The HR Director from Shine Brothers Corp, Okoboji Classic Cars, Grab & Go Auto Salvage came to SLHS to talk with students about the businesses and industries she represents as well as shared details about career opportunities that exist within!

Shine Brothers Corp currently employs 110 people and is growing! Some of the most common jobs include: material handlers, welders, maintenance employees, customer service reps. Individuals with welding and technical experience are desired, as well as diesel mechanics and CDL drivers! Starting wages are around $12.50-$13.50/hr with lots of room to grow!

Okoboji Classic Cars currently employs 18 people. Jobs that exist within include: auto body mechanics and auto detailers. While many of the mechanics have 2-yr technical degrees, there are individuals that do not; rather, they brought in evidence of their skills through pictures and videos that demonstrate their skill levels. Okoboji Classic Cars specializes in restoring old vehicles and is a GROWING business! Starting wages are around $15/hour for auto detailers and $18.20+ for mechanics.

Elissa's Interview tips: 1. Be on time!!!
                       2. Shower
                       3. Don't chew gum
                       4. Don't bring in drinks or food to your interview

Students and individuals interested in hearing more about the job opportunities that exist within these businesses and industries are encouraged to contact Elissa at 712-240-0955 or elissa@shinebros.com.

SLHS Sharing Gratitudes!

Spirit Lake High School students and staff are sharing their gratitudes this week! When you focus on things you are grateful for, you feel good! 

Who doesn't want to feel good?!

If you haven't done so already, I invite you to come add one of your gratitudes to the bulletin board!

I can't take all of the credit for the ridiculously awesome minions, props to Baylee Clayton (Graettinger-Terril Senior) for demonstrating her mad artistic skills ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

And the list of stuffed animals doesn't stop there! Last Tuesday, Matuska Taxidermy visited Spirit Lake High School to talk with both students interested in pursuing a career in Taxidermy and those that were just genuinely interested in, "How do they do that?!"

Do you have a love for nature and the outdoors? Do you love animals? If you're interested in a career in taxidermy, Vicki Matuska highlighted not only do you need to answer yes to the questions above, but you also must have a desire for lifelong learning and a competitive drive to constantly push yourself beyond your limits! Vicki mentioned that in the world of taxidermy, there is a lot of average. If you want to be better than the average bear (LOL), you must love to learn and challenge yourself to push past the average mark. According to Vicki, taxidermy is a booming industry with lots of opportunity for success, IF you're willing to put in the work for it! 

For students interested in taxidermy, Vicki suggests taking as many art, business and communication courses as possible! She mentioned that it's not only important to have the knowledge and skills necessary for taxidermy, but having the personality and social skills to go along with the career is equally as important! Customer service/public relations skills are so very important! Being able to communicate with your customers, relate and connect with them and their wants regarding the finished product will ultimately dictate whether they will continue to bring their animals to you in the future. 

Students interested in pursuing a career in taxidermy should plan on attending a taxidermy school. While the option to immediately enter a taxidermy school following high school graduation is there, Vicki suggests attending a junior college for additional post-secondary education prior to, perhaps specializing in business, that will help them develop into a more well-rounded taxidermist. 

For further questions or comments, please email me at nnelson@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us.

NCAA Presentation

On Sunday, November 3rd, Rachel Gerking, Coach Bolluyt and myself talked with about 30 student athletes and their parents about playing collegiate sports. 

Rachel shared her 10 tips for potential college athletes:
1. Don't play hard to get-contact coaches expressing your interest!
2. Evaluate a school on multiple levels not just the athletic program
3. See more than just money
4. Ask questions!
5. Figure out what level best fits YOU
6. Visit multiple schools (Division I allows five official visits)
7. Stick out in the crowd-Social Media
8. Entire family being recruited
9. College coaches vs HS coaches
10. Enjoy the experience and the recruiting process
For additional information or explanation, please contact Rachel Gerking at rgerking@spiritlakecsd.org

Coach Bolluyt discussed the differences between NCAA Division I, II, and III schools and the difference between NCAA vs NAIA. He highlighted the differences between academic, athletic, and financial aid packages offered by these various divisions. For additional information about the differences between divisions and the scholarship opportunities at each, please contact Josh Bolluyt at jbolluyt@spiritlakecsd.org

I discussed the academic side of being eligible for collegiate sports. 

• I encourage student athletes and their parents to visit both the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility websites for additional information and account set-ups. 
• Take as many core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language) courses as possible throughout high school. Be sure to take approved core courses, see the list here! 
• GPA: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1. It's important that you not only take the right courses, but you do well in those courses! The minimum CORE GPA (meaning your GPA is based on only your core courses, not all courses attained) is a 2.0, 2ill be 2.3 on August 1, 2016. 
• ACT test score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B. 

For any questions regarding the academic side of eligibility, please contact me at nnelson@spiritlakecsd.org