MIKE THORN
NCR Reporter
Sonshine Christian Acad-emy high students ended the school year with “The Great Shake Off.”
The students spent part of the academic school year preparing to enter career fields. They practiced skills and received knowledge on how to present themselves in the best way possible to employers. Some of the skills they learned include resume writing, job interviewing skills, how to dress for success, and how to perform a proper handshake while looking someone in the eye.
A mock interview session was held, with Nassau County commissioners Klynt Farmer and John Martin participating, along with Crossroads Church Pastor Jeul Strickland and Friendship Alliance Church Pastor Marty Paparo. Northeast Florida Safety Council CEO Ken Griffin also helped out. Each of them acted as interviewers representing companies.
Sonshine Dean of Students Jonathan Petree is proud to have the men help out.
“They love to do this because they know it’s an investment in the future,” he said.
In the interviews, students were graded on five different criteria: appearance, greeting/handshake, communications, resume, and overall impression.
The interviews were timed so the students got a real simulation of what a job interview would be like. They proofed and updated their resumes throughout the year to have them ready for the event.
Petree said, “They can literally take the resume into an employer or company and submit it for real.”
After the interviews, students and school staff came back together for constructive feedback to give the students more confidence. Winners are selected each year, but Petree made it clear that is not the focus of the event.
“The competition isn’t really the focus. It’s putting your best foot forward. That’s the focus,” he said.
In this year’s event, Kara Johnston and Cole Petree tied for overall champion. Other winners included Ava Petree for best resume, Mackenzie Reed for best dressed, Bella Crews for best communicator, and Parker Trouille for best handshake.
The students can now utilize the skills they learned to acquire jobs within the community and for future opportunities as they expand their careers as adults.
Visit www.sonshinechristianacademy.com for more information about Sonshine Christian Academy.