Eagle Scout

One of my favorite things to post about is when one of our students earns the rank of Eagle Scout. In the past few years, we have had several young men reach the rank of Eagle Scout while they were attending Vantage. Well I am proud to say that once again, we have another outstanding student who has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. Please keep in mind that according to the National Eagle Scout Association, only about 5% of all Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout and here at Vantage, we have had at least 4 in the last couple of years. To become an Eagle Scout, you must earn a total of at least 21 merit badges, including the following: First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communication, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming (Hiking or cycling), Camping, Cooking and Family Life. They also must complete a service project.

This year we are proud to announce that Evan Meyers has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Evan is an Ottoville High School student attending Vantage and is part of Troop 221 in Kalida. For his service project, he installed a flag pole for the soccer field in Kalida. In speaking with Evan, he stated that the project cost around $3500 and that all of this money came in through donations. The donations came through many sources and many people. Evan said that the VFW, American Legion, Kalida School Board and many individuals contributed financially to this project. He also said it couldn't have been done without the help and donations from BK Trucking who provided the stones and K&L Ready Mix who provided all the concrete. I could tell Evan was very thankful for the support he received from the community.

As far as the back breaking work and hard labor, Evan stated that his Grandpa, Dad and fellow scouts all helped him out tremendously. It really takes a lot of people to pitch in and support someone when they are doing their service project for the Scouts. I had to wonder how Evan found any time to work on this project because he is one of the busiest students I know. Evan works three different jobs during the school year. He works as a machinist for Unverferths, a farm hand at Horstmans Dairy and pours concrete for Wannemancher property services in Cloverdale. I will say that Evan stated that it took almost a year to complete the project because of the terrible spring weather we had and also a few other hiccups he had along the way.

If you get a chance, please let Evan know what a fine young man he is and congratulate him on this great achievement. Evan, I personally am proud of you and feel very lucky I have been able to meet such a fine young man and be a small part of your life these last two years. Congratulations Evan!

Baby It's Cold Outside

I don't know about you but these last few mornings have been pretty chilly. I think we had our first frost warning last night and the temperature driving in this morning was in the upper 30's. Now that is a shock to the system. Well it won't be long before that dreaded white stuff starts falling and we long for those lazy hazy days of summer. This morning I actually had to grab my coat for the first time this school year but as I did, it reminded me that several of our students may not have a coat to grab. This is when I decided to write this blog so that the word can get out that there is help available around our communities. I will list several agencies that are available to help with food, clothing or other winter items that may be needed. If you are not in need, please let others know about these agencies. There may be other students around you that may be in need and you don't even realize it, so pass the word.

These are the agencies that I am aware of that will provide help in one way or another. It may be with clothes such as coats and gloves or food supplies:

Paulding Area Support Society (P.A.S.S.) - Eligible Paulding County Residents. Determined on a case by case basis. Contact #'s are: 419-399-5520 or 419-587-3651 or 419-399-3127

Trinity Friends Church across from Vantage - Tuesday from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm.

Van Wert County Dept of Jobs and Family Services - 419-238-9100

Salvation Army: 419-238-9100 They can help and also lead you to others who can.

Delphos Interfaith Thrift Store: Combination thrift store, food pantry and financial assistance. Many winter items available like coats, gloves, hats, etc. 419-692-2942

West Ohio Food Bank: A great resource. They work with churches all over Allen, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties.They will help. 419-222-7946. Click here for Paulding county West Ohio Food Banks.

2-1-1 This is a phone number you can call anytime and they will get you help. If you are unsure of how to find services to help then make sure you call them. Just dial 2-1-1 and they will lead you to the best place to get help.

Remember, you can also stop by my office anytime to discuss your issue or your friends issue, and I will do everything to get you the help you need. There is no reason for anyone to go without a hat and coat in this cold weather. Please see me if that is the case. Let's make sure everyone stays warm this winter.

National Technical Honor Society 2019-2020

On Tuesday evening, October 1st, Vantage Career Center held our annual National Technical Honor Society banquet and induction ceremony. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is a way to honor student achievement and leadership in career and technical education, promote educational excellence, award scholarships and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership.

To become an NTHS member, a student must first be carrying a 3.5 GPA or above, have 95% attendance for their Junior and Senior years, no discipline problems in both years and have passed all of their End of Course Exams. If the student meets the above mentioned criteria, then they must write an essay stating why they feel they belong in the NTHS, have three teacher recommendations, submit a resume and complete their application. Once all of this is turned in, a committee of teachers and staff meet to discuss each candidate and determine which students best represent the National Technical Honor Society.

As a member of the National Technical Honor Society, each member has met the seven character attributes, and at the induction ceremony, vowed to continue these attributes. They are: Skill, Honesty, Service, Responsibility, Leadership, Citizenship and Scholarship.

I am so proud of these students because they have made so many great choices in their lives. They not only have been successful here at Vantage and their home school, but I know they will be successful in their future college or work careers. If you happen to see these students in the hallway, in your classes, or in the community, please congratulate them on a great high school career and a great honor in being selected for the National Technical Honor Society. This is a very small percentage of our student body, but they truly are the best of the best.


These are the NTHS members for 2019-2020:

Reagan Akom (Paulding), Kaleb Allenbaugh (Lincolnview), Emily Barricklow (Crestview), Rachael Beair (Parkway), Rachel Breese (Parkway), Virginia Brotherwood (Jefferson), Preston Browning (Parkway- not shown), Michael Burgei (Ottoville), Desteni Contreraz (Van Wert), Jasmine Contreraz (Van Wert), Corbin Cox (Parkway - not shown), Alayna Cripe (Van Wert), Kasey Denman (Lincolnview), Megan Garrity (Paulding), Nolan German (Ottoville - not shown), Zoe Gile (Van Wert), Rieley Hanneman (Kalida), Mya Isbell (Van Wert), Kaitlynn Keller (Continental), Shiann Kraft (Lincolnview), Bridget Martin (Jefferson), Evan Meyers (Ottoville), Jacksyn Nichols (Ft. Jennings), Alexandria Parks (Van Wert), Kane Plescher (Jefferson), Gannon Prowant (Continental), Wyatt Richardson (Crestview), Miah Rue (Paulding), Joel Schneider (Paulding), Trevor Siefker (Kalida), Spencer Smith (Van Wert), Hannah Springer (Van Wert), Gunnar Stemen (St. John), Violet Taylor (Parkway), Kaitlyn Titus (Antwerp), Kaylie Tressler (Paulding), Sabastian Umfleet (Jefferson), Leia Verhoff (Kalida), Samantha Wagner (Paulding), Emily Wentland (Antwerp), Libby Wenzlick (Wayne Trace), Elisabeth Wolf (Antwerp)