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SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS

Canby Graduate Name: Josh Sumption
 
Graduating Year: 1999
 
Career/Occupation: Chief Technology & Information
 
Post high school education: Dakota State University (2003), Madison, S.D. – Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Networking, and Computer and Network Security.
 
Current career/occupation: Chief Technology and Information Officer at Southwest West Central Service Cooperative in Marshall, Minn.

How did CHS contribute to your success or prepare you for the leader you are today?

Canby High School provided a rigorous curriculum that equipped me to be a lifelong learner and offered opportunities to explore my passions and determine my desired profession. It was during my studies at Dakota State University that I came to fully understand and appreciate the quality of the education that I received at CHS. I excelled in mathematics, sciences, English, and technical courses, and came to value the knowledge that the faculty and staff of CHS had imparted to me. I thoroughly enjoyed my high school experience, but I must admit there were many times when I wondered, “When will I ever use this?” Over the past 24 years, I have answered that question repeatedly daily as I apply those lessons to practicality.
 
At CHS, I enrolled in every technology course that was offered and served as one of Mr. Lutgen’s student assistants for several semesters. I gained a wealth of experiences that I was able to apply throughout my studies and jobs during college, and I continue to build upon them to this day. Helping my teachers, school staff, admin-istrators, and members of the community didn’t follow any of the norms of a typical “class,” but the unique experiences I gained have proven to be some of the most invaluable lessons I received.
 
My experiences at CHS allowed me to develop a passion for working with others and to help them become better at what they do and make a difference for others. This is the core of all that I do for my staff and the thousands of educators and school administrators that I work with in my occupation.

Do you think school activities have a role in student success?

Participating in activities and taking on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and athletics will offer you invaluable experiences that you can apply in your future career and community involvement. Some of the most profound learning about vour-self, your friends, and your community occurs beyond the classroom and outside the school walls. While CHS provides a robust academic foundation for lifelong learning, engaging in activities enables vou to apply vour knowledge practically. It hones vour ability to be an active member of society, empowering you to make a difference in the community where vou live and participate. I credit my participation in activities throughout high school for instilling a passion for community and team work in me that I continue carry to this day.

If you could go back and change one thing about high school or college, what would it be?

I’ve come to realize the significance of failure and loss as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Understand that you can’t change the past, it’s crucial to seize every opportunity that life offers. Even when a choice doesn’t pan out as expected, view it as a valuable lesson that can contribute to your personal development and re-silence. Embrace these experiences, both good and bad, as they will serve as steppingstones toward becoming a better version of vourself.

Any suggestion on how a current student could prepare for their future career?

Follow vour passion. not the lure of what seems to be the most popular, or what might make you the most money. A career aligned with your passion not only brings fulfillment but also enriches your life. If you ever find yourself in a field or profession that doesn’t ignite vour enthusiasm. take the time to reevaluate vour choices and redirect your path back to your true passion. As a Canby High School graduate, you will deserve nothing less than a life that allows you to be your best self.