Approximately 600 11th- and 12th-grade students from Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, along with students and staff from the Exceptional Learners Division (ELD), participated in Operation Guard X.
The event, sponsored by the New York Army National Guard, gave students an engaging opportunity to explore careers in service-related industries through hands-on demonstrations and interactions with professionals from law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services.
Students met representatives from the New York Army National Guard, New York Air National Guard, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York State Police.
One of the highlights of the day was the landing of a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter on campus, giving students and staff an up-close look at the aircraft.
CTE Principal of the Myers Center, Mandy D’Andrea and Culinary Arts and Hospitality instructor, Chef Celeste David, were recognized by the NYANG with an award of appreciation for their support of our students and the event. Officer Robert Hicks with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision was recognized as well for partnering with the NYANG and his help bringing in other community agencies to participate.
Career exploration stations included:
- Field litter ambulance and battalion aid station
- Mobile kitchen trailer
- Civil support team surveying for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats
- Explosive ordnance disposal team with robotics
- Mine-resistant all-terrain vehicle
- Buzz Box offering free haircuts
WSWHE BOCES extends its appreciation to the New York Army National Guard for providing students with an exciting and educational experience. Additional thanks go to the Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance students, who helped prepare the field for the event, and Culinary Arts & Hospitality students, who hosted a marketplace during the day.