The Work Based Learning (WBL) Program at Fair Haven Union High School, led by instructor Ms. Eliza LeBrun—a program that is helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experience across the Slate Valley community.
Offered each semester, the Work Based Learning Seminar combines daily classroom instruction with hands-on placements in local businesses and organizations. Students attend the seminar while also working off campus in professional settings aligned with their interests and career goals. Students who work 10 or more hours per week and complete the classroom component earn a full credit, while those working fewer than 10 hours per week earn a half credit. This flexible structure allows students to explore careers while continuing their academic studies.
Two students currently taking full advantage of this opportunity are senior Kaidyn Runnells and junior Katie Bouzianis, both of whom are gaining meaningful experience through placements with the Town of Fair Haven.
Kaidyn Runnells – Fair Haven Public Works
Kaidyn begins his day long before many of his classmates—arriving at the Fair Haven Public Works Department at 6:00 a.m. to start his workday. After working until noon, he heads to the high school for his afternoon classes.
Kaidyn secured his placement after completing a professional interview with Town Manager Joseph Gunter and Public Works Foreman Nathan Saxton, with Ms. LeBrun helping coordinate the opportunity. Since being hired in the fall of 2025, Kaidyn has become a valued paid member of the Public Works team.
Most recently, Kaidyn has taken on the responsibility of plowing sidewalks throughout Fair Haven, an important service that helps residents safely navigate the town during the winter months. Through this role, he has learned to safely operate specialized equipment, navigate plowing routes, and understand the responsibility that comes with serving the public.
Beyond operating equipment, Kaidyn has also developed hands-on mechanical skills by learning how to properly maintain the machinery he uses, including greasing and servicing equipment to keep it running safely and efficiently.
A key part of Kaidyn’s success has been the mentorship of equipment operator Shawn Brink, who has worked closely with him in the field. Mr. Brink speaks highly of Kaidyn’s work ethic, commitment, and willingness to learn—qualities that have helped him thrive in a demanding and responsibility-filled environment.
Balancing early mornings, physical labor, and afternoon academic classes requires discipline and determination. Kaidyn has demonstrated both, and he hopes this experience may lead to continued employment with Public Works after graduation.
When asked what advice he would give younger students, Kaidyn offered simple but powerful advice:
“Take risks and chances. It’s not all going to just come to you. Be willing to put in the effort, work hard, and show up every day.”
Katie Bouzianis – Fair Haven Police Department
Junior Katie Bouzianis is exploring a different career path through the Work Based Learning program—law enforcement.
After completing her academic classes at FHUHS each morning, Katie spends her afternoons working at the Fair Haven Police Department, gaining firsthand insight into how a police department operates.
Because her academic schedule does not allow her to attend the regularly scheduled WBL seminar class, Katie works independently with Ms. LeBrun as an extension of the program. Through this modified structure, she is completing the program requirements and will earn a half credit this semester.
Katie helped initiate the opportunity herself by expressing interest in working with the department. With support from school counselor, Ms. Kaycee Eastman, Ms. LeBrun and town leadership, the placement came together.
At the Police Department, Katie assists with a variety of administrative responsibilities that support daily operations. She helps file tickets written by officers, organize documentation, and prepare materials for cases that move to traffic court through the Judicial Bureau. She has also begun learning how to start incident reports and observe the fingerprinting process.
Fair Haven Police Chief, William Humphries, expressed his hope of a long-term goal for Katie to become comfortable handling many of the department’s internal clerical responsibilities independently, from managing documentation to assisting with fingerprinting and records management. This behind-the-scenes experience will give her a deeper understanding of how law enforcement functions beyond what most people see.
Katie’s days are full—balancing morning classes, afternoon work at the police department, and another job afterward. Despite the busy schedule, she approaches the opportunity with maturity and determination.
She has enjoyed learning the organizational systems that keep the department running smoothly and has even participated in ride-alongs, giving her exposure to the field side of policing as well.
Looking ahead, Katie hopes to continue expanding this opportunity into her senior year and possibly the summer, further exploring where her interests in law enforcement may lead.
Her advice for younger students considering Work Based Learning is straightforward:
“Just try it. It doesn’t hurt. Give something a try.”
Community Partnerships That Make Learning Possible
The success of the Work Based Learning program depends heavily on partnerships with local organizations willing to mentor and guide students. Just recently, Fair Haven Town Manager Joseph Gunter placed an impromptu phone call to Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell to personally compliment both Kaidyn and Katie along with the program itself.
Mr. Gunter shared how impressed he and town staff have been with Kaidyn’s dedication at Public Works and Katie’s initiative at the Police Department, noting that their work ethic reflects positively on the students, the school, and the community.
We extend a sincere thank you to the Town of Fair Haven for providing these meaningful opportunities and for investing in the development of local students. Partnerships like these help students gain valuable skills while strengthening the connection between our schools and the community.
Fair Haven Union High School is always looking to expand the Work Based Learning program by connecting students with new opportunities throughout the Slate Valley community. Local businesses or organizations interested in mentoring students through paid or unpaid work placements are encouraged to reach out.
For more information, please contact Principal Ben Worthing at bworthing@svuvt.org or Work Based Learning Instructor Ms. Eliza LeBrun at elebrun@svuvt.org. Both can also be reached by phone at 802-265-4966.
Through the leadership of Ms. LeBrun and the support of community partners, students like Kaidyn and Katie are not only learning about careers—they are stepping into them.