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Vehicle career day is a big, honking hit with Hilltop students
By Justin Wier
CANFIELD
The sound of horns filled the air Friday afternoon as kindergartners climbed in and out of police cars, firetrucks and tractors while screaming with glee at Hilltop Elementary.
It was the school’s second annual Vehicle Career Day.
Each grade had an hour to tour 10 vehicles including an ambulance, an excavator and a Ford Model T, which the children learned was started by a crank.
“This year we have different vehicles than last year, so that’s exciting,” said Julie Miller, head of the Hilltop PTO. She helped organize the event with Sara Michaliszyn.
The event is a fun way for children to talk to people and learn about their jobs, Miller said. The students get to sit in the vehicles, and many take advantage of the opportunity to beep the horn.
It also gives students a chance to meet local police officers and firefighters.
Canfield policeman Steve Garstka, the student resource officer for Canfield schools, said the kids enjoyed crawling through the cruiser and playing with a riot shield.
“They’re going nuts,” he said, as a group of kindergartners swarmed his cruiser.
Representatives from Howland police and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office were also present.
The participants help kids get inspired about future careers, Gartska said, and any opportunity to interact with kids in a positive way helps the police department.
Sean Devine, a local UPS driver, led kids on tours through his delivery truck.
He signed up to participate because he has two children at Hilltop.
“I was lucky enough to get selected” for Vehicle Career Day, he said. “It’s a wonderful way to get to show them what I do at work.”
The response was overwhelmingly positive, he said. Miller agreed.
“They love it,” Miller said. “Not only do they get to go outside, but they are learning so much.”