The Vantage Point

By: Vantage Career Center

Vantage senior places fifth in nation

Tressa Ringwald, Vantage BPA National Top 5 finisher. (Photo submitted.)

Tressa Ringwald, a Vantage senior Interactive Media student from Lincolnview brought her “A game” to the National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference “Uncover Your Magic” in Orlando, Florida from May 8-12. Tressa placed fifth in the nation in the Graphic Design Promotion competition!

In this competition, Tressa had to develop a theme for the 2014 National BPA conference in Indianapolis, illustrate that theme in a logo design, then utilize the logo in a promotional flyer. Since Indianapolis in known for racing, Tressa’s theme was “Race to Success.”

“At first when I competed, I thought I didn’t do very well, but after finding out that I placed in the top 12, I was overjoyed.  The best part of it was going on stage, receiving my award and making my teacher, Mrs. DeWert proud of me.” said Ringwald.  “Last year, I went to nationals only as a voting delegate.  I wanted to compete so badly, so I set a goal for myself to do well enough at regional and state contests this year so I could go to nationals and compete.”

“Graphic Design Promotion is a very stiff competition at all three levels — regional, state, and national. Tressa is a very dedicated individual and I could not be more proud of Tressa for her accomplishments”, said her teacher, Jill DeWert.

Eight other Vantage students also competed at nationals.  Erice Durre, an Interactive Media senior from Wayne Trace competed in the Computer Modeling contest.  Four senior Medical Office Management students – Alyssa Pollock (Lincolnview), Mackenzie Hanenkratt (Paulding), Julie Seidenstricker (Crestview) and Terin Rankin (Continental) – joined forces to compete in the Administrative Support Team contest.

Parkway’s Mikayla Stetler, a senior Medical Office Management student competed in the Medical Office Procedures contest, and junior Medical Office Management’s Layna Mihm (Van Wert) competed in the Fundamental Word Processing contest.  Medical Office Management senior MacKenzie Schleeter (Lincolnview) competed in the Advanced Word Processing contest. The students were accompanied to nationals by their teachers, Jill DeWert and Paula Getz.

Approximately 5,500 students from throughout the United States participated in Business Professionals of America’s 46th National Leadership Conference. Activities included general sessions with keynote speakers, business meetings, leadership workshops, contests, election of national officers, and some time at Disney World. The highlight of the conference was the presentation of the awards to the winners of the national contests.

Congratulations to Tressa on her Top 5 finish, and to all the students who earned the right to advance to National competition.

Vantage supports Relay for Life

Vantage students walk for a cure during their own “mini-relay” on campus on Friday, May 3. (Photo submitted.)

In a terrific team effort, Vantage students and staff pulled together to raise $2,500 for the Van Wert County Relay for Life. Beginning in march, events and activities were held to focus on raising money for a cure.

Cosmetology instructors Amy Grothouse and Susie Smith teamed up with academic teachers for “Mani-Pedi” day.  Students who donated to the cause were allowed to get a manicure or pedicure during their academic class.  Over $1,400 was raised just with this one event. Friday Morning Munchies for the staff brought in another $200.

The main event was the mini-relay for life held during lab time on Friday, May 3.  Each program donated $25 to be a part of the walk.  Since construction is complete, a spacious area behind the building was turned into a walking track for the day.  Snacks and soft drinks were sold, and students walked for 2+ hours.  Again, Cosmetology students played a part in the day by selling “Colors for a Cure” hair extensions, raising additional money.

For every lap the students walked, they received a colored bead (representing all the different types of cancer) for their lanyard.  Over 9,000 beads were handed out.

One final event, the Harlem Shake Challenge will take place over the next few days at lunchtime.  Students and staff members were encouraged to put together a team and videotape their version of the Harlem Shake.  Everyone will have a chance to vote for their favorite video by donating money.  The video that raises the most money will receive a pizza party lunch!

Amy Grothouse and Beth Evans are co-team leaders of the Vantage Relay for Life team.  Evans said, “It was just awesome to see all the students walk the first lap together.  Before the walk began, students who had relatives or friends touched by cancer were asked to raise their hand.  There were a lot.  They all understood why we were doing this and its importance.”

The Vantage team also participated in the Relay for Life at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Vantage Student Ambassadors

New Vantage student ambassadors learn about communication skills during the “mousetrap” activity during Leadership Day. (Photo submitted.)

There is a group of students at Vantage who were nominated by the teachers to represent their program and their school — The Student Ambassadors.  These students were interviewed and hand-selected, at the recommendation of their teachers, to accept a leadership role and represent Vantage at different events and activities at school and in their home communities. In addition to serving the school in a student-leader role, meetings provide the students with focused leadership skills and opportunities.

You will see these students representing Vantage at parades and community events this summer and fall. Throughout the school year, they serve as tour guides to visitors to the building. They will be on hand during new student/parent orientation at the beginning of the school year to help direct our newcomers to their labs and classrooms. In January, some of these students will share their story when talking to sophomores about the opportunities at Vantage. They will welcome community members to the annual Vantage Open House and serve as the liaison to their home school.

The first step on the journey of an Ambassador was Leadership Day, which was held on Monday, April 22.  All 31 new junior ambassadors (plus four senior ambassadors and advisors) traveled to the Van Wert YWCA to participate in teambuilding activities and idea sharing.  Afterwards, a community service project at the Van Wert Senior Center — clearing out and helping to organize the big garage for the annual fundraiser — was the focus of their attention.  They swept floors, lifted tables, moved furniture, emptied containers, and broke down boxes for recycling.  It looked very different from when they started.

Vantage is very proud of the 2013 – 2014 student ambassadors. They are: Shana Brincefield, Libbi Brown, Dustin Carter, Nicholas Dangler, Ashley Deleon, Emily Farr, Taylor Farr, Marissa Garza, Bethany Heiser, Kurt Hoersten, Andrew Horstman, Adam Jurczyk, Kenny King, Clirissa McMonigal, Devin Mershman, Layna Mihm, Dalton Miles, Lydia Myers, Isaac Nichols, Evan Prowant, Brian Richey, Cailah Rickard, Hannah Robach, Ciera Saxton, Jacob Schlegel, Alex Schnipke, Ben Schnipke, Erica Sill, Justin Stricklant, Austen Stukey and Alexandra Winebrenner.  Advisors for the group are Nancy Keith, Tony Unverferth, and MaryJo Wilhelm.

Representatives from the Van Wert Senior Center, Shellie Rhodes, Kevin Matthew and Dick Hoverman (left) join the Vantage student ambassadors for a picture. Thumbs up for a job well done. (Photo submitted.)

Network Systems students help update courthouse

Vantage Network Systems seniors Wyatt Sawyer (Paulding) (left) and Dylan Boroff (Lincolnview) check out the network cables in the attic of the Van Wert County Courthouse. (Photo submitted.)

In 1876, the architects of the Van Wert County Courthouse never could have imagined the technology that would be used 150 years later. So naturally, when Vantage Board member (and Van Wert County 911 Coordinator) Kim Brandt found out that the courthouse network wiring was going to be updated, she contacted Network Systems instructor, Larry Regedanz to see if the class would like help out.

The two discussed the project at the Vantage Grand Open House in February.  The courthouse technology network was out of date, and they were having some trouble with their internet due to internal wiring problems.  Regedanz and his senior class went through the building ñ from the basement to the clock tower – checking out switches, hubs and network wiring for the 45 courthouse computers.  They found some wiring that needed to be replaced and set up a schedule that would have them work at the courthouse on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, replacing Cat 5 wiring with Cat 6 wiring.  This is a wiring upgrade which future-proofs the courthouse for faster Internet speed and helps protect against electrical interference.

“There are some unique experiences on this project that students would never get in lab.  For example, they were standing on a piece of plywood in the attic of the courthouse, it was relatively dark, and they were making Cat 6 cables. The students discovered that making those cables on site is much more difficult than making them while sitting in a classroom,” said Regedanz.

“We’re all very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Vantage students on this project.  Mel Nomina is the lead person on the project and he’s glad to provide the students with the experience of running the new cable,” commented Brandt.

Senior Jaquobe Markward (Lincolnview) stated, “This project is a great learning experience for us to help us get ready for future jobs.”  Other seniors working on the courthouse project are Dylan Boroff (Lincolnview), Austin Meyer (Ottoville), and Wyatt Sawyer (Paulding).

For more information about the Vantage Network Systems program, please contact Vantage Student Services at 419.238.5411 or 1.800.686.3944 ext. 2140.

Vantage educators attend ACTE seminar

Superintendent Staci Kaufman and Adult Education Director Pete Prichard from Vantage Career Center in Van Wert attended the Association for Career and Technical Education’s (ACTE) National Policy Seminar (NPS) March 4-6 in Arlington, Virginia, and met with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to educate them about the value of career and technical education.

Career and technical education (CTE) delivers real-world training and skills development to over 94 percent of America’s high schools. Now, more than ever, the nation is turning to CTE to prepare the skilled workforce needed to keep America competitive and grow our economy. With CTE programs expanding and changing across the country to meet the needs of employers, students and communities, educators and administrators are challenged to effectively advocate for resources and support on local, state and federal levels.

While attending ACTE’s three-day briefing on federal policies, Staci Kaufman, Vantage Career Center Superintendent, consulted with Congressmen Bob Latta to encourage more support for CTE and other education and workforce development programs.

At the opening session of the NPS, attendees heard from Dr. Anthony Carnevale, director and research professor of the Georgetown University Center of Education and the Workforce, who spoke on his research findings in career outcomes for students engaging in CTE programs of study in secondary and postsecondary settings. Nearly 30 percent of associate degree holders make more than those with bachelor’s degrees. And 44 percent of graduates from four-year colleges have higher earnings that those with graduate degrees, said Carnevale on Monday morning.

Carnevale applauded the efforts of ACTE, noting that career tech programs were efficient and a proven approach that helps students gain real-world experience and provides skilled workers for the economy.

Other speakers at NPS included James R. Stone III, professor and director of the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE), Mark Edwards, Executive Director of Opportunity Nation, and leaders from the Congressional House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary of Labor, Employment and Training Administration delivered remarks during the closing general session and emphasized the importance of education that trains individuals in the skill areas needed by the workforce today and moving forward into the future. She stressed the importance of the partnerships between CTE and business and industry leaders to ensure economic vitality and strong job growth for the country.

Over 400 teachers and administrators attended the conference and participated in the Hill visits. The National Policy Seminar is an annual event that takes place in early spring as policymakers are beginning work on the federal budget and appropriations process as well as reauthorizations such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Workforce Investment Act.

FCCLA students qualify for state

Even a two-hour delay on Thursday, February 28, could not stop the first part of the Regional FCCLA Culinary contest at Vantage!  The Vantage-hosted event continued on Saturday, March 2,

Vantage Culinary Arts senior Bethanee Grote (Ottoville) competes in the FCCLA Regional Garde Manger contest, creating a leek flower and a carrot tulip. (Photo submitted.)

when Early Childhood Education and Culinary Arts students competed in several contests.

Four Culinary Arts students will advance to the state contest.  Senior Bethanee Grote (Ottoville) received a Gold rating in the Garde Manger Tray contest.  In this competition, a student demonstrates knife and presentation skills by creating a cold appetizer of fruit or vegetables as a beautiful garnish ñ a watermelon rosette or a swan made from an apple are some examples.

The Meeting Event Set-up Team is also headed to Columbus for the state competition.  Team members Ben Dwyer (Lincolnview), Ashley Wurst (Lincolnview), and John Parsons (Parkway) joined forces to prepare a meeting room which meets industry standards and anticipates guest needs according to a Banquet Event Order.

Three senior Early Childhood Education students heading to Columbus are Abby Hosler (Kalida), Ashley Guelde (Paulding) and Lindsay Ruposky (Van Wert).  They teamed up for the Chapter Service Manual team competition and received a Gold rating for their  March of Dimes Wonderwalk project which raised $732.

Congratulations and good luck to all student competitors!

Vantage celebrates FFA Week

Historically, the week of President George Washington’s birthday was designated as National FFA Week in 1947 at a National FFA board of directors meeting. Each year, National FFA Week gives FFA members a chance to raise public awareness about FFA and agricultural education and share the importance of American agriculture in general.

Vantage FFA Week kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 19, as Vantage FFA Vice-President Nick Dealey (Crestview) joined Adam Schumm, Crestview FFA President, and Macy Ashbaugh, Lincolnview FFA President at the Van Wert County Commissioners office.  The Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring this week FFA Week in Van Wert County.

Even though it’s a shortened week due to the President’s Day holiday, Vantage FFA members will be holding several FFA activities, including a Hat Day, Jeans & T-shirt Day, a Truck and Tractor show with a student/staff drop in.  They will be treating Vantage staff members to donuts on Friday morning too.  Vantage FFA members voted that all money raised from activities was to be split between the Dealey Family Fund and the First United Methodist Food Pantry.

The Vantage Tractor Troubleshooting team of Joseph McVay (Wayne Trace) and Nicholas Dealey (Crestview) listen intently as judge Dave Alberts from Integrity Ford of Paulding, describes the diagnostic scenario with the Ford Pickup truck during the competition. (Photo submitted.)

On Friday, Feb. 15, the Vantage Ag and Industrial Power Technology program hosted the District 4 Agricultural and Industrial Diagnostics CDE (Tractor Troubleshooting) Contest.  This Career Development Event is an educational activity designed as a practical method for teaching students to recognize malfunctions of gasoline or diesel engines and to eliminate problems. The skills that agriculture education students learn in tractor troubleshooting make them better tractor and equipment operators and technicians by giving them practical experience in identifying and correcting engine malfunctions. The seven participating schools were Corey-Rawson, Sentinel, Clyde, Van Buren, Vantage, Riverdale, and Spencerville.  The Spencerville team took first place in the competition, while the Vantage team placed fifth.

Are you wondering how the Vantage renovation and expansion project turned out?  Come and see for yourself at the Vantage Grand Open House, which will be held this coming Monday, Feb. 25, from 5-8 p.m.  There will be a brief ceremony from 5-5:30 p.m. and then guests can explore the building, visit the labs, meet the teachers, and enjoy some light refreshments.  Don’t miss it!

Vantage BPA students qualify for state competition

Vantage Career Center Business students recently competed in the first round of Region 16 Business Professionals of America skills contests at Ohio Hi Point Career Center in Bellefontaine.  Fifty students from the Vantage business programs – Interactive Media, Medical Office Management and Network Systems – competed in a variety of different contests including PC Security, VB Programming, Medical Office Procedures, Computer Modeling, Web Site Design, Computer Animation, Network Design, Advanced Office Systems and Procedures, and Administrative Support.  In all, 27 students earned the right to advance to the state competition held in Columbus in the spring.

Network Systems senior Austin Meyer (Ottoville), who serves as the BPA Region 16 President, took top honors in the VB Programming, while junior Alex Gorman (Van Wert) placed second.  The team of Taylor Dixon (Van Wert), Audrey Smith (Wayne Trace), Jammie Farler (Delphos Jefferson), Abigail Parsons (Delphos St. Johns), and Ryan Hatlevig (Antwerp) qualified for state competition by placing first in the Parliamentary Procedure Team contest.  Network Systems junior Tyler Stienecker (Lincolnview) placed first in the Computer Security contest while senior Brock Goins (Paulding) placed second.  Tyler Stienecker (Lincolnview) also placed first in the Parliamentary Procedure Concepts contest.

Eric Durre (Wayne Trace) a senior in the Interactive Media program placed first in the Computer Modeling competition.  Three Interactive Media juniors, Emilee Nicelley (Paulding), Tiffany Romero (Antwerp), and Hannah Robach (Continental) each captured first place in their respective Computer Animation contests.  Senior Tressa Ringwald (Lincolnview) took top honors in the Graphic Design Promotion contest. Senior Courtney Marquart (Lincolnview) placed second in the Fundamental Desktop Publishing contest, while senior Hannah Lewis (Lincolnview) placed second in the Fundamentals of Web Design contest.

Four students — Tegan Felver (Parkway), Mackenzie Hanenkratt (Paulding), Julie Seidenstricker (Crestview) and Terin Rankin (Continental) — joined forces to take second place in the Administrative Support Team contest. Brianna Stegaman (Crestview) placed first in the Administrative Individual competition and Mikayla Stetler (Parkway) placed first in the Medical Office contest, and her classmate Chelsea Grimes (Antwerp) placed second.  Brianna Vogt (Continental) took first place in the Fundamental Word Processing contest, and Layna Mihm (Van Wert) placed second.  Senior MacKenzie Schleeter (Lincolnview) placed second in the Advanced Word Processing contest.

Students who qualified for the state contest will compete March 14 and 15 in Columbus.  Congratulations and good luck to all student competitors!

Are you wondering how the Vantage OSFC renovation and expansion project turned out?  Come and see for yourself at the Vantage Grand Open House on Monday, Feb. 25, from 5-8 p.m.  There will be a brief ceremony from 5-5:30 pm and then guests can explore the building, visit the labs, meet the teachers, and enjoy some light refreshments.  You won’t want to miss it!

The best of both worlds

Vantage Jr. Health Technology student Maria Bosnjak (Van Wert), listens to the heartbeat of Lyric Okulyís (Van Wert), while Libbi Brown (Delphos Jefferson) checks her pulse during a lab activity. (Photo submitted.)

At Vantage Career Center, students find the best of both worlds.  They receive a first-class career technical education while meeting all of the academic requirements for high school graduation.  In addition to Trade and Industry programs and Business programs, Vantage also offers specialized education in Service careers described below.

Due to the tremendous advances in the medical field, outstanding career opportunities are available to students in our Health Technology program.  Many health care workers provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration. They may also prepare and give injections, collect samples for testing, feed patients and assist with bathing and personal hygiene. Students complete a State Approved Nurse Assistant Program and learn medical terminology, medical insurance and computer skills. Health Technology students assist at the annual Vantage Bloodmobile.  They learn a wide-range of medical techniques and experience clinical instruction at healthcare facilities.  In this program, they develop work ethics, medical skills, and patient care skills.

In the Early Childhood Education program, high school students discover that working with young children can be very rewarding.  This program prepares students to work in a licensed child care facility, operate a day care center, become a nanny or teach young children.  Students create and provide developmentally appropriate preschool materials for children, learn the day-to-day operations of a state-licensed preschool, and explore careers that deal with the education of young children.  In addition to receiving instruction in planning and conducting lessons, the students apply principles of child development and child psychology as they prepare the children for kindergarten.  Upon completion, students are prepared for college and immediate employment in the childcare field.

The Culinary Arts program is the starting line for many students who are interested in careers in restaurant services and hospitality management.  Students in this program operate the Cup and Saucer Restaurant, a full-service restaurant located at Vantage, which is open to the public three days a week throughout the school year.  This two-year program is also the foundation for students who plan to pursue further education for chef training or food service management. Students have the opportunity to become Serve-Safe certified and to receive the ProStart Certificate of Achievement.  The Culinary Arts program is a ProStart career building program that gives students a taste for success!   After graduation, students are prepared for professional culinary programs, immediate employment, and further education.

Avantage (French for new beginnings) is the name of the Vantage Cosmetology Salon, a fully certified and licensed program by the state of Ohio and open to the public two days a week throughout the school year.  Students create, cut, style, color and recommend hair designs for clients.  They use advanced techniques to deliver a wide-range of skin care and nail treatments while experiencing a full-service salon environment.  Students completing the program, achieving the requirements of the state board of cosmetology and passing the state examination, have the opportunity to graduate as a licensed cosmetologist.  They will be prepared for immediate employment in a salon/day spa, advanced licensure, and further education.

If you are interested in finding out about career opportunities in any of these fields or have questions about the service programs at Vantage, please call Ben Winans, Student Services Supervisor, at 419.238.5411 or 1.800.686.3944 ext. 2140, or email him at winans.b@vantagecareercenter.com.

Are you wondering how the renovation and expansion project turned out?  Come and see for yourself at the Vantage Grand Open House, which will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 5:00 ñ 8:00 p.m.  There will be a brief ceremony from 5:00 ñ 5:30 pm and then guests can explore the building, visit the labs, meet the teachers, and enjoy some light refreshments.  You wonít want to miss it!

Skills for Tomorrow

Vantage Auto Body Collision junior Adam Jurczyk (Van Wert) applies compound to a hood he is repairing in lab. (Photo submitted.)

At Vantage Career Center, there are nine different Trade and Industrial programs offered to high school students in the Industrial and Engineering Systems cluster.  Here is a brief look at those programs.

In the Ag and Industrial Power Technology program, students learn the techniques for the maintenance and operation of industrial, diesel and agricultural equipment and machinery.  They troubleshoot, overhaul and assemble gas and diesel engines, and work on mechanical and electrical fuel injection systems.

Auto Body students assess and estimate the damage to vehicles and learn the basics of collision repair and refinishing, as well as auto body and shop management skills.  Performing repairs to plastic and fiberglass components are unique skills of this trade.

The Auto Technology program provides hands-on experience in the areas of hydraulic brake systems, automotive engines and suspension systems.  Students use sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment to troubleshoot automotive systems and learn the skills required to inspect, repair and adjust todayís highly computerized vehicles.

In the Precision Machining Technology program, students invent, design, and manufacture components as they learn to operate lathes, grinders, mills and computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine.  Blueprint reading, computer aided drafting (CAD) and manufacturing processes are emphasized throughout the program.

The Vantage Welding program is a nationally recognized AWS (American Welding Society) training and testing facility.  Students have the opportunity to earn industry certifications in plate and pipe welding.  This program has earned the National Exemplary designation in career technical education.

Industrial Mechanics students learn how to perform preventive and corrective maintenance and the set up and adjustment of plant machinery.  Students diagnose and repair heating, ventilation and cooling systems while learning the basics of welding, electricity, machining, metal fabrication, and hydraulics.

The Electricity program provides entry-level training ranging from residential wiring to industrial electrical applications.  Students learn how to install, maintain and troubleshoot a variety of electrical systems, including the installation of coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other telecommunications equipment.  Seniors also use their residential wiring skills to wire the Vantage Carpentry House project each year.

In the Building and Grounds Maintenance program, students are introduced to a wide variety of skills necessary to keep buildings and their surrounding areas in good condition.  Students learn basic plumbing, installation of concrete and masonry walls, landscaping, painting and light carpentry skills.  This year, they are using their skills on a variety of projects in the Vantage district.

Build a house while still in high school?  That’s just what Vantage Carpentry students do.  Carpentry students learn the skills required for residential construction, including blueprint-reading, computerized house design, framing, roofing, drywall, cabinetry, stairs and outside finish work.  These students also follow precise specifications and use software and a Techno CNC router to build custom cabinets for the house project.  This year they are partnering with Paulding Habitat for Humanity to build two houses.

If you’re interested in finding out about career opportunities in any of these fields or have questions about the trade and industrial programs at Vantage, please call Ben Winans, Student Services Supervisor at 419.238.5411 ext. 2140 or email him at winans.b@vantagecareercenter.com.

Are you wondering how the OSFC renovation and expansion project turned out?  Come and see for yourself at the Vantage Grand Open House, which will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, from 5-8 p.m.  There will be a brief ceremony from 5-5:30 pm and then guests can explore the building, visit the labs, meet the teachers, and enjoy some light refreshments.  You won’t want to miss it!