CLARK FORK — From nursing to real estate, Clark Fork High School students recently showcased what they had learned as part of their senior projects.

The rigorous presentations — a requirement for graduation in Idaho — followed a semester spent in the school's Independent Track, which includes a job shadow experiential learning opportunity. That job shadow opportunity allowed the students to spend 10 Wednesdays during the semester on-site in a career of the students' choosing instead of in a classroom, CFHS teacher Becca Palmer said.

Students chose their passions, found a mentor with the help of track leader and teacher Becca Palmer, and observed and participated in a minimum of 40 hours of training. Job experiences ranged from linemen, custom fabrication and real estate, to nursing, engineering, firefighting and equestrian therapy, Palmer said.

"At the end of the job experiences, students prepared a thorough presentation reflecting on the job shadow experience and what their next steps will be following graduation," she said. "They also had to demonstrate a skill learned on the job."

Helping out were seven community members, who donated their morning to serve as judges for the senior projects, Palmer said, adding that the group was very impressed with the variety and professionalism of the senior experiences. 

"About half of the students decided they were, in fact, passionate about pursuing the career they shadowed, and one, Breezy Fournier, has already been offered a job as a junior graphic designer," Palmer said. "The other half still gained the valuable experience of knowing what they don’t want to do after high school, ultimately saving money and time."

Students love that CFHS' Experiential Learning program allows them to pursue something they love to see if it would be a good fit for a career, Palmer said.

The tracks include outdoors, which focuses on outdoor activities and stewardship; fishing, which focuses on all types of fishing in the area; healthy living, which focuses on having healthy bodies and minds; arts, which focuses on visual arts and culinary arts; auto tech, which focuses on car repair; and seventh grade track, which does a little bit of everything.

This year, businesses involved in the job shadows and spending time with the students included Ruen’s Drilling, Syringa Cyclery, Elite Tire, Evergreen Homestead Supply, Sam Owen Fire District, Turner Promotions, Daher Aircraft Manufacturing, Bagnell Custom Metalworks, Sheena Frymire, Avista Utilities, Northern Lights, Hope Elementary School, Dusty Greer, Little Heisel Service Station, Glahe and Associates, Sandpoint Urgent Care, Sandpoint Family Health Center, Krystle Kohal at Sand Creek Salon, Anderson’s Autobody, Pend Oreille Precision, Century 21 RiverStone, Lewis and Hawn Excellence in Dentistry, Shingle Mill Stables and Wild Hearts Equestrian Center.

"Clark Fork High School would like to thank the businesses and professionals for offering their time and experience to students," Palmer said.

CFHS principal Phil Kemink said community support is crucial to the students' success — and to programs like Experiential Learning tracks and the senior projects.

"We appreciate the support of the Clark Fork community, especially in helping with student projects like this," he said.

Individuals interested in becoming a mentor to a student are asked to contact Palmer for more information at rebecca.palmer@lposd.org.