The 9th Grade Experience Chris Stuchko

In this episode, we delve into the journey of securing employment as a young individual, exploring the experiences and insights of our guest, Dorney Park Recruitment Manager Katie Knopf. Katie began her work career at Dorney Park during her 9th-grade year as a seasonal employee and has advanced through the years to full-time management positions.

Katie stresses the importance for young employees to understand the balance of fun and responsibility in the workplace emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism while embracing the enjoyable aspects of the job. She talks about the work-life balance for young individuals involved in extracurricular activities, offering valuable insights for prospective job seekers.

The conversation also touches on safety measures implemented by the park, including a chaperone policy, metal detectors, and comprehensive training for employees to handle any situation effectively in order to promote employee safety. The conversation concludes with insights into the application process for prospective employees, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and readiness for the dynamic environment at Dorney Park.

To apply for a job at Dorney Park, go to https://jobs.cedarfair.com/search-jobs?acm=ALL&alrpm=ALL&ascf=[%7B%22key%22:%22custom_fields.locationsNew%22,%22value%22:%22Dorney+Park%22%7D]

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.

Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

Damon West, author of "The Coffee Bean," shares his inspiring journey from a 9th grader wanting to make varsity football in Texas to eventually serving a life sentence in a Texas prison and his ultimate transformation into a keynote speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, college professor, and servant leader.

West reflects on his ninth-grade experience, highlighting the pressures of Texas high school football and struggling with math. Despite challenges, he excelled in sports to earn a college scholarship.

However, a career-ending injury derailed his plans, leading to a downward spiral of addiction and crime.

In prison, Damon encountered a mentor who shared the story of the coffee bean, inspiring him to change his mindset and surroundings. He emphasizes the importance of being useful by serving others, avoiding negative influences like gossip, and seeking help when needed. Damon discussed the significance of fighting life's battles, acknowledging that everyone gets knocked down but stressing the importance of resilience and perseverance.

He highlighted the connection between confidence and keeping promises to oneself, encouraging listeners to embrace change and continue striving for personal growth. Throughout the interview, Damon's message of hope and transformation resonated, offering valuable insights for listeners of all ages.



To purchase a copy of the Coffee Bean, visit Let's Play Books in Emmaus, Pa. and Allentown, Pa. or use the following link https://www.letsplaybooks.com/book/9781119430278.


For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.

Musical Credit

Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network

I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

In this episode we continue the 9th Grade Experience Through the Decades series in collaboration with the Emmaus Historical Society. Our second episode welcomes Ruth Kemmerer, a graduate of Emmaus High School from the class of 1949, whose freshman year dates back to the 1945-1946 school year.

Listeners can expect to hear about the unique challenges, memorable moments, and the overall atmosphere of Emmaus High School during that era. Ruth's recollections offer a window into the past, allowing the audience to connect with the history of the school in a personal and engaging way.


As the host and Kemmerer navigate through the freshman year of 1945-1946, the episode uncovers intriguing anecdotes, share nostalgic reflections, and highlight the significant events that shaped the early experiences of students at Emmaus High School. This installment not only contributes to preserving the school's history but also provides a platform for listeners to connect with the shared experiences of past generations, fostering a sense of continuity and community within the Emmaus High School legacy.

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.

Emmaus Historical Society
Thanks to Jeanne Harakal, President of the Emmaus Historical Society, for facilitating this podcast conversation and for the picture in the cover art. The society’s mission is “to collect, preserve and exhibit Emmaus artifacts, documents, histories, photographs and genealogy for displays and research and to offer educational programs and events throughout the year.” Look for more podcasting collaboration in the future as we highlight stories of Emmaus 9th graders through the decades. For more information about the Emmaus Historical Society, visit ⁠https://www.emmaushistoricalsociety.org/⁠

Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

One of the fastest growing sports in the Lehigh Valley over the past few seasons has been girls wrestling. Emmaus High School becomes the latest school to add a a team in what the NCAA calls an Emerging Sport as it begins the 2023-2024 campaign.

For freshman Petra Perez and Kadence Yannotti it has been a steep learning curve to a brand new sport. Hear about their reasons for joining, what they have quickly learned about the sport and themselves during this process and what advice they have for girls who might also want join the fun!

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.  

Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it's a great time to look back and reflect on the many positives in our lives for the fifth annual Attitude of Gratitude special episode. Over 60 members of the Emmaus High School community took time during this busy period of the school year to share a little bit about what makes them #EastPennProud and thankful.   

So before you fill your plate with food, once again fill yourself with an attitude of gratitude with the students and staff at EHS.  

Previous Attitude of Gratitude Episodes 

2022- https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-5-episode-6-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2022/

2021- https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-4-episode-12-attitude-of-gratitude-2021/ 

2020 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-3-episode-12-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude-2020/ 

2019 - https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/season-2-episode-10-a-thanksgiving-attitude-of-gratitude/  

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to www.9thgradeexperience.com. If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or a rate and review of the show.  

Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/

As we prepare to enter the holiday season, our focus in this week’s episode is on three main topics: Remembrance, Gratitude, and Advocacy.

Remembrance
At the beginning of the episode, we take time to remember Emmaus High School junior Edwin Cortes, who was killed in a car accident on October 31. Edwin was a student in my 9th grade science class in 2021 and I shared some thoughts about him and how quickly life can change for anyone at any age.

Gratitude
We welcome Ms. Rosemary Lamparella back to the podcast to lead a discussion about the differences between gratitude and thankfulness. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday and the annual Attitude of Gratitude podcast, Ms. Lamparella shares the benefits we can attain from incorporating more gratitude practices into our lives. She even speaks to students who may feel that they may have very little to appreciate in their lives and ways to reframe that mindset.

Advocacy
We conclude the episode in a conversation with freshman Kris Emmer, who spoke about her adjustment from cyber school in 8th grade to a traditional high school environment here at EHS. She has participated in the principal’s advisory council during the first two months of school and wanted to share her thoughts about why advocacy is important and things that can be done to improve the school community.

For all previous episodes of the podcast, go to ⁠www.9thgradeexperience.com.⁠ If you visit the site, you can leave us a voicemail, an email or rate and review of the show.

Musical Credit
Thanks to Eli Heckman, Class of 2025, for providing the music at the beginning of today's episode!

Education Podcast Network
I am proud to announce that the 9th Grade Experience Podcast has joined the Education Podcast Network (EPN). The passionate hosts of the EPN family are made up of a wide variety of teachers, administrators, and educators who are dedicated to bringing you the best in education-related content. The network covers everything from current events in education, technology, and best practices to the latest editorials and more on a regular basis in high quality. To find out more information about all the great shows, visit ⁠https://www.edupodcastnetwork.com/