Skip Schulz/For the Gazette Staff Sgt. Gabriel Martinez addressed the Ontonagon School Board about having himself and representatives of the Military speak to upperclassmen at the March meeting. The board set the date for the question and answer session at Monday night's meeting.

ONTONAGON — A student’s vocation after high school was a topic at Monday’s Ontonagon Area School District (OASD) Board meeting. A career in welding and joining the military were two of the options discussed.

It was at the March meeting that Staff Sgt. Gabriel Martinez addressed the board about having himself and representatives of other Military branches speak to all of the upperclassmen.

“The Military assembly for juniors and seniors will take place on May 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria,” Bobula said.

This concept of speaking to all of the upperclassmen is different from when military representatives speak to individual students that have previously displayed an interest. Gabriel told the board during the March meeting that many students have misconceptions and may not fully understand all that the Military offers.

That is why Martinez wanted the chance to speak to all of the upperclassmen. The board unanimously approved his request.

Also during Monday’s board meeting, Bobula informed them that Lake Shore Systems will have representatives attend the school’s welding class this Thursday to administer welding certifications.

“6 to 8 students will also be competing at Northern Michigan University on April 27 for a welding skills competition,” said Bobula.

The board voted unanimously to get a loan for $150,000 to pay for expenses. According to Bobula and Business Director Linda Kartunen, this type of loan has been required in the past to pay current operating expenses. The district will be soliciting bids for this state aid note.

Five students will be inducted into the National Honor Society tomorrow. The school’s honors program will be on May 10.

The sixth grade students will be taking the classroom portion of Hunters’ Safety today and tomorrow.

The board also approved a number of school calendar events including this year’s senior trip to the Mall of America in which the students will leave on Sunday, April 22, and return on Monday, April 23. Prom will be held on April 28.

The board supported a cooperative high school football program with Ewen Trout-Creek and a cooperative hockey program with Painesdale-Jeffers.

Bobula received support from the board to post two middle school/secondary teaching positions.

“This was created by recent resignations,” said Bobula. “I will be going to Northern (Michigan University) to speak with student teachers that will be looking to make the move to (full-time) teaching.”