Another explosive week of learning for the CEO students!
This week, the students discovered that in today's job market, both soft and hard skills are essential for career success. The two serve different purposes, but employers often seek a combination of both. Our dynamic speakers and business industry visits continue to bridge the connection between organizing, planning, and executing their first business venture.
Rev. Matthew Davis, pastor of many churches in the Monroeville and Clark County area, gave the students an inspirational talk and encouraged them to stay connected to the most important power source as they approach each and every day. He challenged them to be confident in themselves, and demonstrated why confidence and leadership matter when talking to business customers, teachers, or anyone else — including making eye contact at all times when speaking to others.
On Wednesday, September 16, Mr. Marty Hanks, Superintendent of Monroe County Schools, challenged the students' knowledge by asking them to give examples of soft and hard skills. BOOM! Mr. Hanks got more than he asked for. Here are just a few of the responses from the CEO students:
One student explained that hard skills are technical proficiencies — like programming or operating machines and computers. Another said soft skills are personal traits that influence how effectively you interact with others and manage your work, demonstrated through communication, leadership, time management, and teamwork. A third chimed in: "Mrs. Richardson encourages and DEMANDS that we be on time every day — whether it's a class team meeting, speaker day, or a business industry visit. She penalizes us if we are one minute late!"
On Thursday, September 17, the CEO students learned firsthand from Chief Billy Black and Lieutenant Clay Nettles of the Monroeville Fire and Rescue Department. They explained that teamwork during a fire is essential — each member must execute their assigned role to protect lives, extinguish fires, and maintain safety. The students were super excited to find that the Monroeville Fire and Rescue Department is set up just like Chicago Fire — they visited the firemen's kitchen, bedrooms, and even the living room. At the end, they got to explore the equipment and sit in the fire truck!
A great climax to a great week of learning. Stay tuned — the CEO students are just getting started!
@Monroeville Fire & Rescue Dept, Monroe County Board of Education, Matthew Davis