We mic’d up a Pacific Academy student during a hands-on career exploration day at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove.

From the kitchen to the dining room, bar service to pool maintenance, and even behind the front desk, students from Cascade and Pacific academies rotated through real hospitality roles—learning practical skills, exploring career options and seeing firsthand how many pathways exist after graduation (and even right now). Superintendent Dan Goldman joined students to work right alongside them throughout the day.

Experiences like this help students build confidence, gain workplace skills and imagine what’s possible beyond the classroom.