Chef Stalnaker earns Silver Medal

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Chef Lance Stalnaker, Culinary Arts Instructor at Tri-Rivers Career Center, earned a Silver Medal at the Columbus State Spring Classic held recently. He competed in the KC-4 category, Contemporary Hot Food Category with an entry of Spiced Rack of Lamb with Curry Sauce and Chermoula, Stewed Butternut Squash and Lentils, Confit Bell Peppers, and Candied Squash.

Competitors have sixty minutes to prepare four portions of a finished entrée plate based on the protein of their choosing. The competition is judged by American Culinary Federation Competition Judges which included Lead Judge Sarah Deckert CEC (Certified Executive Chef) and Thomas Peer CMC (Certified Master Chef).

This is Chef Stalnaker’s third ACF Professional Competition and according to him, he does it to help his students with their competitions. “How can I ask them to go and compete, and give them the help they need from me as their advisor if I have never experienced it myself”?

He goes on to say, “Just like I tell my students, you cannot come away from these competitions without being a better Chef in every way, putting yourself out there to be judged is not easy, but it is very fulfilling.” Chef Stalnaker has had two culinary arts teams finish in the top 3 at the national FCCLA Conference and says he owes that success to students who buy in and work hard, and to a supportive administrative staff at this school that supports his continuing education and development as well as that of his students.

Chef Stalnaker CEC, CCE, WCEC is a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation and the World Association of Chefs Societies and a Certified Culinary Educator through the American Culinary Federation. He resides in Mount Gilead.

Senior Signing Day May 13, 2022

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We invite parents/guardians to attend our Signing Day 2022, May 13, 2022. This event recognizes Seniors who have achieved their “E.”  They are ENROLLED in college, apprenticeships, etc, EMPLOYED and/or ENLISTED. Each Tri-Rivers’ Senior who has achieved their “E” will be recognized by Tri-Rivers Administration,  future employers, reps from colleges and the military. They will be recognized by program. (See the schedule below)

They will receive a letter or certificate from the Governor’s Office, CANDO! and TRCC congratulating them. The event photos will appear on our Facebook page.

We also invited their home school administrators and counselors to attend.

Any questions, contact Ellen Messenger, .

 

Acceptance Night for New Students April 28

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Acceptance Night is for New Students.

The event will begin at 6pm in the Career Tech labs with presentations by Career Tech Instructors. Arrive promptly so you don’t miss anything!  See details below.

Note: Prior to the meeting, there will be a CCP Session at 5pm in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR/Cafeteria)

Also, prior to Acceptance Night, the new Cosmetology students will meet in the Student Resource Center at 5.pm. This meeting will last one hour. Click here for details Cosmetology Meeting Flyer  2022

Tom Stotts—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Tom excelled as a student at Tri-Rivers. And, he continues to excel and go above and beyond in any position he holds or any organization he represents… He is truly a servant leader.

After graduating in 1996 from our Diversified Business/Marketing program, he continued his education at Marion Technical College earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Marion Law Enforcement Academy in 2000. Then in 2010 he earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.

Tom started his government career in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then he went to work for the Marion County Common Pleas Court as a probation officer/pre-sentence investigator. Shortly, after completing the police academy, he worked for 7 years at the Mt. Gilead Police Department as an auxiliary officer then later as a part-time officer while concurrently working for the court.

He always keeps busy! He’s never doing just one thing… In 2012 he became the Chief Probation Officer at the Marion Municipal Court— that’s where he is currently employed.

In 2013, Tom worked with Marion County Adult Probation, Marion County Prosecutors Office, and Marion Law Director’s Office to create Marion’s first Diversion Program that served both felony and misdemeanor cases.  Marion County Adult Probation Department wrote the grant, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office maintained the grant and Marion Municipal Court furnished the office and office supplies for the position. While the collaborative position doesn’t exist today, the diversion program at Marion Municipal Court is flourishing with great success.

In 2019, Tom worked with ADAMH Board to hire the very first case manager for the court. This position assisted those who are addicted to opioids by expediting them into treatment…as opposed to sitting in jail.  He is always thinking about how to help people recover and regain their lives.

Tom is an exceptional individual, we are so  proud of his accomplishments! In 2020 MarionMade featured the probation department as a department that improves lives of clients and the community. Tom is all about improving lives…

In 2020, Tom was elected the President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association for the years 2021 and 2022. Prior to serving as president, he served on the board as treasurer, secretary, and vice president.

His contributions to our community were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also MTC’s keynote speaker at their 2020 graduation. And he also serves on MTC’s Foundation Board of Directors.

…He also has served on the Marion Matters Board and is currently their treasurer.

Tom is truly a servant leader. He focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Tom’s goal is to serve the greater good. He is an Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni because of his professionalism, his caring ways, his high energy and his love of people. Tom, you are AMAZING Alumni. Congratulations!

Introduction by Ellen Messenger

 

Austin Charles—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Michelle Rawlins introduced Austin Charles, who joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Introduction by Michelle Rawlins 

Austin Charles is a member of the United States Navy where he has been a Sailor for the last 9 ½ years. He is a 2012 Cardington Lincoln High School graduate and a Tri-Rivers Health Care Professions graduate. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman / Parachute Rigger (PR) First Class Petty Officer. Austin has been stationed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) / USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) out of Yokosuka, Japan, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120) / Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) out of Norfolk, Virginia, and is currently an A-School Instructor in Pensacola, Florida where he is training Sailors who have just completed boot camp.  

Austin was in the first class to be enrolled in the Tri-Rivers Transition sophomore program where he explored some of the trades offered at that time. He participated in classes such as Cosmetology, Graphic Design, and Healthcare Professions.  He chose to pursue the Health Care Professions area of study his junior and senior years in hopes to become a Physical trainer. 

Using the Skills he gained from Tri-Rivers Healthcare Professions, Austin Charles was able to transform them into what he does today where he currently helps instruct over 1000 sailors a year.  

He completed an Associate of Arts in 2017 in general studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies in Terrorism in 2021. Austin is currently working on his Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management from American Military University. Accepted into 2 internships with the navy, he will postpone them due to his military service. He has also completed several journeymen programs the Navy has to offer including: ALSS Technician (8000 hrs.), Canvas Worker (2000 hrs.), Upholster (2000hrs), and Computer Operator (2000 hrs.).  

Austin is an amazing Sailor. He always wants to participate and help wherever he can.  Some of the many awards and achievements he has earned include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Sailor of the Year (2016, 2017), and Sailor of the Quarter (2018 Q1, 2021 Q3).  He was also selected as one of twelve Active PR`s ranging from E-5 / E-9 where he was the only E-5 that was hand selected to help revamp a training program which would shape future sailors in the PR Rating. 

Austin exemplifies the Tri-Rivers slogan of “A school where you are ALLOWED to, INSPIRED, and EXPECTED to BE AMAZING!”

Austin’s Grandpa, Roger Linder, accepts Austin’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Austin joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Kiwanis Pancake Day, a Marion Tradition, returns March 12!

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A Marion Tradition is back this year! The Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, 7am to 2pm at Tri-Rivers Career Center. The event, along with offering all the pancakes you can eat along with sausage, juice, milk and coffee, also showcases local talent throughout the day. “It is definitely a gathering of friends and family,” said Gareth Higgins, club president. “The community has missed this gathering. We are thankful we can hold it this year to raise funds for area children’s groups and youth scholarships.

When it comes to serving up a scrumptious breakfast, nothing seems to top our fascination with the pancake, said Higgins. “And if you’re familiar with the Marion Noon Kiwanis Annual Pancake Day, chances are you’ve had your share of pancakes—one of our organizations’ key ingredients for a successful fundraiser.”

Most importantly, the proceeds from the event benefit children through groups and activities such as: Marion Tall Grass Trail, Marion Palace Theatre, Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum, Marion Public Library, Marion Goodwill Industries, Junior Service Guild Clearinghouse, the Dog Park, the Pep Club, Altrusa-RX Marion, and numerous other groups. Plus, the Kiwanis Foundation provides scholarships.

This year’s entertainment includes:

7-7:45 am—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

7:45-8:45am— Carolyn Heimlich on the Keyboard

9-9:45am—John Garners Jr. & Friends

10am-10:45am—Marionaires Barbershop Chorus

11-11:45am—Martha Douce Dance Studio Dancers

12-12:45pm–Elgin Cosmic Beat Drummer

1-2pm—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

Kiwanis Secretary Sean DeWitt always does a great job in the kitchen at the Pancake Day event at Tri-Rivers. Featured photo top: Kiwanis President Gareth Higgins, is ready for Pancake Day 2022.

 

Interesting Pancake Facts From Our Last Event:• We served over 5,000 pancakes• 370 pounds of pancake batter was used• We netted around $8,000…this year we hope to reach $10,000 plus…all proceeds benefit children• Volunteers include not only Kiwanis members, but community members, students and others
• It takes close to 500 volunteer hours to make the event successful

You can save a dollar a ticket by purchasing your tickets in advance of the event from Kiwanis members, Altrusa members, or by stopping by Tri-Rivers Career Center, Custom Professional Accounting or Southland Barbers. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults; kids 4 years and under eat free.

This year’s major event sponsors include: Sansotta’s, Custom Professional Accounting, Messenger Farm, Marion Technical College, A-1 Printing, Mennel Bakery Mix and Food Service, OhioHealth, Zucker & Associates, Meijer, All Occasions Catering, Merrill: A Bank of America Company, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Wyandot Snacks, CRT Mechanical, American Legion Posts 584 and 605 and Southland Barbers.

Come join the fun, come see what’s going on at Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day 2022!

Culinary Arts excels at FCCLA contest

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Tri-Rivers Culinary Arts students participated in the FCCLA Regionals at Columbus State Community College. 

“The students worked hard and represented Tri-Rivers well,” said their instructor, Chef Lance Stalnaker. “One Bronze, 4 Silver, and 3 Gold Medals; not bad for our first live competition in 2 years!”

Congratulations to the following Culinary Arts students:

Lindsay Hall, Culinary Arts-Bronze

Asher Jones, Garde Manger-Silver

Layla Murray, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Camrin Skinner, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Thalia Diaz, Baking and Pastry-Silver

Devonn Howard, Product Development-Gold

Kaydence Shelton, Product Development-Gold

Jasmine Slone, Culinary Arts-Gold

 

Watch the Virtual 360˚ Tour of TRCC

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Tri-Rivers Virtual 360˚ Interactive Tour takes you inside all of all labs.

You can see what the labs look like, watch students learning and ask questions.

You’ll learn about Certifications to earn, listen to graduates of the programs, “meet” the instructors and more.

Enjoy the tour!!!

Click Here: 360 TOUR