On Wednesday, May 7th, Owatonna High School held its first-ever annual Education Signing Day for those interested in pursuing a career in the education field. This ceremony highlighted students who are planning on attending school to become future educators. Their plans include teaching standard classes, special education, English as a second language or other subjects.
A total of 25 graduating seniors are pursuing careers as educators after high school. However, 17 students chose to attend the signing day event. The participating seniors were Ellery Blacker (Bethel University), Le’la Charles (Gustavus Adolphus College), Zach Dahnert (University of Wisconsin LaCrosse), Carley DeWitz (Grand Canyon University), Nevaeh Dutcher (Riverland), Trevor Gieseke (Minnesota State University Mankato), Emma Herzog (University of Wisconsin LaCrosse), Lazaro Jacobco Zavaleta (Bethel University), Corrina Jensen (Minnesota State University Moorhead), Vinnie Jessop (Winona State University), Nedda Mohamed (Normandale Community College), Ava Olson (Bemidji State), Jordan Otte (Minnesota State University Mankato), Rosalina Sanchez Lemus (Minnesota State University Mankato), Jack Sorenson (Minnesota State University Mankato), Luis Suarez (Riverland) and Hailey Wachter (Riverland). Those who participated were joined by family, friends and facility members who celebrated this significant step towards their future careers.
OHS staff were encouraged to attend this exciting ceremony to cheer on future educators. Mr. Brian Coleman and Ms. Melissa Koch are the OHS Student Navigators who guide students as they make college and career decisions. Ms. Koch said, “We really need to celebrate our future educators, our seniors who are going into education.” Ms. Katie Coudron, OHS Language Arts teacher, also played a role in the development of this Education Signing Day as she pitched the idea to Coleman and Koch.
The education career path requires someone who has a passion for the growth and success of kids. They need a strong sense of empathy, patience, creativity and relationship-building skills when working with children of all ages. These 17 students showed their passion for education by publicly signing their commitment letters. Koch’s advice to the signing students is, “Never stop learning.” She reminds them that as an adult, she still learns new things every day right alongside the students.
Next year, the school is hoping to get the word out about this ceremony more. It is a method to honor OHS’ future educators and provide them with a special moment as they progress into college.
