Robert and Viola Burt were nothing but smiles after spending an hour at Cleveland Heights High School on Friday, December 8. The Cleveland Heights couple were the recipients of a free 14-point automobile inspection performed by the students in the Automotive Technology Career Prep Program. In addition, while waiting for their cars, the two each received a blood pressure check from Diversified Cooperative Health Occupation students, and complimentary refreshments courtesy of students in the Family and Consumer Sciences program.

But the real enjoyment for the Burts was simply getting to interact with Heights High students.

“It was a treat,” Viola Burt said. “I never expected all this!”

Service and outreach to the community has been a longstanding tradition for students at Cleveland Heights High School. A partnership between the three career programs, PATH (Parent Ambassadors To Heights), and the City of Cleveland Heights Office on Aging resulted in the Preventative Maintenance Day, where the Burts were among 16 Cleveland Heights senior citizens who benefited from the complimentary services and outreach from Career Prep students.

In addition to information about their health and their vehicle, each resident left with a flower, a Civility t-shirt and wristband, and information about the vast programming offered to students at Heights High.

Jeff Porter, Automotive Technology teacher, was excited by the success of the day. “This is a perfect opportunity for our students to get practical experience in their career field in a real world setting. The fundamentals of automotive technology are the basis of the program, but professionalism and customer management are key components to a successful technician.”

“We tried to give our visitors a positive experience, and we succeeded,” PRIDE School junior and Automotive Technology student Steve Akers said as the morning session ended. “We hope the next group leaves even more surprised.”

Mosaic Experience junior Frank Scalish was proud of the services provided to residents, noting that one individual’s car battery was not secured, and another vehicle was extremely low on coolant even after having their car recently winterized.

PATH Coordinator Lita Gonzalez, who organized the event, was pleased with the success of the day and the interaction between students and senior citizens, noting a resident from the morning group wasn’t ready to end her conversation with Heights students when her car was ready.

“I’m so proud of our students,” Gonzalez said. “The seniors left with big smiles and warm feelings. The students made those 16 seniors’ day!”

Parent Ambassadors To Heights
Personalized Tours of Cleveland Heights High School Available

For a tour of Cleveland Heights High School customized to the interests of your child, contact PATH Coordinator Lita Gonzalez at 216-410-4577 or lita@valancy.com.