department of Labor issues plastic wallet cards upon successful completion as proof of training. “It gives us a greater chance. I really love the academies. I really think they’re a great opportunity to get a head start in college.”
The advanced manufacturing academy, with robotics and welding, is a “fast-paced, highly technical environment that offers students a competitive edge in today’s workforce.” Students learn basic operations and practical skills such as general machine setup, blueprint reading, math skills, code-writing, and equipment safety. Bilskie is also gaining practical experience in design, fabrication, and programming as a member of the Solon Robotics program.
Bilskie told the board he was likely to attend Kirkwood next year with a major in diesel mechanics.
Vice President Adam Haluska told him, “You’re already ahead of the game, so we’re happy. Hopefully more opportunities like this can continue to happen.”
Tucker Spence, a freshman student athlete, is taking his education on a different trajectory.
“When I came into the high school, I was just thinking about how football was going to go, and what classes I was going to have, and with who. I really didn’t think about my career in the small four years I have until I can go to college and get a job.” Spence took an online aeronautics course taught by the head of the European Aeronautic Safety Agency (EASA). “I was on my own in a corner of the library. I had to manage my own time, I had to manage my own agenda, and it really gave me a glimpse of what I had to do as I came out of college. I realized that flight was probably my dream, and it’s my dream to fly jets in the Air Force; and after that to be an aerial firefighter. So, basically, what it allowed me to realize was all these things that high school, and Solon in particular, lets their students do. There’s so many different courses and things you can take, there’s something for everyone. I found my thing, and I want to keep pursuing that thing.”
Spence explained how a teacher helped him find the vast array of course offerings, which he was able to narrow down based on his interests, course ratings, and number of students participating. He found himself working virtually with an international student population. “It really helped to narrow it (course selection) down because other people had taken that course and had the same success that I did.”
President Tim Brown asked Spence if this course work was defining a career path for him.
“I’m thinking about the Air Force Academy, and my dad’s a firefighter for Solon and he’s been helping me look for different areas where they need pilots (for air tanker operations battling wildfires).” He’s already had a taste of the wild blue yonder with a visit to the Marion Airport and took a ride with an instructor pilot from P&N Flight and Charter. “That was just surreal for me. That’s just everything I want to do.”