Mary Helen Smithers recently received the Cut Above Award from the Gravette School Board.
Mrs. Smithers serves as the high school career coach. Gravette High received a grant from the Arkansas Public School Resource Center with support of the Walton Family Foundation to help fund this position. The H.I.R.E.D. Grant (Helping Individuals Reach Employment Dreams) has helped our students have many job experiences over the past 3 years. Mrs. Smithers diligently coordinates college tours, work site visits and setting up internships for our students.
The goal of the program is to impact the lives of students by giving them access to high-quality career guidance and the education or skill development necessary to obtain the career of their dreams. The goal of the program for employers is to have the opportunity to develop and recruit a highly skilled workforce. Mrs. Smithers helps students learn about careers that are available and combines that with realistic pathways for students to acquire the skills necessary to obtain those careers. Through this program both students and employers benefit. Mrs. Smithers spends many extra hours working with students on resumes and finding experiences that get them ready for the next phase of life. She treats all students like they are her own. Thank you Mrs. Smithers for all you are doing for our students and community, you make a difference.