Lorain County JVS

Students in the Lorain County JVS Sports, Health, and Fitness Technology (SHFT) and Allied Health Science programs recently attended a statewide Wellness Day hosted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in partnership with the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). The event, held at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, brought together nearly 400 students from across Ohio, including attendees from Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus.
 
The Wellness Day featured a panel of three industry professionals who highlighted unique health-related career paths, providing LCJVS students with an eye-opening experience about the diverse opportunities available in the healthcare and sports industries.
 
According to Austin Towns, Group Event Specialist for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the event aimed to connect students with wellness, health, and technology careers outside of traditional medical roles. “The presenters all worked on very different things within the health industry,” Towns said. “But they gave students the idea that healthcare careers are so much broader than becoming a doctor or nurse.”

Dr. Jason Avedesian, Director of Biomechanics and Research for the Cavaliers, discussed how advanced data and technology are used to analyze players’ movements, stress points, and efficiency. His presentation showcased how science and biomechanics intersect to optimize athlete performance and prevent injuries.
 
Next, Kylene Bogden, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Dietitian, shared her role within the organization, explaining how she supports the players and coaching staff through nutrition and wellness strategies. Bogden explained how maintaining a healthy diet is critical for athletes during a demanding season filled with constant travel.
 
Finally, Lauren Dick, Senior Wellness Culture Coordinator for the Cavaliers, focused on promoting workplace wellness within the organization. Dick described her role in providing seminars, fitness opportunities, and resources to help employees prioritize their health both in and out of the office.
 
Jason Christner, LCJVS Sports, Health, and Fitness Technology Instructor, emphasized the importance of real-world experiences like the Wellness Day. “Getting my students in front of professionals, such as these, can be very impactful, but so is the entire day's experience. After the Wellness Day, students were permitted to watch shootaround, introduced on the court during pregame, and were treated to another Cavs season victory over the New Orleans Pelicans,” Christner said. “A big thank you to the Cavaliers organization, Ohio HOSA, and Jim Scott, Executive Director for Ohio HOSA, for putting this event together!”

Student Perspectives
The event left a lasting impression on the SHFT students in attendance, opening their eyes to new career possibilities.
 
Racheal Skolnicki, a second-year SHFT student from Midview, shared how Lauren Dick’s presentation resonated with her. “My biggest takeaway from the event was hearing Lauren speak about her career, which is something I had never heard of before. It opened my mind to what career I could have after high school,” Skolnicki said. “She also gave us reassurance that you don’t have to have it all figured out in high school, and that put my mind at ease.”
 
Skolnicki, who chose the SHFT program because of her passion for sports and healthcare, added, “I like sports, and I knew I wanted to help people in the medical field, but I’m just not sure yet what that will look like for me.”
 
Gianeylis Del Valle Merced, a second-year SHFT student from Elyria, was particularly inspired by Dr. Avedesian’s discussion on biomechanics. “One of the speakers talked about biomechanics, the science behind the players’ movements, and how they detect injuries,” she said. “That was really cool to hear about.”
 
Del Valle has clear goals for her future, sharing, “I’ve always liked kids and knew I wanted to work with them somehow, so I’m planning on becoming an athletic trainer.”
 
Both students noted that, while they had been to Cavs games before, attending with other high school students and participating in such an interactive, educational event made for an unforgettable experience.

Connecting Education, Industry, and the Community
The collaboration between LCJVS, HOSA, and the Cleveland Cavaliers exemplifies the district’s commitment to providing students with meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them for post-secondary education and careers. Events like this Wellness Day connect students with industry professionals, helping them explore non-traditional pathways and discover their passions.
 
Through these experiences, LCJVS continues to bridge the gap between education, the local community, and regional industries, ensuring students are equipped to succeed in the workforce or further their studies in their chosen fields.

About Lorain County JVS: Lorain County JVS provides career and technical education for high school students and adult learners, preparing them for success in college, careers, and life. For more information, visit lcjvs.com