Since its creation in 1995, the career shadowing program has sent students to Audio Visions, Big Mountain and even led one student to the operating room to observe neurosurgery. But on Jan. 21, Senior Darren Schuldheiss took the program one step farther - to the desk of Gov. Marc Racicot himself.
Schuldheiss's quest began when his interest in the program was first sparked by career center adviser Craig Hunnicutt.
"I'm an aide in the career center for Mr. Hunnicutt," said Schuldheiss. "I had seen others involved in the program and thought it might be fun."
Schuldheiss then began the task of contacting the governor.
"I called and left messages on the machine and finally got hold of (Racicot's) secretary," said Schuldheiss.
Schuldheiss left for Helena on Jan. 20, and a little after 8 a.m. on Jan. 21 he met with the governor in his office.
"He (Racicot) was a really friendly and kind spoken individual," said Schuldheiss.
After a brief summary of what the day held for them, it was off to the first meeting of the day.
"I pretty much just sat and was a spectator," said Schuldheiss of his involvement in the meetings. "(I was impressed by) how he could stay interested in what each person was saying ; how he could be patient enough to accept everyone's different point of view."
At the end of the day, Schuldheiss and the governor exchanged goodbyes and Schuldheiss got into his parents' car to head back to Kalispell.
The program has seen over a hundred career days since 1995 and Hunnicutt hopes to see more in the future.
"It's a great program that more students should be taking advantage of," said Hunnicutt. "Students can set up a day with someone they know in the career field ... [or] I would be happy to help set up the shadowing day. It's pretty flexible."
Schuldheiss so enjoyed the experience that, in the near future he will journey back to Helena to be a page for Rep. Paul Sliter of Somers.
Said Schuldheiss of career shadowing, which is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors: "[It's] is a great chance to get a first hand view of what an occupation that sparks your interest, might be like."