The 2016 Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Distinguished Service and Outstanding Alumni Awards Evening held recently recognized “some amazing” individuals, according to Superintendent Chuck Speelman. “It is during this evening that our slogan of a school where you are allowed to, inspired to, and expected to be amazing, comes to life.”

“From an amazing dinner created and served by our Culinary Arts program, to thanking our Board members, to recognizing distinguished service and outstanding alumni, this night is important to us,” said Speelman.

Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Distinguished Service Awards
The first Distinguished Service Award was presented in 1993 to Jack Lautenslager, who spearheaded the efforts to pass the original levy that provided the funds to build the Career Center that opened in 1976. He continued to share his expertise and talents with Tri-Rivers his entire life, said Speelman. “These awards are presented in his memory to individuals or groups who donate their time, resources and talents to make Tri-Rivers successful.”

This year’s recipients included Bill Karcher, retired Tri-Rivers Director of Career Tech, and Don Boger of RightWay Food Service.

Bill Karcher
Jodi Rogers, administrative assistant at Tri-Rivers, who nominated Karcher, said he is always a happy go lucky guy that brings much laughter to all involved. “He has always projected a warm, cheerful attitude. Bill loves people, and doesn’t know a stranger.”

In her nomination, she stated although he is retired, he currently serves on the Tri-Rivers Cosmetology and Veterinary Science advisory committees, donates items to Cooks Camp, has judged the Career Center’s local SkillsUSA and FFA contests and has acted as Master of Ceremonies for the Cosmetology Shear Class Show for two of the last three years. “And if you are looking for chicks, Bill’s your chicken man. His dedication doesn’t stop at Tri-Rivers, he and his wife own their own hatchery—Eagle Nest Poultry—in Oceola,” said Rogers. He travels all over Ohio judging birds at fairs and educating young people.

“Even with Bill’s heavy workload in retirement, he’s always eager to go the extra mile to assist Tri-Rivers any way he can,” concluded Rogers.

Don Boger

Tri-Rivers/Lautenslager Distinguished Service winner Don Boger, center, with Chef Sheila Hamm and Superintendent Chuck Speelman. Bill Karcher, who was unable to attend, also received this honor.

Don Boger, center, receives his Tri-This year as Tri-Rivers celebrates its 40th Anniversary, Boger, the second distinguished service recipient, celebrates 40 years as the foods salesman for the Career Center. However, as Chef Hamm, who nominated Boger, will say, he’s been much more than a salesman to the Culinary Arts program and cafeteria.

“Every Thursday, Don Boger visits Tri-Rivers to take our food order. In 40 years, I believe he’s only missed maybe four days when he was in an accident. And then he called us from home,” said Hamm. “In the time I have worked with Don, I have never seen him be negative. Over the years, I have asked him to speak to my students about professionalism, job opportunities in the industry, dressing for the job, being positive and numerous other topics, which he happily does. “

Hamm said her students “look forward to seeing that ‘Don guy’ on Thursdays. “They respect his insight and learn from his words of encouragement. Don has helped me find quality food products. He has educated me on different cuts and grades of meat. When I need chefs or industry people to assist, he always makes the connections for me. He also supports summer cooks camp. He  has unknowingly taught me to be prepared and more organized so I have my orders ready for Thursdays!” said Hamm.

Boger said he loves to come through the doors at Tri-Rivers. “People smile at you in the hallways and greet you. The students are respectful. I was here when the doors opened in 1976; I came with the building,” he said laughing. “There is so much educating that goes on in this building. When I walk under the sign that says Be Amazing, I can truly say the school is amazing.”

Outstanding Alumni Awards

Carey Rhoades
Carey Rhoades was the Adult Education’s outstanding alumnus. She was recognized for fulfilling Tri-Rivers mission of “being a responsible community member and embracing learning as a life-long process,” said Adult Director Richard George.

Rhoades began her journey at Tri-Rivers in 2005 in the Public Safety Services program where she became a certified Emergency Medical Technician, said George. At the same time, she was pursuing her studies to become a nurse. In 2006 she completed the Tri-Rivers Practical Nursing program and passed her NCLEX-PN on her first attempt.

However, George said Rhoades’ had a desire to continue to advance in her chosen field. “During this time, Emeline Kelly, our director of nursing and Public Safety Services, presented a proposal to the Ohio Board of Nursing that would allow Tri-Rivers to offer an LPN to RN Transitions program. It was approved and Rhoades was part of our inaugural LPN to RN class,” said George. In 2009 she earned her license as a Registered Nurse.

Rhoades has used her training, knowledge and skills that she learned at Tri-Rivers to excel in nursing. She is currently the Director of the Orchard Park Facility in Bucyrus. “She also gives back to Tri-Rivers by setting up clinical sites at her facility and serving as a preceptor for Tri-Rivers LPN to RN program.”

Tonya Boyd
Tonya Boyd, the next Outstanding Alumnus, graduated from Tri-Rivers Career Center in 1993 in the Accounting Computer Technology program. “While a high school student, she was named the Outstanding Senior of the Year. She excelled in contests, was active in clubs and always brightened the hallways with her smile and energy,” said Larry Hickman, chief instructional officer for Tri-Rivers.

Boyd attributes her success to vocational education, or Career Tech as it is now called. “The Career Passport I earned at Tri-Rivers laid the foundation for my future.”

Boyd continued her education at Marion Technical College where she earned an Associate of Applied Business Degree. She then obtained her Business Management Degree from the Mount Vernon Nazarene University. And eventually earned her State of Ohio School Treasurer’s license.

She served as assistant treasurer for River Valley Schools and the Cardington Local School District. In July 2015 she accepted the position of treasurer for the Crestline Exempted Village School District. She is also dedicated to the River Valley Schools, attending events and assisting with fundraising.

“Tonya oftentimes returns to Tri-Rivers to assist with levies, including pounding the pavement while out canvassing,” said Hickman. “She’s not afraid to work.”

She is always reinforcing the importance of Career Tech education by saying her success is a direct result of Tri-Rivers, said Hickman.

Vince Reed
Our final Outstanding Alumnus is Vince Reed, a 1987 graduate of the Marketing program. “Vince has excelled in his field by consistently being a confident presence in business settings,” said Speelman. “He has worked in customer messaging, sales leadership, and market development.

Reed is described by others as being a valued thinking partner, said Speelman. “Through the years he has worked for companies such as Xerox, ACCO Brands Corp, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Waste Management, Healthspot and currently he is living and working in Marion for  HPM North America.”

Vince is a dynamic individual who earns lasting relationships based on mutual respect, said Speelman. “He utilizes those relationships to drive revenue through a multitude of sales channels. He also gives back by working with youth at our Juvenile Detention Center and Rushmore Academy.

Vince was a leader as a student and has continued to be a leader and an outstanding professional in his field.