On the days leading up to Thanksgiving break, nearly every Gorham High School student participated in Career X Math 2025. For two days, each math teacher invited professionals from the community to their classrooms to highlight the relevance of mathematics in their respective and exciting professions.
Students learned about compound interest and growing their money with Keegan Hyland and Matthew Ricker from Raymond James Wealth Management, and how to chart and navigate the waters of Casco Bay with Captain John Caterina.
With mechanical engineers Christian Harvie and John Fisher from Hussey Seating Company, students tackled the mechanical engineering dilemmas of building an NBA venue that doubles as an NHL arena. They worked with Sgt. Dean Hannon from Gorham Police Department to investigate accident reconstruction techniques.
Maine 2000 Realty father/daughter duo Bruce and Vanessa Ludka instructed students on running the numbers and considering the variables with real estate. GHS grads Kristin Benson (Class of 2015) and Lyndsay Hastings (Class of 2000) had students digging into sustainable agriculture and examining what goes into the making, marketing and margins of Converse sneakers, respectively.
Presenters were assisted by the Math Department faculty members, including Laughn Berthiaume, Tyler Berthiaume, Meghan Cushing, Katrijn Greco, Brian King, Neile Nelson, Jason Tanguay and Renee Whipkey, who opened up their classrooms and ensured a seamless experience for their guests and the students.
Every year the Aspire Gorham team works with two different high school content departments to design and offer Career X, ensuring that students experience at least one Career X for every content area during their four years of high school. Aspire Gorham’s goals are to expand career exposure, exploration and experiences for all students in Gorham. In order to make Career X a success, Aspire surveys students before and after to find high-interest and relevant career experts to engage and inspire, and assists with outreach and technical assistance to ensure the two days run smoothly.
Based on the feedback students provided at the end of the two days, the goals of Career X – Math 2025 were clearly accomplished. As one junior noted, “It was very interesting and it was very helpful for me to know about and will help my future for sure.” Additional feedback will inform the next iteration; Career X – Social Studies is slated for May 2026, with planning already underway.