Outstanding 2016 Alumni Awards

Tri-Rivers Career Center celebrated Outstanding Alumni at the 2016 Board Dinner held at Tri-Rivers, Wednesday, March 17, 2016. Recipients included: Adult Center Graduate Carey Rhoades and Career Center Graduates Vince Reed and Tonya Boyd.

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

Rhoades began her journey at Tri-Rivers in 2005 in the public safety services program, where she became a certified emergency medical technician, George said. At the same time, she was pursuing her studies to become a nurse. In 2006 she completed the practical nursing program and passed a practical nurse exam on her first attempt.

However, George said Rhoades had a desire to continue to advance in her field. In 2009, she earned her license as a registered nurse. Rhoades is now the director of the Orchard Park Facility in Bucyrus.

Tonya Boyd 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,” she said.

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 her Ohio treasurer’s license.

She served as assistant treasurer for River Valley Local Schools and the Cardington Local School District. In July 2015, she accepted the position of treasurer for the Crestline Exempted Village School District.

Vince Reed is a 1987 graduate of the marketing program.

“Vince has excelled in his field by consistently being a confident presence in business settings,” Speelman said. “He has worked in customer messaging, sales leadership and market development.

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.”

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