Chenango Forks Middle School science teacher Cory Helfrich has created a unique and inspiring visual in his classroom to encourage students to explore careers in STEM and beyond. With the help of former CFMS students who are now pursuing careers in various STEM fields, Mr. Helfrich has built the CF Alumni Hat Wall.
The project began in 2020 when a former student attending the University of Rochester for biochemistry sent him a university hat. Soon after, another former student studying nursing at SUNY Broome Community College sent a hat as well. This sparked the idea to create a visual representation of the many paths students can take in their futures. The wall has continued to grow, featuring hats from alumni pursuing careers in architecture, pre-med, biochemistry, nutrition, agriculture, psychology, forestry, computer science, environmental science, chemistry, wildlife science and rehabilitation, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and nursing. It also includes hats from students serving in the Navy assisting nuclear engineers and a former student working in diesel machinery.
The wall serves as both an inspiration and a conversation starter. Current students have been intrigued by the collection of hats, asking about their significance. Helfrich takes the opportunity to explain how each represents a former student’s journey and the potential career paths available to them. He emphasizes that there are many ways to enter STEM and other skilled careers, whether through college, trade schools, the military, or hands-on training.
To further connect students with future career opportunities, Helfrich also invites guest speakers from various fields to discuss how their professions align with the skills students are currently learning. Topics have included medical sales, research science, zoology, and coroner work, highlighting the variety of roles within each industry. He hopes to show students that fulfilling careers exist beyond the traditional paths they may initially consider.
His message to students as they think about their futures is to find what is fulfilling to them as individuals. “If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life,” he says. Helfrich hopes that years down the road, these same students will return to his classroom to share their own career journeys, bringing the project full circle.
By fostering curiosity and career exploration, Helfrich’s Alumni Hat Wall is helping students visualize their potential and the many possibilities that await them. Whether they choose to pursue college degrees, trade certifications, or military careers, they are reminded that their futures are full of opportunity.
