GOWANDA, NY — The digital world and the human world converged at Gowanda High School this week as the High School Counseling Center hosted the final installment of its 2025-2026 Career Spotlight series. The event featured Jon Ehret, a distinguished Gowanda alumnus, who returned to his alma mater to provide students with a deep dive into the rapidly evolving field of cyber security.
Ehret’s presentation pulled back the curtain on an industry that is often misunderstood. He introduced students to the dynamic between the “Red Team” (Offense), consisting of ethical hackers and social engineers who test the strength of the “human firewall,” and the “Blue Team” (Defense), the guardians and forensic experts who respond to digital incidents. Beyond the technical mechanics, Ehret emphasized the lucrative salary opportunities, college major requirements, and the unique travel benefits associated with the field.
The session served as a powerful conclusion to a year-long initiative led by the GHS Counseling Center to connect classroom learning with global career paths. By bringing successful alumni like Ehret back to campus, the District continues to prioritize the “Four Cs”—Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking—preparing students not just for graduation, but for leadership in the modern workforce.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our High School Counseling Center does to bring these real-world perspectives to our students,” said Jen Mattimore, GHS School Counselor. “Seeing a Gowanda graduate succeed on this level shows our current Panthers that their potential is truly limitless.”
While this concludes the spotlight series for the current school year, the Counseling Center is already looking ahead. Professionals interested in sharing their career journeys with students during the 2026-2027 school year are encouraged to contact the High School Counseling Center to join the next series.