Cardinal Academies makes new year debut for LHS students

When the Luverne Cardinal Academies debut in January, all elective classes will have a career focus at Luverne High School.
Each elective the school offers is assigned to a career focus. Students who complete a set of electives in an area can receive recognition and skills to further their career choices.
“We want all students to have the opportunity to learn, explore and grow through the academy program,” said counselor Amy Cook.
“I remind students that everyone needs a plan after high school — no matter if you are at the top, middle, bottom of your class — everyone can benefit from being in an academy.”
Participation in the Cardinal Academies is voluntary.
Each of the school’s current elective courses is included in one or more of the five career clusters or academies: business, arts and communications, technical, health and service.
In each academy, students gain experience and connect and build relationships with local professionals. Upon completion (which takes two years), students are recognized at the spring awards banquet.
As freshmen, students are introduced to various careers and the academy program. They can apply for one or more academies beginning with their sophomore year.
Eight elective courses are necessary for successful completion of an academy along with a capstone project at the end of the second year.
Representatives from the Minnesota Private Industry Council, scheduled during the school’s Flex Time, help with interview tips, résumé building and other job-finding skills.
As seniors, students can finish electives or opt into a second academy.
“For some students, it is going to allow them to explore what possible careers are available,” Cook said.
“This may allow them to find a career field, but for other students it may help them see what they don’t want to do.”
High school staff brought the academies idea to Cook and high school principal Ryan Johnson three years ago.
An exploratory committee toured a high school with an academy system and made simple changes that led to the five-academy initiative.
Cook and Johnson oversee each student’s class schedule and encourage students to apply to the academy.
Johnson made a YouTube video explaining the academy concept to parents and students.
“We want them to aim for something,” Johnson said.
“We want all kids to start processing and thinking through what their future is going to be and what their pursuits are after high school — whether it is college, apprenticeship programs, the trades, or even to get into the workforce.”
While application is necessary for Cardinal Academies, no student is turned away.
According to Cook, “Any student that applies will be accepted into the academy.”