VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Eighty Lucerne Valley High School students were among an estimated 3,000 from all over the Victor Valley region to attend the annual “Pathways to Success” event on Thursday, February 22. Held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, the event is co-sponsored by Victorville Motors and San Bernardino County.
“We got really good feedback from the kids,” said ROP Design Instructor Kelli Papiernik, one of three LVHS teachers to accompany the students to the half-day event. “There were so many options for them to look at.”
Numerous organizations representing a host of trades and professions were represented. They include local fire departments, the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department, the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, restaurants such as Papa John’s and Jack-In-The-Box and education facilities that include San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), Victor Valley College and more.
Ms. Papiernik noticed that a variety of booths and features attracted the students. Some were excited to see the various branches of the military there. Others checked out offerings by local industries, and some were drawn to a other local business opportunities. Truly, there are numerous “pathways to success.”
“I do see a variety of interests among our students,” she said.
For some students, college figures into their future.
“They are working on their scholarships now. There is also a handful of students who are going to start at Victor Valley College to get their core classes, then transfer on.”
Papiernik believes the “Pathways to Success” event is so helpful that she would like to see it extended a second day.
“I think that pathways to success was a great outreach program to our high school kids. It was so exciting to see the different industry partners and colleges present and excited to talk to the students. I truly hope they continue this and expand if possible.”
Victorville Motors also sponsors “It’s A Gas To Go To Class,” a program that rewards students and teachers who have perfect attendance. Grand prize winners win a car. Two LVHS students have won cars over the past several years.