Career speaker to sixth graders: UCS prepared me to compete with nation's best students

More than 1,000 Utica Community Schools sixth graders learned that they will have a unique advantage when it comes to their post-secondary life. 

"My education at Utica Community Schools allowed me to compete with some of the best students in the country,” said Thomas Brisse, a Henry Ford II graduate and current executive vice president of operations for the Beaumont Health System.

Brisse was talking to the sixth graders last Wednesday as part of the annual Career Focus Luncheon, which gives students an opportunity to meet with business leaders to discuss their career options. 

Brisse, who has been with Beaumont for 26 years, encouraged students to consider the diverse opportunities available in health-related careers. 
"I have the privilege to wake up every day and work in a place that helps to people get better and improve their lives," he said. 

Brisse detailed his background to students - Utica Community Schools, the University of Michigan, and 26 years in the Beaumont Health System. 
The annual sixth grade career luncheon is sponsored by the Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence. 
Students from all UCS schools are brought together to meet with local business leaders to talk about their career interests and how their educational opportunities will support their goals.

UCS students created video resumes, which were shared with business leaders at each table over lunch. Teachers worked with students prior to the luncheon to help them think about their careers and paths.

Students also listened to keynote speakers talk about their backgrounds and encourage students to begin thinking about their future opportunities.
Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said the luncheon is another example of how the UCS  community comes together to support its youth. 

"Our students are fortunate to have community business leaders who will sit down to talk to them about their hopes and dreams for tomorrow," she said.