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Every other Wednesday NS hosts a Treat and Speak for students to come get a free donut and hear from professionals in the community. Treat and Speak is an event where adults come to NS to explain their careers to high school students. Jeff Ericksen and Heather Hafen, the organizers, invite adults from a variety of careers to speak.
“The feedback we get from the community members is that they love it. They are excited to come and especially excited to come talk to the young people to help them. They enjoy sharing their knowledge about their careers. We are to the point now where people in the community are reading about it. [Treat and Speak] is in the newspapers like NS Times, and they ask us if they can come talk at the Treat and Speak,” said Jeff Ericksen, assistant principal.
In January cosmetologist Ann Liebing, a real estate agent, CO builders, an electrician and roof will be featured in the Treat and Speak.
Treat and Speak can help expose students to many careers that could help with their futures. In the past, professionals that have come to speak include Demetrius Alden, Hospital Administrator, Sam Pernod, KSL TV reporter, Thomas Peterson, Sanpete County Fire Warden, and many more.
“The reason for Treat and Speak is to expose students to as many careers as possible, so we have a wide variety of Treat and Speaks,” said Heather Hafen, “Some of the careers we have chosen to come in require a college education. Some are small businesses that have been created in people’s homes. Some have been people who have taught themselves a trade. We try to cover all of that so we have a variety for every student because every student has their own individual plan.”
Variety is a key part of this program, as the school wishes to introduce as many careers as possible to students.
“We try to get a good variety [of careers] so we can cover lots of different interests for the students and their possibilities,” Ericksen said.
In a recent poll, students indicated they were most interested in learning about health careers. Such careers include nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc. during Treat and Speak. Careers in science were the second most popular category. Students were also interested in learning about careers in engineering, teaching, theater and law.
“I think it is good, especially if I live in Sanpete when I am older, because it can be harder to find jobs here,” freshman Sadie Church said. “The Treat and Speak can help you explore your options, and you can learn about entrepreneurship.”
Though many have not attended a Treat and Speak, those who have enjoyed what they learned. A recent NS Times survey shows that more than two-thirds of students have not attended a Treat and Speak, but of those who have attended, 96 percent say they would attend another one.
“I do enjoy the treat and speaks not only because of the donuts but because of the people who come and share their jobs with us. I enjoy hearing about the different jobs, what they do in them, and what education is needed for them.” said sophomore Alexis Hansen.
