Real Success Stories
Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.
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Ramon Gonzales
Aggregate Sales Manager
Ramon Gonzales started his career with HAMM Companies the Monday after high school graduation. He's been with the company ever since.
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Kahm Flanary
Marine/Journeyman Lineman
"I always knew I wasn’t going to a traditional four-year college after high school. I did well in school and enjoyed it, but I didn’t think I’d be able to sit in a classroom for another four years. Also, I wasn’t into the price tag that came along with it. My career as a lineman didn’t begin…
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Autumn Spittles
Project Assistant
"The summer before my senior year at Council Grove High School, I decided to get a job to gain work-life experience. I accepted an entry-level position hoping I could learn and grow. I quickly found I needed a more challenging environment to work in. Jobs were very hard to come by because this was…
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Colin Sikes
Wind Turbine Technician
"I didn’t think much about wind energy as a career at first. Then, for an English paper as a high school senior, I randomly chose to research and write about working as a wind turbine technician. As I completed the assignment, I realized the wind industry might be for me.
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Matt Cox
Superintendent
"Family has played a huge role in my career. My stepfather owns an auto body repair shop, and I worked there off and on throughout high school. That experience taught me how much I love working with my hands. Likewise, my dad is a civil engineer, and I always said I wanted to be an engineer when I…
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Haley Rapp
Hairstylist
"Growing up, I thought I wanted to own my own restaurant or bakery. My parents own a small business, and I admire their hard work. Plus, I’ve always been a creative person. But in eighth grade, I started going to a high-end hair salon and I loved the environment and always left feeling incredible…
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Ben Whitten
Project Administrator
"I graduated early from Manhattan High School and started working at Timberline Cabinetry the following day. I have had a passion for creating things and woodworking ever since my freshman year when I built a bed with my dad. In high school, I took woodworking and engineering design courses that…
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Halee Cashio
Registered Dental Hygienist
"As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals, but I first became interested in dental hygiene when I attended a career fair during my junior year of high school. I loved that this career would allow me to provide service to the public and would accommodate the type of life I…
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Adam Gierhan
Ag Service Technician
"I always wanted to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and be a farmer. Growing up on the family farm brought a sense of purpose and passion for taking care of the land and animals. Taking care of something that would take care of others brought me a great deal of joy.
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Darlene Stone
Senior Vice President & Chief Experience Officer
Darlene Stone was in high school when she first got interested in healthcare and began working in an entry-level position. Today, she's in a leadership role and helps run Stormont Vail Health.
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