Career Day at Osbourn sought by teacher

By Kipp Hanley

Published: September 11, 2008

Osbourn High School teacher and boys' basketball coach Mike Dufrene is hoping to get an assist from Old Town businesses.

With nearly 1,900 students roaming its halls, Osbourn is a relatively untapped market just a stone's throw away from the city center.

With that in mind, Dufrene wants businesses to participate in a possible Career Day at the high school. In turn, he hopes the high school students would be able to engage in career opportunities like internships with businesses in Old Town.

"A lot of research shows that student achievement is increased by the school community, not just the teacher and the students," said Dufrene, who runs the Student Council Association and is an instructor for the school system's mentor program.

Dufrene and fellow teacher Christine Spratley presented their proposal to the Old Town Business Association on Wednesday. Many received the proposal warmly, including Creative Brush Studio-Gallery owner Mary Reilly.

A few years ago, Reilly had Osbourn students help as interns and it was a big success. The students came twice a week throughout the school year. It was the first time in her 12 years at her Center Street location that Reilly had such an arrangement with Osbourn students.

Reilly said the teens can learn not only general business practices but they can learn specific skills such as preparing for an art show or framing techniques.

"Many of art students don't realize the career options for that [field]," Reilly said.

Ashby's Jewelers owner Dave Balboni said that while he's not looking to hire anyone right now, he would be more than willing to participate in the career day. Nearly 20 years ago, Balboni received the services of then-Osbourn student Jan Oxley through the national program DECA.

DECA helps high school and college students receive on-the-job training. Oxley helped work on the store's windows and eventually went on to a career in interior decorating.

City Square Cafe co-owner Robert Barolin did not attend Wednesday's meeting and said he would need to hear more details on the program. However, the idea of having an internship is a good one, Barolin said. Barolin had a student from a culinary school this year and in the past, has employed former Osbourn High School students.

"If someone is looking into the hospitality industry or the restaurant business, absolutely it would be a great experience," Barolin said.

That connection doesn't have to be just with students either. Old Town Business Association president Joanne Wonderly said restaurants could offer discounts for those attending athletic events at the high school. Or businesses could offer discounts to school employees.

"I think if we put our heads together, I think we can make this special for our school community," Dufrene said.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-369-5738.