Career Tech

The month of February has been Career & Technical Education month in Ohio and Vantage Career Center has been actively involved in promoting this celebration. Mrs. Gail Gillett has been instrumental in making sure our students have had the opportunity to celebrate this occasion but also to let all of them know they are truly appreciated. Just some of the awesome activities that the students have been offered for Career Month have been; free hot cocoa in the media center for a full day anytime throughout the day, free popcorn in the media center for another day, a free jeans day, a special assembly with former Ohio State star running back, Maurice Clarett, and tomorrow (Friday) all the students will have a free pancake breakfast waiting for them when they walk into school. I think we all owe Mrs Gillett a big thank you for all her hard work in putting this together. I am sure there have been other events that I missed and probably others that have helped her, but THANK YOU very much. It has really been appreciated and gone over well with the students.

So you may be wondering why all the celebration over Career Tech month. Career Tech Education prepares students with college and career ready skills to be successful in today's economy. Career Tech Education (CTE) programs are critical to keeping US's economy moving in the right direction. CTE  plays a critical role in educating America's future workforce and improving the US's economy. Did you know that by 2018, the US will need more than 4.7 million workers with post-secondary certificates and CTE is the way that is going to happen. It is a proven fact that America's economy and job growth depend on Career Tech Education.

Career Tech Education provides a hands-on, skills-based education for over 120,000 high school students as well as technical training to adult students through Ohio's Career Technical Centers. If you have watched the news lately, Governor Kasich has been focusing on CTE and he is absolutely correct in doing so. He realizes that today's employers want to see more than just a diploma; they demand a skilled, knowledgeable workforce. Here at Vantage, we will make every student career and college ready. It's not one or the other; it's both. The outdated stereotypes of "vocational education" are going by the wayside as parents and students alike are recognizing that job skills are essential in the modern economy. I hope all of you will take a minute to watch the following video called "I am Career Tech". It really is a great message on CTE.

There are so many great things going on here at Vantage Career Center that it would take me a couple more blogs to tell it all to you. For example, we recently had all our Jr. Health Tech students pass their State Tested Nursing Aide (STNA) license. We have several students working on their Welding "Pipe Certification" which is a real rarity for high school students. Like I said, this is only a very small sample of the excitement here at Vantage. In closing, I would also like to mention that we recently were written about in the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) on-line magazine. I have posted the article here and it is focused on Erica Sullivan in our Precision Machine program.

Well that is Career Tech and that is why we are so excited to celebrate it this month. I can also report that we just topped the 200 mark for 2015-2016 applications. WOW! This early in the registration process tells me that CTE is no longer a secret. The word is out.

Celebrating a Life Well Lived

Without a doubt, the toughest day that we have had around Vantage this year was on Monday, September 22nd. That is the day that we heard Jacob Guy from our Network Systems program was killed in an auto accident on the way to school. Jacob was a junior from Ottoville and truly loved the Network Systems program that he had recently enrolled in. Talking with his mother at the funeral, she said he was so excited about the program and looked forward to going in to school everyday. Jacob made a big impact not only on the students in his class but also the staff members that had a chance to know him.

One of the things I tried to pass on to the students at that time, was to do their best to honor the memory of Jacob and to live their lives like Jacob lived his. According to Jacob's parents, Jacob was one of the most loving, kindhearted, loyal, hard working and wonderful sons that a parent could ask for. He had a beautiful smile, and always greeted everyone he saw with it. His mom wrote in his obituary that "Everyone who knew Jacob knew there was something special about him, and that was because of his faith and love for our Lord Jesus. It shown through Jacob in so many ways, his love and concern for others, his optimism towards life, he was always happy, and that can not be said for everyone, but it was truly the case for Jacob."

Jacob truly enjoyed life and was involved in the Ottoville High School marching band. He also ran track for two years and was part of the stage crew for the high school play, Peter Panic. Jacob loved the video production of the class and making short clips. He also loved getting together with his dad and friends to play air soft. When it came to video games, he enjoyed playing online with his brother and his best friend Andrew. You can see that Jacob took life for all it's worth and didn't waste a day of it.

On Saturday, March 28, 2015, there will be a celebration of Jacob's life. There will be a 5K run/walk and 1/4 mile fun run/walk. There will be a 50/50 drawing, silent auction, bake sale, lunch and a laptop raffle. All proceeds go to benefit the Jacob Guy Family & Community Projects. If you need a registration form for the run/walk events, please see Mrs. Hatcher in student services. The registration needs to be turned in by March 15, 2015. They are also looking for donations for baked goods and the silent auction.

Nowadays when we idolize so many celebrities, it feels good to honor and celebrate a life that was lived for all the right reasons and one that was cut way too short. Please join us on the 28th of March. I hear we already have a lot of Vantage students signed up.

Mud & Stars

Throughout the school year we honor those students who have excelled in their academic classes and have made National Technical Honor Society, Blue Chippers or the all "A" Honor roll. We also take the time to focus on our students who have done a terrific job at a SkillsUSA contest, or a BPA contest or FCCLA. I will be the first to tell you that I am so glad that we do. I believe that these students have worked hard and shown that their skills are above and beyond the other students. They certainly deserve the recognition.

However, today I would like to recognize someone that I really look up to and who has been more of an inspiration to me than any other student I can recall in my years as a school counselor. I am talking about Charles Walker, a senior in the Culinary Arts program. Charles was born with Spina Bifida almost twenty years ago. For those of you not familiar with Spina Bifida, it is a birth defect in which a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop properly. Now I am not a doctor or a specialist on Spina Bifida, but there is an excellent resource if you would like to learn more. Just go to to the following website: www.spinabifidaassociation.org

The reason Charles has been such an inspiration to me is because of his brilliant outlook on life. Every morning, Charles has to come in to the student services area to call down to Mrs. Farr's room and check in with her. It is during this time that I have come to know Charles and find out a lot more about him. I can honestly say that there isn't a morning where I am not greeted with that big bright smile of his. He is always laughing, joking around or having a kind word to say to me or Mrs. Hatcher. Oh sure he likes to give Mrs. Hatcher a hard time about the 49ers or the Buckeyes (Charles is a die hard Michigan fan) but it is always in a fun, laughable way. Every morning I ask Charles how it's going and every time he will say, "just great" or "no complaints" or something to that effect. Today it was -25 degrees with the wind chill and Charles came in smiling and just being his self. I asked him how he likes the cold weather and he just smiles and says "well we got a two hour delay out of it."

What I hope all of you students realize and myself also, is that we tend to complain about a lot of little things in life that irritate us. I can't tell you how many staff and students complained about the cold weather this morning and how they can't stand it any more. I can't help think that here is Charles sitting in a cold wheelchair, not being able to move his legs to get warm and having to be put on a cold bus and yet he is smiling and acting like it is just a normal day. No complaints. I think if we all look at our situation and realize that it could be a lot worse, we just might change our own attitudes.

I talked to Charles' mother this morning to ask if I could write my blog about him and to tell her what a joy he is to have around school. Just from talking with her for a few moments, I can see where Charles gets his attitude. His mother told me that she has always raised Charles like that. She has always told him not to feel sorry for himself because life can always be a lot worse. What a great testimony.

Charles will be graduating this year from the Culinary Arts program. I wish that he was going to be around another year but I guess that is just selfish on my part. However, I am grateful that I had the chance to meet him and that he changed my life. I know he will be successful wherever he goes and whatever he does. He is strong willed and determined. If I can give some advice to all of you here at Vantage, please don't let Charles graduate without stopping and talking with him. I don't care if it is only for a few moments, your life will be better. Charles will not mind. In fact Charles loves to talk, sometimes he will go on and on. He mentioned today that he could tell his story to the whole student body because he loves people and loves talking with them. Maybe you don't feel comfortable or don't know what to say to him. You can start out by introducing yourself and maybe tell him you read the blog. He will continue the conversation with his usual smile and maybe even a "Go Blue" but I am telling you, it will change you and possibly your outlook on life.

In closing, I would like to repeat an old saying I once heard and can't even remember who to give credit to but it went like this: "Two men were behind bars, one looked out and saw mud and one looked out and saw stars." Charles is our "star gazer". Thanks CW, for just being you.

Congratulations Skills USA

This past Friday, February 13th, we sent several students over to EHOVE Career Center for the SkillsUSA regional competition events. EHOVE is an acronym for Erie Huron Ottawa Vocational Education and is located along the Ohio Turnpike just below Sandusky, Ohio. Our students left Vantage around 5:45 am that morning for the long two and a half hour bus ride. The students were competing in Automotive Technology, Precision Machining, Collision Repair Technology, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Electrical Construction Wiring, Industrial Motor Controls, Welding, Health knowledge, Medical Math, Medical Terminology, Nail care, Nurse assisting, and First Aid/CPR.

The competition is always an exciting time for the students because it is built up with anticipation and nerves. The students do not know what they will be working on before they arrive. They know the area that they are competing in but the actual part they have to manufacture or the part they have to re-build, they do not know. They will practice their skills for several weeks before they head over to the competition and try to go over any unusual circumstances that they may encounter. Their lab instructors do a great job preparing them and helping them develop their skills. Once the competition begins, they are on their own.

I am proud to announce that we had five (5) students that will be going on to the state competition:

Tyler Foust - Automotive Service Tech (3rd place out of 16)

Derek Schroeder - CNC Milling (2nd place out of 10)

Cole Ketchum - CNC Turning (2nd place out of 7)

Corey Booher - Collision Repair (2nd place out of 8)

Bianka Robach - Nurse Assisting (3rd place out of 14)

Congratulations to all our competitors and to the five students heading off to the state competition, I wish you the best of luck and have all the confidence in you.

Valentines Day Special

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

How many times have we been to a wedding and heard those words spoken? Well when you get to be my age, you have heard those words repeated over and over. Sometimes when we hear something so often, it loses its meaning. We are often reminded to step back and re-read those words and find their true meaning again.

As a school counselor, I have heard many sad stories of boyfriend / girlfriend break ups and the heart wrenching stories of a love lost. However, I often ask the student about their relationship and their love for the other person. What I find out is that it wasn't really love at all but what they thought was love.

One of the things I will often ask a student when they are "heartbroken" is, "Would you jump in front of a moving car to push your girlfriend / boyfriend out of harm's way"? It is actually pretty funny hearing some of the responses that I get. Sometimes they look at me like I am crazy and why would I even suggest that. Some students sit there and think about it and then come back and say something like "No, I guess I really wouldn't." Now the reason I say something like this is to make a point. I want them to know that love isn't a feeling, it is an action. When you truly love someone, you will do whatever it takes to make them happy. You will put their feelings in front of yours and you will consider their needs before you think of yours.

I have been married almost 30 years and I know a marriage wouldn't work if the relationships didn't work that way. Many of you may be thinking, "Well isn't one person always getting walked all over or being taken advantage of "? That would be true if only one person was following the basic philosophy mentioned above. However, if both people are putting the needs of the other person in front of their own, then love can work and be quite magical. My wish for you students is that you will try and put the needs of the other person in front of your own. Be patient, kind and do not be envious. The other person doesn't even have to be a boyfriend or girlfriend. Love is shared among friends, family members and even classmates.

I hope everyone will have an enjoyable Valentine's Day and remember what the great philosopher and mathematician Plato said: "The madness of love is the greatest of heaven's blessings..."

Thank You Students

What a wonderful open house we had tonight. I always look forward to our open house because it is a chance to talk with our incoming students and their families and to take the opportunity to get to know them a little better. It was nice to see so many in attendance tonight and see the interest the students have in coming over to Vantage.

I also enjoy seeing so many of our current students working in their labs and talking with future students and their families. I realize that all of you that came in tonight to work, are doing this on your own time and not getting compensated. I appreciate that you take the time. I appreciate all the student ambassadors that show our guests around the school and direct everyone where to go. The entire open house works because you students make it work (and Mrs Wilhelm and Ms. Klinger).

I really want to take this time to not only thank all of the students that came in to work tonight but all of the students here at Vantage. The fact that you chose Vantage and allow me to walk alongside you during your final two years of high school is not something I take for granted. That you trust me to share in your pain on difficult days and also allow me to celebrate with you when you achieve successes is my greatest honor. It doesn't matter if we are talking about school, college, friends, dreams, fears or even about seemingly nothing at all - you brighten my day and help me feel like I have a purpose.

Tonight I was able to talk with former students and even parents of some former students. I can't tell you how neat it is to see what they are doing now. How some have started a family or recently got married. I love hearing the stories of how Vantage has helped them and is responsible for the great careers they have today. I appreciate all the kind words they say about our shared time together.

I don't know if it's realistic to think that all of you will still remember much of the details of high school 18 years after you graduate, but if you do remember high school and think of me, I hope you will always know that I care about you, I believe in you and I am thankful to have had the honor of knowing you and being a part of your lives!

My greatest desire in life is to make a difference. And, for the record, to me, making a difference isn't necessarily a big, grand impact - it is the small details, the connections shared, and the impact that we can hopefully have on one another. I know without a doubt that you make a difference in my life.

College Goal Sunday

                   OHIO COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8TH @ 2:00 PM

If you are graduating this year, and going on to college, you need to fill out the financial aid application. You may remember when we went over the FAFSA earlier this year and I mentioned that the first "F" in FAFSA stands for FREE. I also told you that you should never pay to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Well now I am telling you that if you need help filling out this application, then College Goal Sunday is for you.

College Goal Sunday is an opportunity for students and families to receive FREE assistance in completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA is a required form to apply for all federal aid programs, many state programs and even institutional aid programs which can help pay for your college.

College Goal Sunday is your chance to complete the FAFSA with experts on-hand and get answers to the financial aid questions you may have. It doesn't matter what college you attend or are planning to attend - you are welcome at any site location. Some of the sites that are near most of us are:

1) Lima Senior High School
2) Northwest State Community College in Archbold
3) Columbus Grove High School

An article found on hometownstations.com talking about College Goal Sunday at Columbus Grove stated that they will start at 1:00 pm on Sunday so they can give a presentation to inform everyone of financial aid options, followed by financial aid completion and assistance on computers from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The colleges that will be in attendance at Columbus Grove will be Ohio State University, Owens Community College, University of Northwestern College and the University of Findlay. It also stated that more than 100 people have registered for the event but walk-ins are welcome.

REMEMBER: Please bring your tax returns / W2 forms, Social Security Cards and Drivers License.

I hope that you will take advantage of this great opportunity and travel to one of these sites on Sunday to complete your FAFSA.

Sophomore Visit & Open House

Well it's hard to believe but it is that time of year again. This Wednesday, we will be hosting the sophomores from our thirteen (13) home schools. This last month, Mr. Knott and Mrs. Wilhelm have gone out to the home schools and talked with all the sophomores from each school. Any of those students who were interested in coming to Vantage had the opportunity to sign up for any two programs that they wanted to know more about. I am sure many of you remember coming over when you were a sophomore. Do you ever think back on the "other" program that you didn't choose? Do you ever wish you would have picked that program? Well I always think it is interesting talking with the seniors here at Vantage and asking those same questions. The responses are always entertaining but almost always, the students are very happy with the program they chose and wouldn't want it any other way.

I want to thank all the students who have been selected by your lab instructor to work during our sophomore visits. You have been selected because you are responsible, reliable and a hard worker. That is something you should be proud of. Many of our students have stated that one of the biggest factors in determining if they would attend Vantage and what program they selected was Sophomore Day. Our instructors have all been preparing to make their lab engaging and fun for the tenth graders. They have a lot of hands-on work for them to do and there really is no down time. If you are a helper, please make sure that the students are engaged and busy. Do your best to give those student's a great experience. We also ask that you would personally engage with all the sophomores and try to make a connection with each visitor. Once again, we thank you for coming in on the day that all the other students will have off. We truly appreciate it!

One note to remember is; if any of our thirteen schools are delayed or we are, then sophomore days will be on Friday. Let's keep our fingers crossed for good weather.

Next Monday, we will then have our Open House. This year will be done completely different than in past years. The school will be open as usual and all the labs will be available to walk through, but the usual dinner that we have always hosted has changed. This year, Vantage will be hosting what is called a "Taste of Vantage". We will have seven (7) restaurants from the areas represented by our home schools, and each of these restaurants will have a little taste of their favorite dishes. When the public walks in, they will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to taste the food from all the different restaurants. You will need one ticket per restaurant. Tickets will be on sale for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The open house is a great way for those sophomores who just visited our school to bring their parents or guardians over for a visit. It is also a nice way for the public to stop in and see the new school and any changes we have made recently. The open house again will be Monday, February 9th from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. We look forward to seeing everyone there.