The US Navy landed Wednesday on the Killeen ISD Early College High School campus for a mission of motivation aimed at students looking toward a future in technology.
Junior and senior AVID students spent their class time cycling through a series of simulations mimicking a variety of skills the Navy provides.
Called Strike Group, the recruiting vehicles travel throughout the nation visiting high schools and other sites demonstrating the wealth of options in today’s Navy.
Early College students played a virtual reality game launching a jet from an aircraft carrier. They also took part in an interactive underwater construction exercise and completed a personality quiz that ended with a picture of them dressed in their suggested role.
Teacher Terrell Scriber, a US Marine Corps veteran, helped facilitate the Strike Force visit, which required application and recommendation.
“The most exciting part of this is that the kids get to see everything the Navy has to offer, mainly in STEM careers,” the teacher said.
Students interested in the military or not, received high-tech exposure to careers in high-tech fields.
“I’m motivated for kids to see what the military has to offer as far as jobs, skills, benefits, networking and starting that generational wealth we like to talk about,” said Scriber, who has built a strong relationship between the school and recruiters in all the service branches.
“The Strike Group chose our campus, and we got it approved so hopefully this will become a regular event for us.”
Senior Kryztal Sablan was already planning to enlist before she took part in the simulations.
“I think this was really fun,” she said. “This helped me. I liked the welding and driving the boat. I liked trying not to crash.”
Junior Aaliyah Jackson said she gained new insight on what job skills the military can offer, particularly in the technology and other STEM fields.
“It was fun. I didn’t think I was interested in the military, but this gave me a different perspective,” she said.
“I definitely liked the quiz. That was cool. I learned I wouldn’t be against joining. Getting a different look made me want to explore it more.”
Photo gallery:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720331455156