By Bailey Priborsky

Every day high school students use technology, yet most don’t think about the upkeep that is required. At Mount Vernon High School, students are employed to keep everything running smoothly, whether it is helping a teacher with a projector or building the school website.

Ryan Williams, a junior, has worked for the school as tech support for two years. He typically works 10 hours a week during the school year and 20-30 hours a week during the summer.  With the flexible hours it worked well along with his school work. When he applied for the job, technology was a main interest for Williams. “In 7th grade science Mrs. Maurice had a bunch of iPads and Macs that I always messed around with and then I just loved it,” Williams said. From the start being naturally gifted with technology made this a perfect fit for a first job.

One of Williams most challenging tasks was to design the MVHS website that is accessed by staff, students, and parents daily. To transfer everything was very tedious and took almost a year to complete. This is an example of tech work designed by a peer and it is very helpful to relay our school district information to anyone who accesses the website.

All student email access and PowerSchool credentials are also set up by the tech staff. These  applications help staff, students, and parents stay in touch with grades, attendance, and  meal plans. The software on all the computers has been managed by student tech support. Some server work such as replacing battery back ups and networking equipment are in the repertoire of the tech staff of MVHS.

Although it is work, there are some fun aspects to the job. During the summer, Williams was helping install speakers in the ceiling. To get to them his co-worker Ethan Wenz, a junior, stacked a chair on top a desk to use as a makeshift ladder, which resulted in a hilarious lapse in judgment when the chair slid off the desk.

He also works on large projects that include replacing all the computers in the middle school and the projectors in the high school. A smaller projects was chasing a bird out of the school.

What Williams has learned while working as tech support is that there are many other skills required, like communication. Emailing and meeting with teachers who you have never met to complete the tasks assigned are just another daily task of the IT staff. Williams learns while on the job, and it has expanded his knowledge of technology and social skills. These skills used daily by the tech staff will benefit them in other jobs later on. The ability to talk to others and problem solve is a lifelong skill that will be used in a variety of jobs.

After he completes high school he is planning on studying political science and international economics. Williams said “Someday I want to run for some sort of office.” He also has already created his Presidential campaign for Williams 2040.