Standing closest to the camera is Sadie Cowan, a Wawasee High School student. Also standing and in the background is Mindy Morehead, executive director of the Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Wawasee High School’s Work-Based Learning program is a college and career readiness program designed to provide opportunities for students to explore and experience careers that require additional degrees or certifications following high school. The emphasis of the experience is on applying skills developed through instruction and on learning new career competencies at the internship site.

This paid or unpaid internship is tailored to the unique needs and interests of the student and is considered a high school capstone experience toward graduation and the fulfillment of the student’s meaningful future plan. There are 60-80 juniors and seniors in the WBL program. The Pathways Cooperative Student of the Month for October is Sadie Cowan.

”I am a senior at Wawasee High School,” Sadie said. ”I’m involved in Key Club, and I also dance at Lee Anne Stewart Dance School. As I have grown up, I have gained a passion for helping people. I would love to have a career in the future that involves helping people in some way.

“Interning at Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network with Mindy Morehead as my mentor has really opened my eyes up to social work, and made me realize this really is something I have a passion for and want to pursue. It can be hard work because you see a lot of what people go through, and sometimes it is hard emotionally. However, knowing that I am helping people better themselves makes it all worth it.”

GIHN is a 24/7 homeless shelter serving anyone with minor-age children as well as single females.

“Sadie comes in every morning about the time our guests are eating so she interacts with them during this time. Once they have finished, she helps staff clean up and disinfects the dining room for the next meal. Sadie has been an enormous help since she started interning. She comes in every morning with a smile on her face and willing and ready to do whatever is needed of her. One of our guests commented on how nice and friendly she is daily and asked if she ever has a bad day. Sadie has made a huge impact on staff and guests,” said Mindy Morehead, executive director of GIHN.

“The Work-Based Learning program has helped me achieve goals by giving me a chance to get out and see different careers,” Sadie said. “This program has truly helped guide me in the direction toward what type of career I want to pursue. My future plans are to attend college after graduating high school. I have applied to all of my top colleges, but I still need to make a decision of where I would like to go. I want to major in psychology/social work and minor in business.”