College Connection


College Acceptances, Certifications & More:

• Jessica Simon, Public Safety Services—accepted at Hocking College and
Shawnee State University.
• Stephanie Deem, Floral Design—accepted at Bowling Green State University.
• Michael Hartman, Auto Technologies —accepted at University of
Northwestern Ohio.
• Jonikka Shepherd, Early Childhood Education—The Ohio State University
at Marion.

• Olivia Jackson, Healthcare Professions—The Ohio State University.
• Destini Fogle, Healthcare Professions—University of Northwest Ohio.
• Galysa Ratterman, Teaching Professions Academy—Defiance College.
• Heidi Snow, Cosmetology—University of Northwestern Ohio.
• Zach Sharrock, Collision Repair Technology—University of Northwestern Ohio.
• Samantha Walter, Teaching Professions Academy—Bowling Green State
University.
• Sarah Campbell, Early Childhood Education—Oklahoma Wesleyan
University, Olivet Nazarene University & Indiana Wesleyan University.
• Casey King, Healthcare Professions, University of Northwestern Ohio.
• Justin Dilsaver, Ag Industrial Power, University of Northwestern Ohio.
• Brandon Denney, Ag Industrial Power, Ohio Technical College.
• Bobbie Carter, Olivia Jackson, Shirley Evans, Healthcare
Professions—Hocking College.
• Sarah Shipman, Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
• Alyssa Smith, Healthcare Professions, Marion Technical College.
• Jessica Moore, CNET—Ohio Wesleyan University.
• Ryan McQuillen, Teaching Professions Academy—Ohio Northern
University and Ohio University.
• Logan Derry, Teaching Professions Academy—Ohio Wesleyan University,   Ashland University and Bowling Green State University

Accepted at Marion Technical College
• Miranda Smith, Teaching Professions Academy (Ridgedale)
• Alyssa Smith, Health Care Professions (Marion Harding)
• Justin Schreck, Early Childhood Education (Elgin)

Accepted at The Ohio State University Marion
• Lana Johns, Teaching Professions Academy (Elgin)
• Jonikka Shepherd, Early Childhood Education (River Valley)

Accepted at Ashland University
•Amanda Milligan, Teaching Professions Academy (Elgin)

Accepted at Shawnee State University
• Kristin Townsend, Public Safety Services (Marion Harding)

Accepted at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh
•Sarah Shipman, Culinary Arts (Mt. Gilead)

Cash for College!!
CNET student Jessica Moore (home school of Cardington) has been informed that she will receive the Slocum Award at a value of $2500 per year, renewable up to 4 years from Ohio Wesleyan and she also has been selected for the Ohio Wesleyan Bishop Scholarship valued at $10,000 per year and renewable up to 4 years!  Together, these packages represent $50,000 in scholarships for Jessica!

Career Tech = Certifications
• Tri-Rivers Engineering students sat for the Project Lead The Way National Certification Test.  Passage of this test earns students Digital Electronics Credit. The following students passed the certification and earned the credit:
—TRCC students in Engineering from ELGIN: Kaulin Apt, Bradley Beltz. Haleigh Bowden, Matthew Carr, Issac Dewiel, Nicholas Duncum, Jacob Hoffman, Logan Johnson, Christopher Schneider, Andrew Thacker
—TRCC student in Engineering from RIDGEDALE: Andrew White
—TRCC students in Engineering from MARION HARDING: Caleb Baker, Coty Cox, Dylan Johnson, Brandon Keirns, Mahkel Leibengood
—TRCC students in Engineering from RIVER VALLEY: Jeremy Gilpin, Corey Makowski, Travis Schwaderer

• Public Safety Services
Kyle Szymkowiak, Level 2 Public Safety Services (Marion Catholic) passed his National Registry .  He is a certified EMT-Basic for the State of Ohio; Kristina Gliem (Home Schooled) took her Practicals Feb. 19; Megan Dowdy (Ridgedale), Devon Boyd (Elgin), Dilan Gleespen (Ridgedale) and Jason Johnson (Elgin) have all completed their Practicals for EMT-Basic. They are all eligible to take their National Registry Exam.

• Computer Networking Electronics Technologies (CNET)
Ryan Zimmerman (Pleasant), from CNET1 has passed both parts of the A+ certification test. He is now A+ certified!

Career Tech Student Organizations = Success!!
• Justin Dilsaver in Ag Industrial Power (Elgin) & Brandon Parks in
Landscaping (River Valley) will each receive their State FFA Degrees at the State FFA Convention in May.
• Adam Breece in Landscaping (Elgin) earned a Gold Rating on his Chapter Treasurer’s Book and will be honored at the State FFA Convention.

Another Facebook Contest Winner

Jenny Ayala of Health Technologies won March’s “Most to Post” Facebook contest and received a fun basket of goodies! Jenny had the most people find Tri-Rivers on facebook and “Like” the page, then post her name. Several others won anniversary mugs with candy for having a friend or family member “Like” Tri-Rivers’ official page, then post his/her name. You can win, too!

The contest continues!! Our goal is 1,000 fans! Ask family and friends to “like” Tri-Rivers page and post your name and you win an Anniversary mug. Have the most new fans post your name and you can win a basket of goodies like Jenny Ayala did. At the end of the month the person with the most posts will win the basket and those with a post of more will win mugs!!! It’s easy and everyone can win!

Let’s do it. Anyone can participate—students, staff, community members. If you are already a Facebook fan, just ask others to become fans and post your name and program if you are a student. If you aren’t a fan yet, go to http://www.facebook.com/tririverscareercenter and “Like” the site and then ask others to do the same and post your name. Your name  has to be posted by a new facebook fan to win. We can do it! Let’s Go. L-E-T-S, G-O!

Ambassador Club raises $300

Tri-Rivers Ambassador Club’s Pennies 4 Patients community service project raised $300 for patient services and cancer research.

The Ambassador Club members serve as representatives for the school at various activities throughout the year. They also are committed to community service and good citizenship.

 

 

Auto Tech gets FREE diagnostic online service for a year

Automotive Technology II students received a year of free service from Direct Hit Identifix of Las Vegas—that’s a $2,000/month value free.  With the service installed on their Netbooks, they can work at the vehicle and bring up wiring diagrams, flow charts, and diagnostic trouble code references.

Auto Tech Instructor Frank Snyder said they were able to get the free service since  he and the program are ASE certified.

The students were trained by Judy Wax of Indentifix.

This is a great learning tool for the students, said Mr. Snyder. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Outstanding Adult Alumni recognized

• Cynthia Kay Butterman was the recipient of the Adult Education Outstanding Alumni Award. She was introduced by Adult Director Richard George during an evening ceremony, March 16.

The mission of Tri-Rivers Career Center is to prepare secondary and adult students to contribute, advance and succeed in the 21st Century workforce…to be responsible community members, and to embrace learning as a life-long process. Tonight we are recognizing one of our alumni who has certainly fulfilled that mission.

On December 8, 1998 Cynthia Kay Butterman filled out an application form to enter Tri-River’s Practical Nursing Program. Classes started on August 11, 1999 and on June 16th 2000 she graduated from our Practical Nursing Program. The faculty and staff recognized that Cynthia was someone special, as she received our highest student award the Margaret Helen Gast award.

Upon graduation and receipt of her diploma Cynthia took the NCLEX-PN, passed it on her 1st attempt, and received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her learning and desire to advance in her chosen career did not stop there.

In 2003 she applied to and was accepted into the Med Central College of Nursing. At that time she requested a letter of reference from Tri-Rivers School of Practical Nursing and I would just like to share a couple of quotes from the letter that was sent to Med Central.
This was written by our Nursing Education Manager and shared with her permission.

“During the admission phase to our program, I found Cynthia to be enthusiastic and responsible. During her personal interview, I remember a bright, cheerful individual with a positive goal in mind. …Cynthia was always well prepared; an active participant in class, often sought out by other students. The Nursing Faculty comments were always positive regarding her clinical evaluations. Strong communication skills, well-organized, critical thinking skills, advocate for her assigned patient / resident, team player. Always willing to help another student or a staff member.”

Cynthia was accepted at Med Central and in 2007 graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, passed the NCLEX-RN, also on her 1st attempt, and received licensure as a Registered Nurse. She then continued her education by being accepted into the University of
Phoenix’s Masters in Nursing Program and in 2010 graduated with a MSN/ED degree.

As Cynthia was continuing her studies, she was not just studying and learning new skills, but juggling work and education. Cynthia’s work experience includes working as a STNA at Marion General Hospital, as an LPN at area care centers, working as an LPN then as an RN at Heartland Rehabilitation Center, working in the Intensive Care Department at Knox Community Hospital, and being a part-time clinical instructor at Marion Technical College.

Most recently, she accepted a full-time position as the coordinator of the LPN Transitions Program at Marion Technical College.
As you can see Cynthia is living out our mission of life-long learning and continuous education. She has been one busy person and we salute her for her dedication to her studies and to her profession.

 

Outstanding Career Center Alumni recognized

Tri-Rivers Outstanding Career Center Alumni was recognized during a dinner, Wednesday, March 16.

The Tri-Rivers Outstanding  Alumni awards recognize Career Center and Adult Center graduates who have contributed to their communities, are outstanding in their career fields and/or have furthered their educations. These individuals are Tri-Rivers success stories. They are exemplary in their career, community and character.  The Career Center recipient was Matthew Smith.


Matthew P. Smith
graduate of Culinary Arts 2001, was introduced by his former instructor, Chef Sheila Hamm.

Matt  is doing what he does best—he’s working as an Executive Sous Chef for the Hyatt in Savannah Georgia. That’s why Matt Smith, who graduated from my program in 2001, can’t be with us tonight. He’s preparing for St. Patrick’s Day Festivities, which are huge in that area.

“However, I do have a picture of him and he is well  represented by a group of family and friends.”  Representing Smith was his wife, Jessi and their son Korgan; his parents Jean and Jim Obenour; as well as his Aunt Judy, cousin Tracey and Great Aunt Sid.

When Matt came into my class he had a dream. After having worked for about a year at Michaels Steak House as a cook, he wanted to become a real chef. When I watched  Matt, I knew that could  happen if he worked hard.  Sometimes I had to push him a little, but I knew he could do it.

As he started learning hands-on skills and getting more involved in FCCLA activities, I watched Matt change from an uncertain and troubled youth into a young man with confidence and hope.

In Matt I saw tremendous potential and skills. I knew for him to achieve his goals, he needed to go to college. He was developing excellent skills in the kitchen, but he needed to take it to another level.

When Matt graduated from Culinary Arts, he continued his education in the Hocking College Culinary Arts Program. He then became an apprentice chef at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus.  Eventually he became an executive sous chef there.  His work has earned him many awards, including Manager of the year 2009, Supervisor of the quarter 2005, Manager of the quarter 2008, Silver Spoon Award 2007, National Breakfast Potato competition aka “Top Spud” 2nd place award…his list of accomplishments go on and on.

While in the Columbus Area Matt was also active in promoting the Restaurants of Columbus and employees for the industry. Recently he and his talents made the move to Savannah, Georgia where he continues to be an executive sous chef for the beautiful Hyatt Hotel there. He can now share his gifts with that lucky city.

Matt’s mom, Jean, has said that Matt inspired his brother and sister who are both now in college. Matt has also inspired Culinary Arts students here at Tri-Rivers.  He is an excellent role model for my current students. He tells them, they can go places, too, if they learn from their mistakes, develop a good work ethic, and care about the product they serve.

Matt learned those lessons well and today he teaches others. When I think of a Tri-Rivers success story, I think of Matt.  I know he will continue to be a lifelong learner. Matt can be proud of himself for all he has accomplished. I know I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The evening also recognized the Outstanding Adult Education Alumni and recipients of the Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Distinguished Service Awards. To view more photos Click Here.

Tri-Rivers honors Distinguished Service

The 2011 Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Recipients were honored during a dinner Wednesday, March 16.

The first Distinguished Service Award was presented in 1993 to Jack Lautenslager, who is often referred to as “Mr. Tri-Rivers.”
Mr. Lautenslager spearheaded the efforts to pass the original levy that provided the funds to build the Career Center that opened in 1976, according the Superintendent Charles Speelman.

 

Lautenslager continued to share his expertise and talents with Tri-Rivers his entire life. Today the Distinguished Service awards are presented in his memory to individuals or groups who donate their time, resources, and talents in order to make Tri-Rivers Career Center and Center For Adult Education successful.

2011 recipients are:

• Henry Lumber, represented  by Mike Henry, was recognized for their generosity to Tri-Rivers over the years, including donating the lumber that Construction Technologies students to use to build the racks for the WMRN Coats For Christmas  held annually at the Career Center. “This act of kindness year after year, provides our students with an opportunity to practice their skills and to be part of a significant community event, said Steve Lawrence, instructor for Construction Technologies. “It also allows us to display the coats so recipients can easily search for that perfect coat.”

Lawrence said Henry Lumber has also provided donations to our programs. “In an effort to help young people learn the necessary skills for their trade and to reward them for their successes along the way, Henry Lumber has provided donations to our programs throughout the years.”

Henry Lumber has been part of this area for over 50  years. It is a locally owned family business that sells residential and commercial building products. Tri-Rivers salutes Henry Lumber for their tradition of quality products and services and for their distinguished community service to TRCC and the area.

• Dr. Mark Davis has been a friend of Tri-Rivers for many  years—sharing his expertise as an instructor for our Adult Education Public Safety Services programs, serving on advisory committees and providing expertise to our staff, said Sandy Redd, School Nurse. “He is also an alumni of our Paramedic Program. In the past we have had students do their clinicals in his office.”

Dr. Davis, who has a family practice, has for many years assisted schools with sports physicals, which benefits all the area students involved in sports, including our students at Tri-Rivers.

“Dr. Davis is the kind of doctor that nurses love to work with because he listens to them and respects their input,” said Redd. “He truly cares about what is best for the patient.”

He is a volunteer firefighter/EMT. Dr. Davis has distinguished himself by his caring nature and dedication to the community.

• Judy Falk, RN, Clinical Director of the Marion Area Health Center, has been a vital link to the job shadow experience for Tri-Rivers Health Technologies program, said Laurie Wise, the program’s instructor. “This two-year program for students interested in a career in healthcare and patient care skills combines lecture, student centered learning activities and lab.”

Wise said a great motivator for students is the knowledge that in the senior year of the program, they actually can earn the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to practice in the clinical area. “The job shadow experience in not only important as a motivator but also an opportunity for students to be exposed to professional role models,” said Wise.

Falk, a registered nurse for 36 years, is a strong patient advocate and her philosophy is treating every patient as if they were family. This caring and compassion for the profession shows in her interactions with the students, said Wise. “She is a positive role model and  welcoming face as they embark on the job shadow experience.”

• Deb Schmidt of PNC Bank has been instrumental in the success of Tri-Rivers Career Technical Student Organization’s largest fundraiser—Kiddie Korner, located in PNC Bank’s drive-thru during the Marion Popcorn Festival. “With her help in 25 years I estimate we have grossed around $100,000. With each game costing twenty-five cents to play, that’s a lot of quarters,” said Obra Horn, Welding Instructor and one of the coordinators for Kiddie Korner.

“Deb has been very instrumental in our success over the years. She has always made sure the drive thru was power washed before we get there to set up. She has always checked in on us throughout the event. Anytime we needed anything, she is always there to assist” said Horn.

It all began 25 years ago when Eldon Phillips came to us with a proposal to purchase some kids games and use them to raise funds for our students at the then National City Bank-now PNC. We are so thankful they have allowed us to use their drive-thru for Kiddie Korner for so many years. Profits from this fundraiser have sent students to leadership camps and competitions.

 

Mrs. Duis a facebook winner!

Mrs. Duis won an anniversary mug with candy for having a friend or family member “Like” Tri-Rivers’ official facebook page and then post her name. You can win, too!!

The contest  continues!!! Our goal is 1,000 facebook fans!! Anyone can win! All you have to do is ‘Like” Tri-Rivers facebook page and then ask family and friends to “Like”the  page, too,  then have them post your name and you win a mug. If you have the most monthly posts you can win a basket of goodies like Eric Glosser and Miranda 

Smith did. Post counts will be the last day of each month for the basket.

Let’s do it!!! Anyone can participate—students, staff, community members. If you are already a Tri-Rivers Facebook fan, just ask others to become fans and post your name and program if you are a student. If you aren’t a fan, yet, go to http://www.facebook.com/tririverscareercenter and “Like” the site and then ask others to do the same and post your name!!!  Your name  has to be posted by a new facebook fan to win!! We can do it!!! Let’s Go. Let’s Go! L-E-T-S, G-O!!

Tri-Rivers Preschoolers awesome artists

Picasso? Monet? Van Gogh? No, Tri-Rivers Preschoolers!! Budding artists? Absolutely! A recent auction featured our preschoolers precious pieces that they worked very hard to create.
Funds raised from the auction will help buy supplies for the preschool classrooms. What talented youngsters!

Tri-Rivers Early Childhood Learning Center is for Preschool age children  3 to 5 year old.
The program helps prepare kids for Kindergarten. It offers a Discovery Room with opportunities to explore science, math, and sensory experiences, as well as a Literacy Room with reading, writing and story telling.

 

Preschool Age Children—3 to 5 years old
Full-time Enrollment—$115/week
Hours: 6:30am-5:30pm
For more information contact Director Kattie Harmon at 740-389-4681, Ext. 301

 

For more information or registration call
Director Kattie Harmon, 740-389-4681, Ext. 301

Tri-Rivers hosts FCCLA Regional Contest

Tri-Rivers hosted the 2011 Regional Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)  Contest Saturday, March 5. Congratulations to all FCCLA members who competed.
Tri-Rivers was a flurry of activity throughout the entire building. During the event as photos appeared on Tri-Rivers facebook @ www.facebook.com/tririverscareercenter, several alumni posted talking about when they competed and wishing the students success.
All the students from the area did an excellent job! The results from Tri-Rivers students competing included:
•Silver rating In Illustrated Talk—
Justin Schreck, Early Childhood Education 2
•Silver rating in Chapter Service Display—Eva Schroder, Early Childhood Education 1
• Silver rating in Applied Technology —Megan Lucas and Sarah Campbell, Early Childhood Education 2
• Silver rating in Culinary Team—Danielle Oliver, Sarah Shipman, and Daniel Huntt – Culinary 2
• Silver rating in Culinary Team—Ceslie Eblin, Eric Glosser, Alex Greene and JD Jones, Culinary 1
• Gold rating in Language and Literacy—Kelly Brough, Early Childhood Education 1
• Gold rating in Focus on Children—Jonikka Shephard, Early Childhood Education 2
• Gold rating in Focus on Children—Courtney Axier, Abbie Dunn and Paige Jessie, Early Childhood Education 1

Congratulations to students qualifying to move on to the State FCCLA Contest in April:
• Applied Technology – Megan Lucas and Sarah Campbell
• Culinary Team – Ceslie Eblin, Eric Glosser, Alex Greene and JD Jones
• Focus on Children – Courtney Axier, Abbie Dunn and Paige Jessie

Good Job to our FCCLA competitors!!
“Also a big thank you to all staff and students that came in and helped with this event, we couldn’t have done it without you,” said Chef Sheila Hamm, Culinary Arts Instructor/coordinator of the event.