Almost 30 freshmen and sophomores at Camden High School received a crash course in STEM careers on Thursday, February 15th. The group enjoyed the opportunity for an in-house field trip with guest speakers from Collins Aerospace in Rome.
Collins Aerospace is a firm that supplies a variety of aircraft systems for commercial and military use. From instrument improvements, to enhanced cabin amenities, there’s a good chance that if you have flown, you have encountered something that Collins has played a hand in building.
The speakers presented about the variety of engineering careers available to students, and about the important processes and measures a firm like Collins has to utilize to ensure their components are safe to use.
The guest speakers came from the company’s Women’s Employee Resource Group, and included two members of the extended Camden Central School District family.
LeRyiah Buckingham ‘18 graduated fourth in her class from CHS, and is the daughter of CHS Science Department chairperson Carol Buckingham. Since leaving CHS, LeRyiah earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Alfred State, and participated on the women’s basketball team. She showcased the process of how products at Collins are designed and manufactured, while also standing as an example of what Camden High School graduates can achieve close to home.
Allison Holmes is a VVS graduate, but has had a strong Camden influence in her life. Her mother, Sue, is a teacher at McConnellsville Elementary. The WPI and Clarkson graduate is a Program Quality Engineer at Collins, and offered students a glimpse into her life as a liaison between the customer and the firm and how the company handles quality concerns if they arise.
West Canada Valley grad Kristina Labarge talked about her role as a quality inspector, and Perzya Zephyrin, originally of New York City, discussed her role as a quality engineer.
For Carol Buckingham, the experience provided students a glimpse into the careers available in their backyard that allow hard working, talented individuals to reap the rewards.
“Central New York has a lot to offer,” she said. “There are many great places to live in the U.S.A., but you can always visit those places on vacation. It is a great place to work, live, and raise a family.”
