On March 14, more than 20 civic leaders, school alumni and business professionals from Independence and surrounding communities volunteered to interview the sophomores at Independence High School (IHS) as part of the school’s Mock Interviews, coordinated by district Career Development Specialist, Amanda Jaronowski.
Students have been working closely with Mrs. Jaronowski on their resumes and career portfolios, in preparation for the experience of interviewing with a professional. They dressed the part and were asked questions that typically are asked in a formal interview setting.
“I was impressed by how seriously the students acted throughout the process. They were all very prepared and eager to hear my advice about their future plans,” said Kathleen Vijaywergiya, who not only is the Manager of Internal Audit at Progressive Insurance Company, but also is an alumni and parent of two IHS students herself.
Special thanks to the following individuals who took the time to interview our sophomores:
Amber Veverka, Assistant Community Services Director, City of Independence
Steve Rega, Firefighter/Paramedic, City of Independence
Nikki Clark, Senior Counsel, The Sherwin-Williams Company
Laura Masek, Territory Manager
Ben Hegedish, Superintendent, Independence Local Schools
Tom Dreiling, Assistant Superintendent, Independence Local Schools
Jacob Kingzett, Critical Care Registered Nurse
Kathleen Zassick, Manager/Regulatory Affairs, Hikma Pharmaceuticals
Lisa Exl, Sr. Technical Talent Acquisition Consultant
Vy Mancini, Senior Director of IT
Emily Thomas, Community Services Director, City of Independence
Kathleen Vijaywergiya, Manager of Internal Audit
Christine Graham, Chief Information Officer (CIO)
James Vanek, Principal, Independence Middle School
Stacey McNamara, Job Developer, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Vern Blaze, Finance Director, City of Independence
Emily Agostino, Registered nurse
Natalie McAllister Managing Director, Client Partnership
Sandy McCullough, Director of Pupil Services, Independence Local Schools
Donald Ramm, City Engineer, City of Independence
David Riedel, Sr. Project Manager
Jackie Repicky, HR Director, City of Independence