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HOPEWELL VALLEY: Central High students learn about summer jobs

Teen Job Fair held Friday

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   Three hundred students looking for summer jobs turned out for the third annual Teen Job Fair at Hopewell Valley Central High School on Friday.
   The fair is held each year as a joint effort of the high school, Hopewell Valley YMCA and Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance.
   ”We want to empower teens with the skills to apply for jobs, learn vital life skills and begin to build a foundation for a personal work ethic. At the same time, we want to provide a convenient way for local businesses to hire our youth,” said Municipal Alliance Chairwoman Heidi Kahme.
   The job fair was held during lunch periods in the lobby of the high school’s performing arts center. Students were able to meet with potential employers, pick up job applications, practice interviewing and learn about both paying and volunteer positions.
   Twelve area employers were on hand, offering jobs from grocery store cashier to camp counselor to receptionist.
   Doug Pszczolkowski, Hopewell Valley YMCA CEO, said he was “thrilled to have this chance to build relationships with great candidates for our employment vacancies. Over the past few years, we have hired tremendous students to become part of our staff team. An opportunity to meet such a large audience of young leaders is rare.”
   At the job fair, students talked about goals and job preferences.
   Freshman Ben Dafilou liked the idea of being a lifeguard. His father David Dafilou said the job fair was an educational experience.
   ”It was a good process for my son,” Mr. Dafilou said. “You have to learn to prepare yourself for competing jobs. It was a great opportunity to learn.”
   Participating companies and organizations at the job fair included Boro Bean, Stop & Shop, Pennington Bagel, Saxbys Worldwide Coffee (formerly Bucks County Coffee Company), Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, Pine Creek Miniature Golf, Hopewell Valley YMCA, Six Flags Great Adventure, Hopewell Valley Tennis and Swim Center, PEAC Health and Fitness, Province Line Swim Club and Sparkling Pools.
   Susan Barnada from Hopewell Valley Tennis and Swim Center, a first-time participant, described the day’s activities best: “This is a great idea.”
   The Hopewell Valley Municipal Alliance is a locally based organization working with community groups, municipal governments, schools, businesses and faith organizations to address substance abuse issues and promote healthy youth in Hopewell Valley.
   For more information, call 737-0120, ext. 642.