Peer Leadership's Fun Day ~ Emily Granata

Rain couldn't keep these games from happening -- the peer leaders simply moved the events from the yards just outside of the school into the school's gym.

The LCCTC Shop Games, sponsored by Peer Leadership, was a very exciting event! Whether you were watching or participating, laughter filled the gymnasium. The students and even the staff had a blast, and the junior who put it all together was thrilled at the outcome.

“I'm so glad I could plan something like this for our school. Seeing everyone come together and have a lot of fun was truly a great experience. I'm looking forward to doing this next year!” ~ Tristyn Gravatt, creator of LCCTC Shop Games

Each activity a lot of fun, but they all had a purpose, as well -- to encourage team work.  Mr. Miller recognizes this and states, "I'm really proud of the Machine Tool Tech team; they really came together."  Whether it was a three-man race, pin the tail on Mr. Milnovich, or corn hole, in order to win, each team had to use communication skills, teamwork, and patience -- skills needed in every walk of life!

“It was really fun," laughed Daniel D, a member of the Welding team.  "I liked the 3 legged race a lot!”

Often finding himself laughing with the students, Mr. Goebel, Auto Tech instructor says that the games were “a fun, spirited competition!”  Each shop formed a team to compete against other shops.

“It was a great bonding experience!” recalls Stormy F, a member of the Electrical Occupations team. "It was just good, clean fun!"

With all the positive energy the games brought to the school this year there's no doubt the games will become a yearly end-of-the-year event!!  Congratulations, Peer Leaders!   Tristyn Gravatt stated, "Next year will be even better!  You can't control a little rain, but that didn't let us rain on our parade!"

Peer Leadership would like to extend its gratitude to the teachers, staff, and administration.  Thank you for your support this year, and all the years to come.

Thank You New Castle YMCA

When the folks at our local New Castle YMCA heard about the successes of LCCTC's Opening and Closing team at state competition, they decided that they could lend a hand in helping the team prepare for national competition in June.

You see -- the Y has a room of mirrors they use for various fitness classes such as yoga, body combat, Silver Sneakers, and more.  This room allows participants to watch themselves as to make sure they are completing the movements correctly.  This room was perfect for the team to do the same thing!  

Part of what the team needs to do is to move in a synchronized manner with natural gestures.  Being able to utilize the mirrors during practice was just what they needed to do just that!

Thank you, Michelle Swogger and New Castle YMCA!  We really appreciate all that you do for the community and for US!

For more information about the Y and a the multitude of programs they offer, please check out this link:  http://www.ncymca.org/about-us 

To learn more about SkillsUSA at LCCTC, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/search?q=Skillsusa&m=1  

Mrs. Kegel, We Love You! ~ by Gemma Gatto

The news floats around.  "Mr. Smith is absent!  We have a sub!!"  

In some school districts, this may mean another wasted day, but not in our school -- especially when the sub is Mrs. Kegel.  

Yes -- we will still do the work that our regular teacher assigns, but Mrs. Kegel will help us, with a smile, and by the end of the period, we'll be better because of it.  

We would like to congratulate Mrs. Kegel, Kelly Substitute Teacher of the Year, who, out of over 40,000 other substitute teachers over thirty-five states was selected as the National Winner.  For more information on the Kelly Substitute Teacher of the Year program, please click on this link:  http://www.kellyeducationalstaffing.us/US-KES/Employee-Perks/Substitute-Teacher-Recognition/

Mrs Kegel:  We hope that you are able to see YOUR "True Colors!"  And we hope that you know this:  "We love you!"

Follow these steps to view this presentation:

1. Turn on your sound.
2. Click on the bottom right corner of the video to make it full-screen.
3. Click on the cog and select 4s.  It will automatically play. 
4. Enjoy!  

2017-2018 Calendar

Last Updated:  Jan 11, 2017

Thank you, Samual Johnston COT senior, for converting the file for us!  

2nd Annual Jeri Palumbo 5K Run/Walk

Mrs. Discello, Mrs. Heasley, and Mrs. Cepro, along with the members of the Running Club and The Future is Mine Club, wish to express their sincere THANKS to the generous donation of t-shirt purchases, money, time, snacks, fruit and water made by the great staff here at LCCTC to help with the 2nd Jeri Palumbo 5K event. 

Congratulations to overall gold medalists, Dylan Janiel and Felicity Weir!

This year we were able to donate $400.00 to the scholarship fund established last year in honor of our dear Jeri Palumbo. Thank you again for all you do!!!!

Sometimes, Blood Isn't Thicker Than Water ~ by Kalley McClure

Last Christmas, I gave this to a very dear friend of mine whom I consider every bit as family as my mom is. Now, you’ve heard it said that blood is thicker than water, but what if I tell you that’s not always the case?

My mom has always had to play both roles of mother and father. She was a single parent who worked hard and loved her children, but she was away most nights due to work. I was fortunate to have family to step in when needed; my brother filled in to help watch me while Mom was at work.

While I am glad to say that my mom is amazing, recently having been able to become a full-time mother and grandmother, my mother doesn’t serve as my sounding block. I find myself sharing my teenage thoughts with others; it seems to save her from stress.  I know my mom tries hard, but I am doubly blessed to have people who were able to step into my life. They are still in my life today.  

In addition to my mother, I have others who share that role for me -- who brag about my report card to their coworkers, people who are making sure I’m taking care of myself  -- mentally and physically. I have people who I’d consider asking to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day, who makes dumb jokes and stupid puns, or is there to greet my date at the door and give them the “talk.”  I am blessed to have found a home away from home for me to escape to when the world is too loud, someone who takes me in as family, even if I’m not related by blood.  I have someone to teach me how to drive and how to cook, someone to turn to for advice or just to vent, and someone who wants me to be the best ME that I can be.  I find myself feeling welcomed and loved -- unconditionally.

For some, surrogate parents take the form of a stepdad or a stepmom; for others, it’s a sibling, but for me, it was a young couple who became that second family that I really needed.  

In whatever form, “Blood is thicker than water” is false.  Sometimes, it’s the life-giving water who can also provide that love and support, and I appreciate them.

In the end, family is made up of love -- you choose your family, it’s not written in your DNA.  For ALL of my parents, blood and water, I choose to take their best qualities with me into adulthood.  Finding these people does not mean I love my blood family any less, it’s just that I have allowed my definition of "family" to grow in more than one way.

Maybe water can be just as thick as blood?

“DNA doesn’t make a family; love does.” - The Fosters, Lena Adams-Foster

A Letter to You ~ by Gemma Gatto

I remember starting high school. Even though I no longer recognize the person I used to be. So here’s a letter to you, to the person who helped make me who I am today.

I see you, and I know what you’re thinking. At this moment in time, you're 14, sitting in class zoning out because you're over all of it. Tonight you have cheer leading practice; your squad is all sitting at lunch together, but there you are -- sitting with two of your friends wondering, "What am I doing differently?" You spend all your time trying to fit in, trying to be like these girls you force yourself to talk to.

At the games, we all look alike, we move alike, we sound alike, but we are not alike. There’s something wrong, you're failing your classes. You’re distracted all the time, and you're all-around-angry with everyone, and it’s not their fault. You sit in class and try not to talk. All of your teachers know you as your older sister’s "Mini-me,” yet you're nothing like your sister. The thought of being compared to her only upsets you more and more.
As the year goes on, school gets harder and harder, and I know you're only falling more and more behind. Then one day, you reached your final breaking point: ninth grade year second semester, fourth period Spanish class; this was the defining moment. Clearly, it was time to make a change. With tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat, you go to the second floor bathroom in the last stall and sit on the window ledge -- finally texting Mom with the words, "I can't do this anymore. I need to leave."

Your mind was made up; it was time. I know that at fourteen no one thought you knew what was best for you, but you knew what was best for you. Finally, after much discussion, Mom and Dad gave in and let you transfer schools for your sophomore year.

It’s now 826 days later, and a lot has happened over the past three years. Not to give anything away but...... you’re a completely different person. Your grades go to A's, and your smile has never faded. You made so many friends' you know the entire school and choose to find something good in every person. You have your two forever-friends who are the biggest blessings in your life. You’re going to fall in love, and it's gonna’ feel like your heart is on fire.

Listen, I know right now that life can be miserable, but you're just going to have to trust me with these things. Keep doing you girl, don’t be afraid to be you. Do what you want; love who you want. Please just be yourself because you’re going to love who you turn out to be. Finish out Freshman year strong. Say your goodbyes and get ready because you’re about to become who you were always meant to be. I know you might not believe this right now, but I love you.

                                                                              ~  Your Future Self

My Season to Bloom ~ Macheala Nail

In ninth grade, I felt lost; I was bullied, and I hated myself more than anyone could ever understand.  I knew I needed to make a change because it was making me miserable, and I’d never better myself by staying there. With that in mind, I decided to transfer to LCCTC to study Health Assistance; this stems from my desire to help people and, more importantly, to help children; LCCTC has granted me the ability to do so. I had my whole life ahead of me, I wished for a better life, and I got it.

9th Grade Macheala

Today, I am a senior in high school who has been accepted to BC3 for their nursing program and will begin my studies next fall.  I have worked hard and am still working hard to get where I am at in life.  I had doubts in the past where I wasn’t sure how I was going to accomplish what I wanted with my life or how my future would unfold.  While I felt lonely in ninth grade and for a while when I got to LCCTC, that soon changed; I now have a direct care staff, my amazing friends, and teachers.  Things got much better; I became stronger with the help of SkillsUSA, Peer Leadership, and my friends who make feel loved, appreciated, and accepted.  LCCTC became my home away from home, and, when I walk across the stage in June, I’m going to dearly miss the connections I’ve made.

Macheala, radient for her senior prom, posing with
her friend, Lacey Lopes

Striking our Heart Strings: Joey Koscianski Competes at States ~ by Kalley McClure

Joseph Koscianski is a fifteen year old Welding sophomore from the New Castle School District who has been bowling since the age of five and training since the age of six. For the last two years, Joey, as his friends call him, has been trying his best to better himself in bowling, and we celebrate him in this article!

His training over the years hasn’t been for nothing.  Joey has become an accomplished bowler; typically averaging one-hundred sixty, his top score he ever earned was a two-hundred twenty five and he once bowled seven strikes in a row! Recently, he competed in league tournaments; over the last seven months, Joseph won his bid to compete in a three-day state competition against twenty-seven others in his age group.

During this competition among the best of the best in the state, Joey scored a four-hundred twenty-seven. Though he placed sixteenth place in his division, he says, “I accept failure, everyone fails at some point in their life, but I don’t accept not trying. I will train hard this coming year, and will do better next year.” His positive attitude rolls a strike in our hearts!

Joey -- you're a winner in our eyes! Keep up the great work!

From Our View: Chapter Display Brings Home a Silver! ~ Trevor Cunningham and Noah Skelly

To showcase these three Ellwood City natives, our LCCTC Eagle staff asked Trevor Cunningham, Stormy Fiello, and Noah Skelly to reflect upon their experience at SkillsUSA State Competition in Hershey on April 19 - 23, 2017. For your reading enjoyment:

The state competition for SkillsUSA was way bigger than we could have ever anticipated. Not only did we grow as a group in the long process of building the chapter display, but during our time in Hershey, PA, not only did we grow as a group, we grew as a family as well.

Noah and Stormy look over the scope

At first, we had no idea what SkillsUSA was -- I only knew that the students who had gone in the past had a fun time and that it was an exciting experience. So when we were asked if we wanted to go to states, how could we turn it down when we had heard nothing but good things about it?

Mr. Montini, Trevor, and Stormy begin to assemble

As a group, we were all over the place at first -- not really knowing what to do, but we pulled through, improved as a unit, and learned skills helpful to each of us.

The excitement we felt getting on the bus to go to states is one that flips our stomachs and makes our palms sweaty.  It was a long ride there, but when we saw the amazing atmosphere and the attire of the advisors and presenters, it was just jaw dropping; there was a sea of red jacketed people -- all representing SkillsUSA.  

Noah and Trevor work to cut the metal

As we came together with our advisors at the start of the project, we learned more about SkillsUSA. We came to understand what our competition was all about -- how SkillsUSA and our school work together.   As we constructed the display, we needed to show how SkillsUSA helps its members and the purpose this year was, “Preparing America's Skilled Workforce,” and the display did exactly that.  The process of creating this display helped us grow as workers a team and individuals.  Because of SkillsUSA and chapter display, we are better people, and next year, we plan to use the skills that we gained this year to propel us forward as a team, to take home the gold, and to better ourselves and our team.  At the end of it all, that is what the chapter display is all about.  When we finished our project, we knew we nailed it; we proudly brought home a silver medal!  

A lot of people may think, “There is so much work involved.  Why would you do it?”

Well let us tell you -- when you put forth effort, it will pay off no matter what it is in life. Yes -- this particular event was a lot of work, but the work was fun because we had each other.  After all that work was done, we got to go to a place so large that it seemed like a city within a city, the people were friendly, the food was great, and the atmosphere was wonderful.   I couldn't have expected anything more of men and women who set up and run SkillsUSA.  They do a wonderful job and deserve nothing more but to be recognized for what they do.  

All assembled and ready for judging!

We’re excited to return next year, and with what we now know, we’re excited to bring home another medal, but this time, a medal with a different color -- maybe something more golden this time!

Our Golden Boy ~ by Felicity Weir

“Defeat is the secret ingredient to success.” That quote is what gave our very own Matthew Fuller the drive to place first at the NAGA North American Grappling Association World’s Tournament, the largest of the NAGA events, held in Morristown, NJ.

Training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since he was four years old, Matthew has participated in seven NAGA tournaments. However, this was his first time at World’s. 

When asked what he did differently this time to get there, he said he trained harder. He felt ready and prepared more than ever. Going into the tournament, Fuller says he wasn’t nervous at all. He commended his coaches as he said, “I knew I had a good shot at winning. I had two things no one else there had -- Mike Demko and Dan Farrell.”  He continued, "They train their kids like no one else. The training is so extensive. Our part is to want it bad and to put the effort in to get it.”

Fuller’s advice for kids competing next year is to give it their all, train hard, and to not let their defeats get them down. He knows that through defeat, he has learned where to improve in order to wind up on top.

Now knowing what it takes to achieve gold, Matthew plans to dedicate his time to training harder than ever before, and using his newfound experience to hold his title again next year.

What Was States Like for Me? ~ by Felicity Weir

What was the SkillsUSA State Competition like for me? Well, as I was sitting at the closing ceremony, squeezing a fellow teammate’s hand as tightly as a I could, I learned what it felt like to be without air. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, every vision blurred, every sound distorted.

When they started to announce our section, my heart rate made the situation real.

“Opening and Closing first place (followed by an excruciatingly long pause) ... Lawrence County CTC !” We jumped out of our seats, time resumed, and all I could see was gold. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so big in my entire life.

I was, and still am, so proud of our team. However, I am just as proud of our competitors. Although we are going to Nationals, our team knows just how close our scores might’ve been. The other teams worked just as hard as we did.

Yet, there was more to States than just a medal. Hershey brought us together. I have never felt so close to my peers before. We learned what each other looked like in the morning, how we liked our coffees, and had such an amazing time together.

My absolute favorite part about this trip was when we were all sitting in the hall, laughing, talking, eating pizza, playing card games, etc. My second favorite part was getting a chance to befriend another Opening and Closing team. Right after competing, a few of our members got a chance to sit down and have coffee with another team. We got to know each other as individuals who share the same passion and ambitions.

So, what did this trip mean to me? That question can be answered with one single word - unity.

Thankfully, this story isn’t over, and our next chapter, preparing for National Competition, is just beginning.

Gamer's Review: Just Dance ~ by Rachel Black

If you ever feel like popping and locking it, but don’t necessarily want to embarrass yourself in public -- Just Dance is your game! The game is made for people without rhythm, so it’ll be okay if you mess up, fall, or just all around can't dance. This is a great party game, laughs and giggles are included. Just Dance is out on many consoles including the Wii, XBox, and Playstation 4; anyone on any type of console can play!

Dancing is a blast and all, but what really sells this game is when you're playing with all of your friends; an amazing song comes on and everyone begins to sing and dance. That moment is when you realize how amazing life can be -- when you're dancing through it with friends and family.

There is a huge variety of music you can dance to -- from the classics, to rock and roll, and to today's pop music; it’s likely you will never get bored. The fascinating add-on for this is the game is actually mobile friendly. So no worries, if you have a phone or an ipad… Just Dance!

Spring Blood Drive

From Mr. Vince Pavia and Valerie O'Donnell, Health Assistant Instructors: 

We are very happy to announce that the students, staff, and friends here at LCCTC have processed 85 donors at the blood drive last Tuesday May 2^nd, our third blood drive of the year. With that many donors processed, this blood drive alone had the opportunity to influence approx. 255 individuals. 

Many of our students donated “Plasma” which is severely needed at this time in many of the UPMC facilities. According the staff at CBB (Central Blood Bank), this plasma is used on patients that are receiving chemotherapy for the next 10 days.

Because of the generosity and commitment from our school, LCCTC continues to be a key factor in helping people in many capacities in hospitals in our area. 

We had numerous compliments from the CBB staff on how well our students acted both in the pre-questionnaire and donation phases of the blood drive. With a school of our size of approx. 420 students plus staff, we continue to lead in the number of donations that even many of the larger schools provide. It goes to show how well-committed our students are (or how well they want to get out of class J ).  Whatever the motivational factor is, LCCTC is making a difference in people’s lives who are at their worst times.

Our combined blood drive units collected in the 2016-2017 school year is approx. 255 units, which will impact approx. 765 patients in need!

GREAT JOB LCCTC!!!!!!!

Why I Chose LCCTC? ~ Rachel Black

Why did the Class of 2019 choose LCCTC?  Why did so many left their comfortable bubble to a situation where their comfort zone was pushed to the boundaries, and why they chose the shop they did?

Sierra Knight, a sophomore from Cosmetology explained that she wanted a new beginning and thought LCCTC would be a great experience. The reason she chose cosmetology was this:  “As a kid, I would do hair and nails.  My shop perfectly fits my interests and my personality!”

Tabytha McConahy, another sophomore who is in commercial arts stated that she left her old school because she is really into art, so she felt like commercial art would be a perfect fit. Tabytha had comments, “I had been drawing since I was a little kid. It had always been something I could turn to when the world around me was burning down.”  Not only is she able to develop her artistic abilities; she has also found a sense of purpose and a tight-night group of friends who appreciate her for who she is.

"I chose LCCTC to better myself," considers Dayuna Reitenauer. "I wasn't doing to well in my home school;  I got into a lot of drama, people bullying, and I was sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time. I knew that it was time for a new start. Coming to LCCTC changed me for the better; I feel much brighter, I'm learning a lot, and I am much more determined to succeed."

Ireland Mattocks said that once she left her home school, she was now able to relate to many people here at LCCTC. Ireland originally had chosen Computer Office Technology because she was really  good with computers, but she discovered that it wasn’t her passion; she then transferred to Cosmetology, which has been a perfect fit for her. "It feels great getting to learn something new and important every day!"

As my final interview I figured I would explain as to why I came to LCCTC. I wanted a new beginning from my old school. I wanted a place to fit in at and this seemed like the perfect place. I went into Computer and Office Technology so I could learn basic computer skills.

All who were interviewed said they wanted some sort of new beginning. This school is an opportunity to start a new, a fresh start, a reason to become a new person. That is exactly what our LCCTC sophomores did by coming here; they accepted that chance at a new beginning.