COAL GROVE – Dawson-Bryant High School students took a brief tour of the future Tuesday, learning about careers in physical therapy and sports medicine.

Wednesday, December 12, 2001

COAL GROVE – Dawson-Bryant High School students took a brief tour of the future Tuesday, learning about careers in physical therapy and sports medicine.

The GEAR UP Program sponsored presentation, by David Coburn of Ironton Physical Therapy, marked the third session of a "Lunch ‘N’ Learn" activity.

The idea is to broaden students’ horizons, showing them careers and things they can do in the future so that they will start thinking about it now, said Kathy Gore, VISTA volunteer working with Coal Grove’s GEAR UP Program.

Ms. Gore and fellow VISTA volunteer Brenda Large join with the program’s coordinator, Mary Ellen Conley, in hosting the "Lunch ‘N’ Learn," which students can attend voluntarily.

Larry Cartmill, a herpetologist from Cabell County Career Center, presented the first session on Nov. 16. Cartmill spoke to students about careers in herpetology and the range of job opportunities available in his field.

He also brought a timber rattlesnake, a boa constrictor and a python, which students could touch.

The second session, held on Nov. 30, introduced Ironton City Schools speech pathologist Pam Carpenter – a Dawson-Bryant graduate – to students.

She discussed the education required and the job opportunities within her profession.

During his session, Coburn talked to students about the importance of grades in successfully entering physical therapy school.

Coburn said because there are few therapy schools, and demand for therapists is high, it’s competitive, which makes maintaining good grades much more important.

The challenge and reward of working with athletes – from high school to college or pro – is well worth the time invested, he said.