Updated 05/11/2010 06:03 PM
Rondout Valley seniors present WISE projects
It's an alternative to routine classroom education. High school seniors across the country are given the chance to head out and put their skills to 'real world' use. Our Beth Croughan went to Rondout Valley High School where students have participated in the program for the past 12 years.
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ACCORD, N.Y. -- "I feel like I'm at home. I feel free. I feel like I can go to the end of the Earth and nothing else matters when I'm with them," explained Michelle Pugliese, a senior at Rondout Valley High School.
Michelle Pugliese is passionate about horses.
"A lot of times in school, kids walk in the door and they check their passion at the door," said Franny Hertz, the district Career Coordinator.
But instead of tuning out her senior year at Rondout Valley High School, Pugliese was encouraged to let her passion flourish.
"I've learned to believe in myself and my horses. And I've learned that the relationship I have with horses I can use for the rest of my life," said Pugliese.
Pugliese is one of 75 students at Rondout Valley participating in the WISE program. Students pursue a project of their choice for their final semester. Instead of taking English and social studies, they use that time to develop their project. WISE is used in 60 high schools nationwide.
"This is a great opportunity for kids, they'll always be kids to me, kids to have a safety net where they can do things that they really love to do and get credit, academic credit for it," commented Victor Leviatin, President of WISE Services, based in Tarrytown.
Pugliese studied natural horsemanship training. It's a way of connecting with horses by incorporating games and human touch.
"Horses like to play. If you can play with your horse and have fun and they're a willing participant in the relationship, then that's all you need," said Pugliese.
Pugliese was picked as the school's model presenter and showed off what she learned to a group of classmates and teachers.
"It's a delight to be able to come and see what kids imaginations will do if we allow them to really follow their passions," said Levatin.
Over the next four weeks, the remaining students will present their projects. Some topics include sailing, acupuncture and even restoring a 1967 Chevy.