A generational cranberry grower from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association leads Bourne High School students in a demonstration during the recent Career and College Exploration Day. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) 
Students tour the Cupcake Charlie’s store. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) 
Bourne High School students visit Cape Cod Community College. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) A Bourne High School student takes part an ocean adventure with Zephyr Education during the recent Career and College Exploration Day. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools) 
Bourne High School students tour Bridgewater State University. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
BOURNE — The approach at Bourne High School has always been that learning extends far beyond the classroom and never has this philosophy been more true than during a special event last week.
Bourne High School held its first-ever Career and College Exploration Day on Friday, Nov. 4th. The day served as a chance for students in the Classes of 2023, 2024 and 2025 to spend the day in the community engaging in hands-on learning and speaking to a variety of industry professionals.
There were a total of 12 opportunities for every BHS Canalman in grades 10-12 to hear from industry and college experts about the wealth of opportunities that await them after graduating from Bourne High School.
“This event was a huge success, and we could not have asked for a better day, weather-wise,” said Bourne High School Principal Amy Cetner. “Students were able to choose options based on their specific interests, which really supported student engagement and made the trips so worthwhile for all involved. We are looking forward to continuing this event in future years if possible.”
Students began their day heading to Bourne Middle School to assemble together and learn more about the day’s activities. They then left for their designated trips, where they spent their day in nature, on the seas, on college campuses and much more.
The opportunities for students included the following:
Lead the Way
BHS Ambassadors had the chance to join Class of 2026 students at Camp Burgess to lead several cooperative group activities including obstacle courses and other problem-solving challenges.
College Hop
Students toured the campuses of UMASS Dartmouth and Bridgewater State University to learn about campus life, admissions, academic programs and more.
Take Flight with 4C
Students toured the campus of Cape Cod Community College to learn about campus life, admissions, Associate Degree and Certificate programs, and more, and then visited the college’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at the Plymouth Municipal Airport.
Ocean Science and Technology Boat Trip
Members of Zephyr Education Foundation took students on a boat tour on Vineyard Sound. Students, under the tutelage of Rob Reynolds, participated in field activities in oceanography and marine biology while observing technology used in marine research. The trip also included visits to other science facilities in Woods Hole.
Cranberry and Cupcakes
Students learned about two industries that fuel the local economy! In Carver, they met Brian Wick, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, and Dick Ward, a generational cranberry grower. Students toured bogs and learned about the history, as well as the contemporary processes, associated with cranberries. The students headed over to Wareham for a tour of Cupcake Charlie’s with owner Penny Lessa and Manager Lisa Sinkiewicz. Students were treated to cupcakes while they learned about the food industry.
Art Anyone?
This trip included a tour of the Sandwich Glass Museum where students watched a glass-blowing demonstration while learning about this medium. Students then visited the Cahoon Museum of American Art. While at the Cahoon Museum, students were treated to a tour and talk with Executive Director, Sarah Johnson. They previewed a new installation and received free entrance tickets to the Museum.
Take to the Seas
Stops on this trip included the Northeast Maritime Institute where students toured the campus, learned about aspects of maritime career training, and boarded a simulator to brave a storm and practice getting in and out of lifesaving gear; as well as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy where students heard about admissions, academic programming, campus and vessel experiences and more.
Hike Into the Woods and Onto the Beach
Students, under the artful guidance of teachers Eve Vidito and Dennis Reynolds, visited two of Bourne’s most prized conservation areas, Four Ponds and Monks Park. Students explored ponds/wetlands and sandy shores, learned about ecology and the environment, heard about the importance of local conservation efforts, and came to understand associated career opportunities.
Blue Light, Red Light
Students considering a career in either law enforcement, firefighting or paramedics had the chance to tour the Bourne Police Department and Bourne Fire Department headquarters and speak to first responders who serve and protect the citizens of the community. Chief Esip and SROs McAnnaugh and Marzelli guided tours at Bourne PD, while Deputy Chief Carrara, Lt. Kyle Lima, and FF Emily Olsson oversaw the students’ experiences at Bourne Fire.
Spread the Word
The first stop on this trip was Cape Cod Radio, where students toured three radio stations to hear about careers in radio broadcast. Steve McVie, Matt Barry, Lori Welch, and Rick Burgess demonstrated “on air” life, while letting students record a commercial for Bourne High Golf. Then students visited Bourne Community TV and were treated to an “on set” talk with Jennifer McGrail and Elaine Orphanos .
Internship Day
Students engaged in already established internships at various locations such as Massachusetts Maritime, Firehouse Veterinary Clinic, and the Bourne Police Department.
BHS Showcase Volunteer
Showcase volunteers assisted BHS teachers during BHS’s Showcase by leading demonstrations, engaging with visiting grade 7 and 8 students, and answering questions about their experiences at BHS.
“The Bourne Public Schools would like to acknowledge all of the many businesses and community groups who opened their doors and welcomed our students for this very special and impactful day,” Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan Zhou said. “We would also like to thank Assistant Superintendent Dr. Barbara Starkie and Tracey Francis for all of their work in leading the charge to help this event come to fruition, as well as the Nye Grant for funding the transportation costs for all field trips and for assisting with the costs associated with the grade 9 team-building field trip to Camp Burgess.”
The Bourne Public Schools thank Cape Cod 5 and the National Grid Foundation for subsidizing the boat trip with Zephyr Education in Woods Hole, as well as Rob Reynolds with Zephyr Education for making connections with Cape Cod 5 and the National Grid Foundation on the district’s behalf.
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