Students explore new careers, hobbies (Clockwise from left): St. John the Baptist 6th graders Thomas Moore, Michael Meeuwsen, Mark Mader, Aniela Wendt, Karen Thompson, and Kim Scott bag up bulk food at Paul's Pantry Friday (photo by H. Marc Larson). By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle Instead of sitting in their classroom Friday morning, students from St. John the Baptist School in Howard participated in hands-on community service as part of a series of "Exploratory Fridays." An excursion to Paul's Pantry and a St. Vincent de Paul store was one of six Fridays this school year in which students will explore career opportunities, hobbies and community service work. "Oatmeal goes right over there," said Rick Rowell, assistant manager at Paul's Pantry, 1520 Leo Frigo Way. He supervised the volunteer work of 17 sixth-graders as they sorted 2,000 pounds of food that will be given away. The students bagged nuts and moved boxes of soda, jelly, marshmallows, mayonnaise and canned goods into designated locations. "Its a good experience for them. It gives them a chance to see what their community is all about and gives them work experience," Rowell said. The students said they enjoyed the field trip. Chelsea Sequin, who wants to be a lawyer, said, "It makes me feel happy I can help someone else less fortunate than I am." "I think it's really great to get out in the community and help people in need," said Thomas Moore. A different group of St. John the Baptist sixth-graders sorted toys and other items to be sold at the St. Vincent de Paul Store, 1529 Leo Frigo Way, proceeds of which will contribute to rental, utility and medical assistance for those in need. Gayle Fritsch, sixth-grade teacher, said it was an eye-opening experience for the students. She said some do not realize that the things they throw away at home are usable, even if they are not new. "It gives them an appreciation of what a disposable society we are," Fritsch said. While the sixth-graders volunteered at Paul's Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul, seventh-graders from the school visited ITT Technical Institute, 470 Security Blvd., and eighth-graders toured the career exploration center at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2740 W. Mason St. Sixth-grader Aniela Wendt sorted food with her classmates, but had participated in a computer animation program at ITT during a previous "Exploratory Friday." "I don't want to do that (computer animation), but my brother really liked it," she said, adding that she wants to be a doctor. According to eighth-grade teacher Lisa Hollihan Allen, the "Exploratory Fridays" field trips and special activities introduces students to new things. "We hope by giving them this wide variety of opportunities something will spark in them and they can take it with them," she said. Hollihan Allen said other "Exploratory Friday" destinations included Syble Hopp School and Cardinal Ridge Residential Care, while hobbies that were introduced included chess, jewelry-making and knitting.