A Nevada Army National Guard CH47 spent Wednesday at Douglas High School as part of a career education program.
Hailey Sebahar | Douglas County School District
The thrum of a Nevada Army National Guard CH47 could be heard across Carson Valley as it landed at Douglas High School on Wednesday.
The Guard and a Care Flight helicopter were joined by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team pulled up in the parking lot of the high school for Ethan Petite’s Modern Conflict class.
“The landing of the CH-47 Chinook and the Care Flight Airbus 125 on our soccer field was an unforgettable event that left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of witnessing it,” said School District Career and Technical Education Administrator Cade Baligad.
The three groups showed students some of the project-based opportunities available as a first responder.
“The students were not only amazed by the aircraft, but they were also captivated by the chance to interact with professionals who operate such incredible machines,” said Baligad.
Baligad said students received a broader understanding of the diverse opportunities available to them in both the military and civilian sectors, while providing a platform for students to build a connection with the local community, and witnessing teamwork, dedication, and skill in the medical, military, and law enforcement fields.
“The experience helped to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, reinforcing the importance of career readiness and the various paths to success,” he said. “The opportunity to see real-life tools used in high-stake situations, as well as the chance to speak with the crew and learn about their careers was invaluable.”
Baligad said what stood out the most was the level of engagement from the students.
“They were drawn into thoughtful conversations about career paths and job opportunities, asking insightful questions and expressing interest in roles they had never considered,” he said. “The hands-on experience with the equipment, combined with the stories shared by the men and women behind the roles, sparked curiosity and provided inspiration that will carry them forward as they think about their futures.”
Douglas High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program students with skills and education needed to prepare for life after high school through various subjects, but focusing on academic subject matter taught with the relevance to the “real world,” and employment skills including job-related skills, workplace ethics, and job interviewing.
Currently Douglas High School provides CTE programs in computer science, agriculture, automotive, biomedical, business, culinary, digital game development, education, engineering, military service, and welding.