Senior Sets Sail Toward Education Career

posted 5/31/23 -- Vermilion High School Senior Hannah Piwinski set her sails toward a career in early childhood education by casting off at Firelands Head Start.

VHS’ Set Sail program for seniors allows them to organize job shadowing or an internship with a company or occupation they are interested in pursuing.

Hannah started out job shadowing pediatric nurses at the Cleveland Clinic, a career path similar to that of her parents.

“After a few weeks there, it was definitely not something that interested me as much as I expected,” she said. “I took a chance on preschool and it was the best choice.”

Hannah began working in the Firelands Head Start classroom with Site Administrator Pam Caruso.

“She had great natural instincts when working with the children,” Caruso said. “They were excited to see her each day and we were thankful that more children were able to have extra one-on-one time during the day.”

Hannah felt welcome from the first moment and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the 20 students.

“The setting and the environment were something that I felt comfortable being in and going to everyday,” she said. “I enjoyed working hands on and being involved with the kids.”

Hannah will be majoring in Early Childhood Education at Ursuline College this fall where she also received a scholarship to the stunt cheerleading team. Set Sail participants end the year with a presentation to showcase their experiences to the high school staff.

“I hope that more students will explore early childhood education through the Set Sail program,” Caruso said. “If Hannah is any indication of the caliber of student they work with, we will be happy to host more in the future.”