Following ACT testing day, freshmen and sophomores at Altamont Community High School had the opportunity to participate in local business tours throughout Altamont, gaining firsthand experience with a variety of career fields right in their own community.
Students visited several area businesses representing a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, communications, agriculture, healthcare, retail services, and local government. Participating businesses included BK Resources, MBS Communications, Irwin Seating Company, Lutheran Care Center, Kremer Pharmacy, The Equity, and Altamont City Hall.
Throughout the day, students were able to see how classroom learning connects to real-world careers while engaging directly with professionals in each field. At MBS Communications, students experienced a welcoming environment and interactive learning opportunities. As one student, Karly Brummer, reflected, “I enjoyed visiting MBS Communications. They were welcoming, especially Rachel Hammer.”
The visit left a strong impression on many students, including Lydia Aldrich, who shared, “I really loved touring MBS. The people were really welcoming and happy to talk to us and answer any questions we had. I also liked touring the Pharmacy, they filled us in on everything they do in a day and how everything happens behind the scenes.” Her experience highlights the value students found in both communications and healthcare settings, where professionals took time to explain day-to-day operations in detail.
Agricultural careers also stood out for students interested in the industry. Garrett Frederking noted, “I really enjoyed the Equity tour and seeing how they fill their tanks with fertilizer,” reflecting the hands-on learning experience provided by The Equity. Another student added that they appreciated learning more about agriculture and how local businesses contribute to the farming industry, reinforcing the importance of agriculture in the Altamont area.
Manufacturing tours also captured student interest. Alyssa Ruholl shared her surprise at the scale of operations at Irwin Seating, saying, “I thought Irwin was pretty neat and I did not realize how big their business was. Also I was unaware that they make bleachers for college teams that are far away.” Visits to Irwin Seating Company and BK Resources allowed students to see large-scale production processes and the wide reach of locally based companies.
Other students highlighted the value of simply being exposed to different workplaces and career paths. Genevie Burrus shared appreciation for the opportunity itself, stating, “I liked the fact that Mrs. Bueker wanted all freshmen and sophomores to go tour businesses to see what it was like… Overall I really liked the experience.” Similarly, students noted that the experience helped them discover new interests and better understand what various industries look like from the inside.
One student also pointed out a favorite stop at MBS Communications, noting the engaging environment and even fun details as well as behind-the-scenes demonstrations. These interactive moments helped make the experience memorable and meaningful for students as they explored potential career paths.
Altamont Community High School extends its sincere appreciation to all participating businesses for welcoming students and investing their time in this learning experience. Each visit provided students with valuable exposure to real-world careers and strengthened the connection between school and workforce.
Opportunities like these are only possible because of strong community partnerships. Local businesses play a vital role in shaping the future of ACHS students by opening their doors, sharing their expertise, and helping students see what is possible beyond high school. Whether it is manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, communications, or public service, these organizations collectively demonstrate the strength and diversity of careers available right here in Altamont.
ACHS is deeply grateful for the continued support of our local business community. Their willingness to invest in students not only enhances educational experiences but also helps build a stronger future workforce for our area. We look forward to continuing these meaningful partnerships for years to come.