MVCTC Dental Assistant Program has stellar year

CLAYTON – Students in the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Dental Assistant Program ended the 2012-2013 school year strong. Several seniors took the state certification test to earn their Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA) License, and 18 Dental juniors and seniors placed in State SkillsUSA Contests, some qualifying to compete at the National SkillsUSA Contest in June.

The State SkillsUSA winners from Dental Assistant included:

Curtis Wilson, Arcanum, second place Dental Assisting Contest; Cara Mikesell, Tri-Village, third place Job Skill Demo; Opening & Closing Junior Team – Gold Medal (first place) Allie Ashworth, Arcanum, Sydney Bussard, Tri-County North, Ti'Ajza Dechant, West Carrollton, Jenna Duff, Milton Union, Kelsey Ehlers, Wayne, Kourtney Engle, Tri-County North, Taylor Parker, Arcanum, and Kennedy Tarrance, Vandalia; Opening & Closing Senior Team – Silver Medal (second place) Cayla Hartley, Twin Valley South, Brie Henderson, Trotwood, Jessica Jacoby, Tri-County North, Brooklyn Lock, Arcanum, Mallory Perkins, Northmont, Alexis Shockey, Brookville, and Mikayla Stewart, Twin Valley South

They are very proud to have 18 medal winners placing in the top three in Ohio in SkillsUSA leadership and dental assisting competitions. The junior Opening and Closing team will represent Ohio at the National competition in Kansas City, MO, June 23-29. Curtis Wilson received a letter of congratulations along with a plaque and $100 prize from the Ohio Chapter of the American Dental Association.

For more information about how MVCTC is helping students to be college and career ready, visit www.mvctc.com.

MVCTC Ohio State SkillsUSA Dental Assistant winners are (back row) Curtis Wilson (Arcanum), Allison Ashworth (Arcanum), Sydney Bussard (Tri-County North), Taylor Parker (Arcanum), Jenna Duff (Milton Union), Kelsey Ehlers (Wayne), Kennedy Tarrance (Vandalia Butler), Kourtney Engle (Tri-County North), (middle row) Alexis Shockey (Brookville), Mallory Perkins (Northmont), Brie Henderson (Trotwood Madison), Mikayla Stewart (Twin Valley South), Jessica Jacoby (Tri-County North), Brooklynn Lock (Arcanum), Cayla Hartley (Twin Valley South), (front row) Ti'Ajza Dechant (West Carrollton), Cara Mikesell (Tri-Village), and Mikayla Welch (Bethel). 

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Avore family extends thanks

Zachary Avore

GREENVILLE – The family of Zachary Avore extends a thank you to Anthony Wayne and the Greenville City School teachers and para-professionals for making this day possible – Zack’s Graduation. Zachary Donald Avore attended Greenville Schools through Grade 10. His father, Donald Avore, II, moved to York, SC to pastor a church there. Zack has been able to complete his last two years of school at York Comprehensive High School, but the entire family and social network attribute so much to his wonderful teachers in Greenville. Thank you for your kindness, patience, love and understanding.

Dr. and Mrs. Donald Avore (loving grandparents).

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Gilbert earns WC scholarship

Janel Gilbert 

GREENVILLE – Greenville resident Janel C. Gilbert is the recipient of an $11,000 Academic Achievement Scholarship to attend Wilmington College, where she plans to major in agriculture.

Gilbert, a 2013 graduate of Ansonia High School, is the daughter of Dr. Chris and Mrs. Judy Gilbert of Greenville. Her activities and honors included FFA (four years, beef proficient award recipient, officer senior year), class secretary (sophomore, junior and senior years), basketball, cross country, homecoming court (freshman and senior years), drama club (four years), Spanish Club (four years), 4-H Club member (10 years), Horses & Humans Helping Each Other volunteer.

For more information on enrollment opportunities, visit www.wilmington.edu online.

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Edison celebrates 38th spring commencement

PIQUA – Edison Community College held its 38th spring commencement ceremony in its 40-year history on May 10. A total of 538 students had credentials conferred at the ceremony which was held in the gymnasium on the Piqua Campus. Of those graduating, 462 received associate degrees and 76 received certificates in a variety of programs.

With close ties to the community, Edison was pleased to have Keith Faber, president of the Ohio Senate, as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Senator Faber has served the past 10 years as a representative in the Statehouse to Western Ohio and currently represents the 12th State Senate District, which includes all of Allen, Champaign, Mercer, and Shelby Counties as well as portions of Auglaize, Darke and Logan Counties.

“As Edison quickly approaches its 40th year of serving, educating, and empowering our community, there is much for which we can all be proud," said Faber. "The state's first technical college, Edison remains a leader in pairing young people with a stable career while also helping seasoned professionals retool their skills for a changing economy.”

“Edison plays an important role in our region, especially as specialized and career training plays an increasingly vital role in Ohio's diverse and growing workforce,” added Faber. “I'm honored to have the opportunity to address this bright group of young Ohioans on this day, which they have worked long and hard to reach."

Commencement also included a welcome and introduction from James W. Thompson, Edison Board of Trustees chairman; an alumni address by Ms. Veronica Gaier, 2002 Edison graduate; an introduction of the keynote speaker by Darryl Mehaffie, vice chairman of the Edison Board of Trustees; presentation of candidates for degree Mrs. Sharon Brown, senior vice president for academic and student affairs; and special acknowledgements from Edison’s president, Dr. Cris Valdez. A reception for the graduates and those attending to celebrate this milestone with them was held immediately following the ceremony.

“Our Spring commencement was a great success as we celebrated the efforts of our students who worked hard to achieve their goals,” said Maggie Sykes, dean of student success.” It is always a reaffirming time for us to see so many family and friends in attendance to support their loved ones. We are indeed proud of our graduates and look forward to supporting them in the start of their careers or as they move on to pursue more education.”

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AHS holds 33rd Scholastic banquet

ARCANUM – Arcanum High School’s top academic students and their parents were honored at the 33rd annual Scholastic Banquet on May 6, at Stillwater Valley Golf Club. Those students who were ranked in the top ten of their class were recognized and awarded medals. These awards are based on cumulative GPA through the first three grading periods of the school year. Students receiving this honor all four years are Casey Dendler, Grady Garno, and Katie Harman. Additional honorees include:

Freshmen – Holly Grosch, Alexis Kreusch, Emily Miller, Abigail Bruns, Margaret Heiser, Justin Warner, Jordan Dubbs, Austin Baker, Justin Hoke and Sam Artz.

Sophomores – Lucas Gower, Grace Lykins, Amanda Michael, Joseph Flayler, Evan Diemler, Colton Troutwine, Collin Habel, Tyler Tauscher, Jacob Kauffman, and Brandon Fourman.

Juniors – Kaitlynn Riffell, Madison Brandon, Caitlyn Clark, Jessalyn Besecker, Aubrey Kreusch, Sarah Cetnar, Abigail O’Donnell, Anthony Ditmer, Cody Fourman, and Olivia Westfall.

Seniors – Dendler, Harman, Lauren Snyder, Taylor Smith, Lacey Snyder, Caitlin Yantis, Lindsey Dirksen, Donnie Kress, Garno and Dallas Johnson.

Four year recipients: Casey Dendler, Grady Garno, and Katie Harman. 

Seniors: (front row) Casey Dendler, Katie Harman, Lauren Snyder, Taylor Smith, Lacey Snyder, (back row) Caitlin Yantis, Lindsey Dirksen, Donnie Kress, Grady Garno and Dallas Johnson. 

Juniors: (front row) Kaitlynn Riffell, Madison Brandon, Caitlyn Clark, Jessalyn Besecker, Aubrey Kreusch, (back row) Sarah Cetnar, Abigail O’Donnell, Anthony Ditmer, Cody Fourman, and Olivia Westfall. 

Sophomores: (front row) Lucas Gower, Grace Lykins, Amanda Michael, Joseph Flayler, Evan Diemler, (back row) Colton Troutwine, Collin Habel, Tyler Tauscher, Jacob Kauffman, and Brandon Fourman. 

Freshmen: (front row) Holly Grosch, Alexis Kreusch, Emily Miller, Abigail Bruns, Margaret Heiser, (back row) Justin Warner, Jordan Dubbs, Austin Baker, Justin Hoke and Sam Artz. 

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Arcanum student participates in Findlay symposium

FINDLAY – Kali Dumpert, Arcanum, recently participated in The University of Findlay’s Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity. The annual event provides undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to share their research, creativity and professional learning experiences with the University and the community. Dumpert is a nuclear medicine technology major.

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GJHS vocal music students earn honors

GREENVILLE – On April 13 several Greenville Junior High School students participated in the District 11 Solo and Ensemble Contest at Fairlawn Local Schools under the direction of Pamela Graves. Students earned a total of five II’s (Excellent) and nine (I’s) (Superiors).

Vocal soloists earning a rating of Excellent were: Hayley Burns, Michelle Fannin, Amber Hutt, Brooke McConnell and Kalani Thrush. Vocal soloists earning a Superior rating were: Sierra Cress, Hannah Gulley, Hailey Hunt, Daniel Pugalee, Irelynne McGarvey, Victoria Lucy and Cassie Rapier.

Earning a Superior rating was the GJHS Seventh Grade Chamber Ensemble consisting of Sierra Cress, Amber Hutt, Marissa Morton, Nicole Martino, Kalani Thrush, Rickey McCreery, Daniel Pugalee, Cassie Cromwell, Kylie Buckingham, Hailey Hunt and Faith Jones.

The GJHS Eighth Grade Chamber Ensemble also earned a Superior rating. Members include Victoria Lucy, Brooke McConnell, Logan Tabler, Sara Strait, Harley Fisher, Alejandra Sequra, Sam Buchy, Jack Garland, Malachi Jones, Justin McMiller, James Graves, Mantoreha Crumrine, Cassie Rapier, Mikayla Cline, Michelle Fannin, Hannah Gulley, Hayley Burns and Jasmine Thrush.

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Trebuchet competition

CELINA –On May 2, Marjorie Hess, Lake Campus Mathematics Lecturer and Dennis Hance, Lake Campus Engineering Lecturer sponsored a Trebuchet competition hosted by Coldwater High School. Local high schools participating in the competition were Celina, Coldwater, Fort Recovery and Versailles.

Each school’s team had to build the Trebuchet—a device similar to a catapult—using plans which were provided by the Lake Campus. The students were required to design their trebuchet to meet competition rules and parameters.

For the competition, students launched squash balls from their trebuchet and attempted to shoot the ball into the other team’s targets. Each trebuchet had a target which when hit, eliminated that trebuchet from the match. Also, each school had a team target which when hit eliminated all four team trebuchets from the match. The contest was double elimination which allowed each team to compete in at least two 20-minute matches.

Teams ranged in size from 6 to 19 competitors. Schools interested in competing next year should contact Vicki Shelby at Wright State University at Victoria.Shelby@wright.edu. To find out more about the Lake Campus Engineering program, log onto http://www.wright.edu/lake/majors/bs_me.html.

Shown accepting their first place award is Versailles High School with Coach Adam Miller. 

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GHS PROM KING & QUEEN

GREENVILLE – Demi Hathaway and Caleb Kensinger were named this year’s Prom King and Queen at the Greenville Senior High School Prom. They are shown with royalty named earlier in the year, Homecoming Queen Tara Guillozet and Chief Green Wave Lucas Keller. (Dick Brown photo)

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Bradford honors Top Ten Percent

BRADFORD – The Bradford Lions recently honored the Top Ten Percent of Bradford High School at the Academic Banquet. Those students honored achieved Top Ten Percent status for the first three grading quarters of this school year. Each student received a certificate of achievement presented by Lions Dennis Stryker and Mike Myers.

Those honored were:

Freshmen – Kelly Moore, Andrew Patty, Mackenzie Weldy, Bailey Powell, and Victoria Smith

Sophomores – Mindy Brewer, Nathan Rose, Brittany Haines, Gabby Fair, and Jane Bloom

Juniors – Shey Lafollette, Kaili Knepp, Brandon Wysong, and Kevin Poole

Seniors not only received certificates but also trophies indicating each year they were honored – Chelsea Dross*, Logan Houser*, Benjamin Karnehm*, Eric Swabb, and Lindsay Rose* (* indicates they were honored for all four years of high school.)

The Bradford Lions wish these students continued success as they continue with their education.

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Versailles wins WSU investment contest

FAIRBORN – How would you like a 14.3-percent growth in your retirement fund? Would you be willing to settle for 8.75-percent? That’s exactly what some sharp students from Raider Country accomplished in the Ohio Stock Market Challenge (OSMC) this spring.

Nearly 200 teams from across Ohio competed in the challenge. Teams of two to five students were given $100,000 in imaginary dollars to invest over a 10-week period.

The team from Versailles finished first in the high school division with $114,327 in their portfolio. Team participants from Versailles include Brandon Groff and Megan Hemmelgarn. Their advisor is Amy Carman.

A team of students from Fort Loramie Elementary School grew their portfolio to $108, 754 and won the middle school division. Cash prizes of $100, $75 and $50 were awarded to the top three teams in each division.

The top three high school and middle school teams from the 15-county region served by the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the Raj Soin College of Business visited Wright State to learn more about the university and the stock market May 10.

“It is a good way to introduce middle and high school students to the stock market and to teach them how to grow wealth,” said D.R. Fannin, director of the center. “It is also a good way to give them a taste of the college experience.”

Twenty-one students, parents and teachers took a tour of campus, met for lunch at the college and joined current Wright State finance students and faculty in the Trading Room for a question and answer session about their experiences.

Brandon Groff and Megan Hemmelgarn of Versailles High School won their division because of a pharmaceutical stock that surged in value on the last day of the competition.

“It was very interesting being exposed to the whole financial market,” said Groff, a senior. “We learned how to research investments, make good investments and the pros and cons of the stock market—how you can lose and gain big.”

“They gained a much better understanding for what the stock market is, what it represents and how it could affect their personal finances in the future, whether it be in investing, retirement funds or college savings,” said Amy Carman, government/economics teacher at Versailles High School.

Wright State’s finance students participate in a similar exercise as the challenge each semester in the Real Money class—an undergraduate course where students invest funds from the university endowment using investing principles they’ve learned in the classroom.

“I was really impressed because they didn’t just throw a dart at the wall when they made their picks,” said Jonathon Mahilo, a recent grad who earned his degree in finance. “A lot of them stuck with the products they knew, that they were familiar with. And that’s a sound strategy. Invest in what you know.”

Supporting the challenge and other events is one of many ways the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy serves as a catalyst for teaching the basics of economics and finance throughout the region.

With a litany of continuing education opportunities for area teachers throughout the year and in-person curriculum demonstrations in schools across the greater Dayton area, the center is fulfilling its mission to educate teachers on how to teach financial literacy and economics to kids in grades PreK–12.

“We’ve been offering professional development to teachers for years,” said Fannin.

Fannin said courses have been offered online since 1997. In 2006, Ohio passed legislation emphasizing personal finance. Since then it’s also become a staple of instruction.

“We emphasize learning about credit a lot now, but more than anything we’re trying to pass along engaging ideas and resources that teachers can take back to the classroom and use today,” said Fannin.

Additional winners included, (high school division) Dayton Regional STEM School, Greenon High School, (middle school division) two teams from Ft. Loramie Elementary School and Five Points Elementary School.

The first place team in the high school division was from Versailles High School. Shown are Amy Carman, government/economics teacher, students Brandon Groff and Megan Hemmelgarn, Wright State Finance Lecturer Matthew Ingram, Ph.D., and Wright State Director of the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy at the Raj Soin College of Business D. R. Fannin. 

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IU East School of Nursing pinning ceremony was held May 10

RICHMOND, IN — The pinning ceremony for Indiana University East nursing graduates was held on May 10. The program began with a slide show and was followed by the ceremony. The annual ceremony for nursing students was held at the Lighthouse Assembly of God, Richmond.

Graduates received their pin to wear for commencement which was also held that night at at the Richmond High School Tiernan Center. Also at this ceremony, nursing awards were given to students. This year, 93 nursing students graduated with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Dean of the School of Nursing Karen Clark said, “This year’s class is the largest number of graduates for the School of Nursing. Through increased enrollment in our traditional BSN program and our enrollment in our five RN to BSN sites as well as online availability of this option, we are graduating increasing numbers of BSN prepared nurses who will positively impact the health care of the citizens where they work and live.”

Jodie Engelhardt, Guilford, Ind., is the RN to BSN nominee and Jaime Erbse, Richmond, Ind., is the BSN nominee for the Elizabeth Grossman Award. Each year Elizabeth Grossman, former dean of the Indiana University School of Nursing, recognizes a student from each program who has maintained the highest Nursing Grade Point Average (NGPA) on all IU campuses. These students will be placed in a pool with other IU students with the highest NGPA and the winner will receive a small cash award and an award certificate. The overall winners will be announced later.

The School of Nursing recognized the students who received outstanding awards during the Honors Convocation held April 25. Sherry West, New Point, Ind., was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholar Award. Stacia Richardson, Richmond, Ind., received the Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Award and Kevin Reed, Brookville, Ohio, received the Outstanding RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student Award.

During the pinning ceremony, students inducted to the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Chapter, were recognized. Bachelor of Science in Nursing student inductees to the honor society from the Darke County area are Koren Blankley, Union City, and Courtney Drees, Versailles,

Drees was also named to the "Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities & Colleges."

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Local students succeed at state competition

CLAYTON – Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students participated in the State FCCLA Competition on April 18, in Columbus.

MVCTC students winning their state competition include:

* Taylor Henninger (Franklin Monroe), Gold Medal in the Meeting Event Set-up State Contest

* Christina Strawser (Franklin Monroe), Gold Medal in the Loding Career Investigations State Contest

MVCTC is very proud of all the winners and congratulates them on their hard work and dedication. MVCTC students in the career technical programs of Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Hospitality Services participate in FCCLA. This organization allows students to develop leadership and professionalism, and to demonstrate their knowledge in contest at the regional, state, and national levels.

For more information about MVCTC, please visit www.mvctc.com.

(On Left) MVCTC Hospitality Services senior, Taylor Henninger (Franklin Monroe), won a Gold Medal in the FCCLA Meeting Event Set-up State Contest. 
(On Right) Christina Strawser (Franklin Monroe), MVCTC Hospitality Services senior, won a Gold Medal in the FCCLA Loding Career Investigations State Contest. 

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St. Mary’s lists third quarter awards

GREENVILLE – St. Mary’s School is pleased to announce its honors for the third quarter

First Honors 

Eighth Grade – Brandon Beyke and Molly Hunt

Seventh Grade – Irina Dingman, Paige Kreusch, and Hayley Maher

Sixth Grade – Pablo Badell, Bella Hartzell, Cole Kramer, Valerie Myers, and Athan Whitney

Fifth Grade – Tyler Beyke

Fourth Grade – Carlos Badell, Landen Kreusch, Jacob Maher, Isabelle Rammel, Kary Tollefson, and Logan Witwer

Second Honors 

Eighth Grade – Shane Barga, Katy Bolen, and Paul Gibson

Seventh Grade – Emma Jennings

Sixth Grade – Chloe Cox, Jacob Goldsmith, and Nicole Shell

Fifth Grade – Lisa Capasso and Jaida Kelly

Fourth Grade – Mariah Brunswick, William Cook, Carleigh Cox, Roman Dircksen, Chris Hadden, Evan Saylor, Hadyn Sharp, and Aubree Sutherland

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MARCH FM SOM HONORED

PITSBURG - The Franklin Monroe students of the Month for March are Maddie Kirkpatrick and Rayna Horner. These students were chosen by peers and the staff because of their positive contributions to the FM community. Each will receive a certificate and a coupon for a free meal at Vint's, the FM student of the month sponsor.

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APRIL FM SOM HONORED

PITSBURG - The Franklin Monroe students of the Month for April are Lauren Shuttleworth and Braeden Kinstle. These students were chosen by peers and staff because of their positive contributions to the FM community. Each will receive a certificate and a coupon for a free meal at Vint's, the FM student of the month sponsor.

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FABER WELCOMES CLASS

COLUMBUS – State Senator Keith Faber (R-Celina) recently welcomed a fifth grade class from Versailles Elementary to the Ohio Statehouse. On their tour of Ohio's Capitol, Faber, who serves as the President of the Senate, showed the group the Senate Chamber and discussed his role in creating state laws.

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ST. MARY’S SCHOOL AUCTION

GREENVILLE – Organizers of the Tom and Etta Mae Foley Memorial Dinner thank all the parents and friends of St. Mary’s School for their help and donations. The auction was a huge success. Over $21,000 was raised for the school. A very special thank you is extended to Paws Bingo Hall, Midwest Auctioneers, The Fairlawn Steakhouse and over 100 businesses from around the community who gave generously.

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ARCANUM APRIL SOM

ARCANUM – Students of the Month for April from Arcanum High School are Trent Jones and Amanda Michael. Selections were made by the faculty on the basis of accountability, honesty, and service demonstrated at Arcanum High School. Amanda and Trent were nominated because they demonstrate the values of service and accountability at AHS. Amanda and Trent demonstrate service by their outstanding work with student council. Both students regularly volunteer on a variety of student council projects. They also demonstrate accountability by completing their service projects while still completing their classroom assignments. The Student of the Month program is sponsored by McDonald’s and Taco Bell.

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T-V PROM CANDIDATES

NEW MADISON – Tri-Village High School is pleased to announce its 2013 Prom king and queen candidates. The prom will be held May 4, at Coopers Farm in Ludlow Falls. The candidates include (front row) Elizabeth Collins, Sara Bowman, Elizabeth Miller, Megan Stephan, Macy Fraylick, (back row) Seth Thomas, Matt Werner, Haedon Schlechty, Kyle Pipenger, Craig Harrison

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Students named to NTHS at MVCTC

CLAYTON – Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) inducted 61 students into National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) on March 24. The NTHS students as well as their honored educators from MVCTC and their partner school district, were recognized in a ceremony at MVCTC in front of family and friends.

Students are selected for NTHS based on the following requirements: a 3.75 grade point average or higher, 97 percent attendance, passed all parts of the Ohio Graduation Test and instructor recommendations. Each of the 2013 inductees is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship made possible through the partnership of the MVCTC Education Foundation and the Mathile Family Foundation.

James Benedict (Arcanum) enrolled in the Power Technologies program at MVCTC, chose to honor as his most significant educators, Larry Seibel (Power Tehnologies Instructor at MVCTC) and Mr. Bryant of Arcanum. James is the son of Darlene and Melvin Benedict, of Greenville.

Stefan Cottrell (Franklin Monroe) enrolled in the Construction Carpentry program at MVCTC, chose to honor as his most significant educators, Kelly Kramer (Construction Carpentry Instructor at MVCTC) and Scott Thayer of Franklin Monroe. Stefan is the son of Lisa and Rob Cottrell, of Arcanum.

Macy Dirksen (Versailles) enrolled in the Veterinary Science program at MVCTC, chose to honor as her most significant educators, Dr. Scott Judd (former Veterinary Science Instructor at MVCTC) and Judy Cordonnier of Versailles. Macy is the daughter of Marlene Dirksen of Bradford and the late Jeffrey Dirksen.

Jacob Pepple (Arcanum) enrolled in the GIS & Technical Intelligence program at MVCTC, chose to honor as his most significant educators, Amy Sugden (GIS & Technical Intelligence Instructor at MVCTC) and Mr. Gray of Arcanum. Jacob is the son of Angela and Bruce Pepple, of Arcanum.

Taylor Smith (Arcanum) enrolled in the Graphic Commercial Art program at MVCTC, chose to honor as her most significant educators, Jack Spitler (Graphic Commercial Art Instructor at MVCTC) and Heather Whitlakes of Arcanum. Taylor is the daughter of Heidi Smith, of Greenville.

Curtis Wilson (Arcanum) enrolled in the Dental Assistant program at MVCTC, chose to honor as his most significant educators, Cheryl Johnson (Dental Assistant Instructor at MVCTC) and Mr. Bryant, of Arcanum. Curtis is the son of Lisa Wilson, of Greenville and Scott Wilson, of Arcanum.

For more information about MVCTC, visit www.mvctc.com.

Curtis Wilson is shown with Mr. Bryant. 

Jacob Pepple is shown with Amy Sugden and Mr. Gray.

James Benedict is shown with Larry Seibel and Mr. Bryant. 

Macy Dirksen is shown with Dr. Scott Judd and Judy Cordonnier. 

Stefan Cottrell is shown with Kelly Kramer. 

Taylor Smith is shown with Jack Spitler and Heather Whitlakes.

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Problem-solving skills put to the test at Showcase

DAYTON – The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) had 17 teams compete in the 2013 Sinclair Tech Prep Showcase. The event was held on Thursday, April 18, at Sinclair Community College.

According to the Miami Valley Tech Prep Consortium web site, “Every year, Miami Valley Tech Prep students compete in the Sinclair Tech Prep Showcase. Students develop contextual learning projects based on the skills and knowledge they have gained in their Tech Prep classes. Teams are judged according to a rubric using the following criteria: Project research and development, Authentic work based learning, Academic / technical skills, Professional relationships, and Presentation skills

The Showcase features 21 pathways: Automotive, Aviation, Biotechnology, Business Management, Business Marketing, Communications, Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Interactive Multimedia/Digital Design, Education & Training, Engineering, Environmental, Exercise Science, Graphic Arts, Information Technology (Hardware), Information Technology (Software), Life and Health Sciences, Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Theater Technologies.”

The following MVCTC teams with Darke County students competed in the showcase:

Arts & Communication Media Arts Pathway

* Media and Video Production team of Bethany Adams (Tipp City), Michael Greggerson (West Carrollton), Josh Denniston (Versailles), and Kellie Eagan (Tipp City). They completed a project for the Grace Brethren Village.

Health Science-Therapeutic Pathway

* Allied Health team of Kaitlyn Williams (Vandalia), Beth Rinehart (Trotwood), Jalisa Scott (Mississinawa Valley), and Shelby Yantis (Brookville). Their project was "Preventing Hypertension".

Health Science-Exercise Science or Sports & Recreation Healthcare Pathway

* Sports Medicine team of Martina Montgomery (Preble Shawnee), Abi Jones (Preble Shawnee), Brian Banfill (Trotwood), and Zech Scheiding (Arcanum). Their project was “Recovery with Chocolate Milk”.

Construction Technologies-Construction Pathway

* Second place winners of this Pathway Construction Carpentry team of Thomas Kessler (Arcanum), Corbin Wray (Franklin Monroe), and Mason Garber (Arcanum) presented the project "The Evolution of Insulation".

Information Technology-Geospatial Information Systems Pathway

* GIS and Technical Intelligence team of Jacob Pepple (Arcanum) and Collin Newport (Milton Union). Their project was "Analyzing School Demographics with GIS"

Information Technology-Network Engineer/Network Manager Pathway

* Second place winners of this Pathway Computer Network Engineering team of Cole Rench (Troy), Ryan Bright (Tri-Village), Joe Owens (Trotwood), and William Rice (Milton Union). Their project was the "Next Level Network".

For more information about MVCTC, please visit www.mvctc.com.

Construction Carpentry team of Thomas Kessler (Arcanum), Corbin Wray (Franklin Monroe), and Mason Garber (Arcanum) presented the project "The Evolution of Insulation". 

Media and Video Production team of Bethany Adams (Tipp City), Michael Greggerson (West Carrollton), Josh Denniston (Versailles), and Kellie Eagan (Tipp City). They completed a project for the Grace Brethren Village. 

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MVCTC puts spotlight on senior from Arcanum

CLAYTON – Jacob Pepple, a senior from Arcanum in the Miami Valley Career Technology (MVCTC) Center Geospatial Information Systems and Technical Intelligence Program, is completing two very successful years at MVCTC. Jacob will be graduating from Arcanum High School this spring and will be receiving his Career Passport from MVCTC for successfully completing his career technical program.

After graduation, Jacob plans to take advantage of the Tech Prep Scholarship he has earned to Sinclair Community College. The scholarship will help him work towards earning his associates degree in a GIS or Geography related pathway. Jacob has also taken advantage of the other opportunities at MVCTC to help him be prepared and cut the cost of college. Jacob will leave MVCTC with 24 transferable college credit hours. He earned 12 college credits to Sinclair Community College in his GIS and Technical Intelligence program and he took Dual Enrollment Classes offered at MVCTC to receive credit from Wright State University for English and credit from Miami University Middletown for Math and Statistics.

During his time at MVCTC, Jacob has been very active, participating in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter and earning the Executive Level Torch Award and his senior year working towards the highest level of Torch Awards, Ambassador Level. He also had the honor of representing MVCTC at the Northmont Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Student Achievement Fair in Columbus, and has attended the BPA State Leadership Conference in Columbus. Jacob was recently inducted into the MVCTC National Technical Honor Society and has been a great ambassador for his program and explaining the growth and demand for GIS related careers in the area.

When asked about his experience at MVCTC, Jacob shared, “The classes are very hands on and require you to pay attention. The work you do is similar to what you might have to do in an actual job in that career field. The work we do is sometimes for clients or is put on display to represent the school which means all work done needs to be professional. Throughout my junior and senior years at MVCTC my classes have demanded 100% effort for completion. Through this hard work I am more prepared to face the real demands of the work force. MVCTC has also motivated me to become a better, well rounded individual. Reasonable rules and hard work has helped to develop my personality into that of a mature and hardworking professional.”

Jacob’s future plans include interviewing for a GIS/Database internship with local companies so that he can work in his career field while attending college. The GIS career field is a vastly growing area where there is a high demand for trained technicians. In this program students learn valuable database management skills and how to take large quantities of data and give it spatial reference so that it can displayed in an easy to read map. Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) is the technology behind Google Earth and Google Maps. During the past year, Jacob has worked on real customer projects including working with a Wildlife Preservation company to map GPS collected points and working with the Tipp City GIS department to map city assets including manholes and sewer outlets.

For more information, visit www.mvctc.com or call 854-8056.

MVCTC GIS and Technical Intelligence student, Jacob Pepple (Arcanum) will be leaving MVCTC with 24 college credits and a scholarship to continue his education in GIS. 

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ANSONIA ELEM. APRIL SOM

ANSONIA--The Students of the Month for April at Ansonia Elementary are kindergarten students Gabby Leeper and Conway Elsass. Gabby has all the qualities of a good student who listens, is a great friend, and a good helper to everyone. She works hard at everything she does! Conway likes a challenge. He is always up to trying something new to make his brain bigger. Conway has that winning attitude that says, “Bring it on!” (submitted photo)

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College Club visits MU

GREENVILLE--Nearly 100 Greenville High School students visited college campuses recently as part of College Club.

About 50 GHS sophomores toured Wright State University during their first College Club visit on April 10. A week later, 44 GHS juniors visited Miami University.

The Greenville High School College Club, a joint effort between the GHS Guidance Office and Bridges to College, started last spring as a way to educate high school students about college.

The College Club includes educational lunch seminars as well as visits to area college campuses. The juniors have now had the opportunity to visit Wright State, Ball State, Miami and Sinclair Community College. In the fall, they will visit University of Cincinnati.

“We’ve had so many positive comments about College Club, both from the community and the students,” said Becky Curtis, GHS counselor. “Hopefully the students will be better prepared when they fill out college applications in the fall.”

“The students seem to have a better understanding of the different types of colleges, the admissions process, and deadlines,” added Krista Subler, GHS counselor.

By beginning the college visit process during the sophomore year, the students are encouraged to begin making decisions about careers and majors as well as post-secondary education.

“The College Club addresses different aspects of the college process – from taking the ACT to college visits to types of colleges – over a period of several months, so the students aren’t as overwhelmed by the process,” said Beth Sears, executive director of Bridges to College. “It’s great to see the students become more comfortable with the college visits and seeking answers about college.”

Sears added that the College Club appreciates the support from the local community.

The Wright State University was funded through a grant from the Greenville Schools Foundation. The Miami University trip was funded through grants from the Greenville Kiwanis and the Greenville School Foundation.
If a community member or business would like to sponsor a future trip, please contact the GHS Guidance office or Bridges to College.

Forty-four Greenville High School juniors visited Miami University recently as part of College Club.(submitted photo) 

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