The 2009 Warren County Career Center Senior Awards Ceremony was held May 21 at Oasis Church in Middletown. High school seniors from Franklin, Kings, Lebanon, Little Miami, Springboro and Waynesville wearing their home high school caps and gowns in red, black, blue, maroon, white, green, gold, and orange made a colorful procession into their awards ceremony.
Nearly 270 seniors participated in the WCCC Senior Awards Ceremony, and an additional 22 seniors from WCCC were honored at the Greentree Health Science Academy Senior Awards Ceremony, held May 26.
Kierstin Haggard, Lebanon, Marketing, welcomed everyone. Kassie Schlake, Lebanon, Early Childhood Education, and Chloe Franer, Lebanon, Teacher Academy, introduced the special guests.
Valedictorian Theodore Brocker, Franklin, thanked his teachers for the experiences and skills they taught him. He spoke about how his program, Power Systems, has helped him gain the competency for attending the Marine Mechanics Institute in 2010 to earn further certifications in his chosen field of marine mechanics. Theo earned the Honors Diploma, the Award of Merit, and the Black and Gold Scholarship from the Warren County Career Center Teacher’s Association. He also received the Glenmary Knights of Columbus Scholarship to assist him with his post-secondary studies and has been a member of the National Technical Honor Society during his junior and senior years.
“We, the class of 2009, have been waiting for this moment in time for years and the time has come for us to stand on our own two feet and begin to shape our lives with our own two hands,” he said. “The Warren County Career Center has properly prepared us to take our career choices and go as far as we are willing to go in this life. Whether we choose to continue our educational career, or join the work force of America right away—we are ready.”
WCCC seniors earned a total of $303,300 in college scholarship awards, plus another student earned a full tuition scholarship to Defiance College. Of that total, 76 students earned the $3000 Miami Valley Tech Prep Scholarship to Sinclair Community College.
Nick Schmidt, Springboro, Criminal Justice, explained the value of the National Technical Honor Society. He served as president for the 2008-09 school year. To qualify for membership, students must have 95 percent attendance, at least a 3.5 grade point average, be actively involved in a student organization such as FFA or Skills USA, and have the recommendation of teachers.
Steven Walton, Franklin, Landscape Technology, described the Career Passport. Seniors who completed all requirements for their programs received certificates of completion in their Career Passport – a document that students may use for job and college interviews. Along with the program certificate, the Passport contains a resume, any industry certifications earned and other documents outlining accomplishments.
Sam Faulkner, Little Miami, Information Technology, introduced the WCCC administrators who were presenting the Career Passports. Westley Walters, Lakota East, Heavy Equipment, introduced a video reflection of the school year. Westley won the SkillsUSA Gold Medal two years in a row in Heavy Equipment Operation.
The seniors were congratulated by Director of Secondary Education Gary Patton and WCCC Board President Bobbie Grice.
The Greentree Health Science Academy 2009 Senior Awards Ceremony included an address by Ohio Rep. Shannon Jones. Amy Loper, Franklin, was one of three student speakers chosen to reflect on the year. See photos in the Photo Gallery.