Cleveland Plain Dealer...
State official encourages Berea High students to vote, obtain job skills
By Joanne Berger DuMound 

BEREA -- Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted encouraged Berea High students today to register to vote. 

His words apparently were heard. 

“What he said really inspired me to vote, to go out and voice my opinion through voting,” said Dan Medvetz, a Berea 11th grader. “I plan to register when I’m 18.” 

Husted discussed the responsibilities and roles of his office to the students and some state and national issues that affect even those who are too young to vote. 

One of those issues was the national debt.  Students knew the debt was high, with one mentioning it was about $14 trillion. 

“About $47,000. That is what each of us owes,” Husted said.  “The bottom line is, what is the solution?  It is our world.  You should care about the solution. That is why you should register to vote -- give your opinion through the election process and those whom you elect.” 

Jon Husted View full sizeJoanne Berger DuMound/Sun News Jon Husted shows the Berea High shirt, a gift thanking him for his appearance. 

When asked about keeping jobs in America rather than companies opening offices in other countries, Husted said it is a “world”’ economy. 

“We have to make America attractive in getting our fiscal house together,” Husted said.  “Skills are very important.  More companies are finding it difficult to find workers who have the skills they need.” 

Husted told the students, with some teachers and others present, they have “very important” decisions to make over the next year or two. 

“You have to follow your passion but make sure you are getting the skills and you are prepared for the kind of jobs available and what you want to earn,” he said.  “You have to prepare for that.  No one else will do it.  Your skills, work ethic are your assets.” 

Shannon Lott, 17, a senior, said she is unsure whether she will stay in Ohio after she graduates from college. She plans to enter the food science field. 

“Nestle is expanding with a research and development office near Cleveland,” she said.  “That would be awesome.  There are a lot of opportunities here but I would like to see more jobs and opportunities created here for people.” 

Sherri Fox, the school’s social studies and government teacher, was the facilitator for Husted’s visit. 

Read it at the Cleveland Plain Dealer