Hershey Bound! ~ Chris Ward

District 10 Gold Medalists from LCCTC
"We're going to Hershey!"

Time is quickly approaching!  Our SkillsUSA state competitors are getting ready to show their best work.  On April 18th, a bus full of LCCTC students and their advisers will travel to Hershey, PA for a three-day-whirlwind of competitions, great food, and a whole lot of fun!

LCCTC sends good luck wishes to the following SkillsUSA District 10 gold medalists and state competitors:

LCCTC's District 10 Gold Medalists:

• Jason Ealy - Automotive Service Technology
• Trevor Cunningham - CNC Technician
• Noah Skelley - Electrical Construction Wiring
• Candace Hammond - Employment Application Process
• Shelby Leasure - First Aid/CPR
• Skylar Schultz - Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
• Calvin Lample - Masonry
• Kaitlyn Heeter - Nurse Assisting
• Dayuna Ware, Krista Berkley, Felicity Weir, Trenton Yale, Jaden Locke, Tristyn Gravatt, and Tabatha Zang - Opening and Closing Ceremonies
• Carlee Stoner - Technical Computer Applications

SkillsUSA State Competitors of LCCTC:

• Blu Bartle - Promotional Bulletin Board
• Makenna Braniff - Promotional Bulletin Board
• Wyatt Butler - Welding Fabrication
• Aaron Dilling - Welding Fabrication
• Devin Dilling - Welding Sculpture
• Stormy Fiello - Chapter Display
• Noah James - Industrial Motor Control
• Haliegh Lee - Promotional Bulletin Board
• Cody Marks - Chapter Display
• Nick Neupauer - Chapter Display
• Jacob Ponziani - Welding Fabrication
• Shay Stanley - Promotional Bulletin Board

Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game 2018

Mr. Orelli starts the game!

The play gets intense!

One of Haileigh's expert serves!  Better duck, staff!

Gathering points, Trenton!

Keeping the ball in play!

Intense play!

Though the students fought hard, the staff, once again, prevailed.  Great game!

Rise Presentations: March 8, 2018 Compiled by Kaitlyn Heeter & Shelby Leasure

We would like to thank the following post-secondary schools and career institutions who presented during our RISE program on March 8th:

• Carpenter's Apprenticeship Training
• Art Institute of Pittsburgh
• New Castle School of Trades
• United States Navy
• Lawrence County EMS
• Pittsburgh Technical College
• UPMC Jameson Nursing
• Slippery Rock University
• Butler County Community College
• Laurel Technical Institute

Name: Scott Burgin
Grade 10
Shop: RT
Home School: New Castle

The speakers coming to LCCTC showed me that I have many options upon graduation. I learned that college is worth attending, and that having a post secondary education is important. Because I have a few years until I graduate, I have time to consider my future path.







Name: Cassie Brown
Grade: 11
Shop: Cosmetology
Home School:  Union

I enjoyed the experience of learning about schools because it gave me more of an outlook on my career, and it also gave me more information on options for my future. When I graduate, I anticipate to go into the welding field and would like to pursue underwater welding. I’d also like to work part-time in a salon as a cosmetologist.






Name: Lauren Robison
Grade: 11
Shop: Vet Assistant
Home School: Mohawk

Since the post secondary schools came to LCCTC, I learned what opportunities there are and what colleges I could potentially attend. I also learned that many students change their majors in their first year at college. After graduation, I’m planning on going for my vet assistant certification.






Name: Brandon Bright
Grade: 10
Shop: HA
Home School: Mohawk

I enjoyed hearing the speakers talk about the field I am interested in. It was neat to hear about the opportunities for employment in the area. Our speaker from the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing explained all of the tasks nurses do to impact someone else’s life. Another session I enjoyed was the EMS speaker. I especially enjoyed learning about becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I was intrigued while learning the different situations that occur on an ambulance. I learned about different degrees that I could earn and how long it takes to complete a nursing program. After I graduate, I anticipate to attend BC3 for their RN program. Then, I hope to work in an emergency room with trauma patients. I would also like to look into becoming a flight transport nurse and attend live accidents.





Name: Kyle Michels
Grade: 11
Shop: Machine Tool Tech
Home School: Ellwood

From listening to the speakers who made their appearance at LCCTC, I had the chance to learn about different branches of the military. It opened my eyes to the many experiences I can encounter. After graduation, I intend on joining the Navy or Airforce.





Name: Wyatt Butler
Grade: 11
Shop: Welding
Home School: Lincoln Park High School

From this experience, I enjoyed listening and hearing about the opportunities that I can endure after graduation. I also enjoyed that the speakers informed us about school and life after graduation. I intend to take my steamfitters test and starting a five year apprenticeship upon graduation.





Name: Kelli Heeter
Grade: 10
Shop: Cosmetology
Home School: Mohawk

I particularly enjoyed this experience because it gave me information on different choices of schools after graduation. I also learned about the New Castle School of Trades, a potential selection upon graduating. After graduation, I plan to attend a trade school.





Name: Steve Akins
Grade: 10
Shop: Electrical Occupations
Home School: Laurel

I enjoyed the opportunity to listen to speakers talk about different college opportunities. I had the chance to learn about many schools and their programs. After graduation, I plan to go to the Ellwood City Forge to work as a maintenance electrician




Name: Kyleigh Johnson
Grade: 12
Shop: Vet Assistant
Home School: New Castle

I enjoyed the speakers that came to LCCTC because I had the chance to become informed about schools like the New Castle School of Trades. I learned about different trades and careers that I could pursue. After graduation, I plan on attending the Veterinarian Technical Institute for vet technician.






Name: Devin Dittmer
Grade: 11
Shop: Auto Tech
Home School: Laurel

I enjoyed this experience because it gave me a bigger outlook, and showed me the opportunities for colleges. I learned about the different programs I could attend at many different colleges. After graduating, I intend to become an automotive technician






Name: Makenna Braniff
Grade:12
Shop: COT
Home School: Neshannock

Having the chance to listen to a speaker about colleges and trade schools gave me the opportunity to learn more about colleges. It helped me think about my future. I learned that the Art Institute of Pittsburgh is more than it seems to be. Although I had intentions of attending Pittsburgh Technical College in the fall, this has given me a new outlook on other schools.






Name: Devin Dilling
Grade: 11
Shop: Welding
Home: School: Mohawk

I enjoyed this experience because it expanded my horizons and made me think about what I want to do after high school. I learned a lot from the speakers, including how New Castle School of Trades is adding more time to their welding classes. I also learned that I can now take night classes while attending the school. Lastly, I learned that the Navy is more complicated than I first imagined, and deployment is only a 6 month interval. After graduation, I am considering going into the Steamfitters 6 year program.





Name: Jaden Locke
Grade: 11
Shop:COT
Home School: Ellwood

I enjoyed the experience of having speakers come to LCCTC because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about the post secondary school I would like to attend. I learned that the Pittsburgh Technical College has many benefits, including how close to home it’s located! After graduation, I plan to study and pursue a career in video production





Name: Danielle McKinstry
Grade: 10
Shop: Health Assistant
Home School: Mohawk

The speakers that came to our school taught me many things about the many schools in the area. I learned about the hundreds of programs that schools have to offer. After graduation, I want to become a physical therapist, or pursue a career in nursing.





Name: Jacob Vogel
Grade: 12
Shop: Construction Trades
Home School: Wilmington

I enjoyed visiting the guest speakers that came to our school because I got to learn about the different opportunities that I can experience outside of high school. I learned information on a potential school I could attend, the New Castle School of Trades. After graduation, I plan to go into the Carpenter’s Union.

Show a Little Kindness: Keaira's Memorial Fund by Madison Ritter

I am very pleased to have been a part of something so moving and inspirational, not only to me, but to others around me as well. When I heard about the Keaira Fund, as part of the Kindness Club, I didn’t hesitate for a minute to help.



“Keaira’s Fund” was created for Keaira Cunningham, who was tragically lost to suicide. Spearheaded by our local Kindness Club and advised by Ms. Young, a ‘’dress down day’’ was created on Friday, March 9 to gather money to help defray the cost of Keaira’s headstone and to bring awareness to the prevention of Teen Suicide.

On this day, students were permitted to wear sweatpants and/or a hat for one dollar each. Many students purchased yellow ribbon tags for themselves and for others! Along with participating in the dress down, many also gave extra donations, as well. All who wore these slips did so with the greatest intent to show we can all make a positive change. As we distributed the tags, students in the Kindness Club worked to make it known that each student was kindly there to support their fellow classmates, to help in any way they could. Overall, the big picture was to raise money for a great cause, and the Kindness Club did just that and more.

Teen Suicide is an issue that affects the entire globe. According to americanspcc.org, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 10-24. Our Kindness Club advisor and club members care very much about making sure all we know are cherished and appreciated. We dedicated ourselves to try to make even the smallest difference in the lives of others.

Being in this club taught me so many valuable lessons -- most of all, it’s taught me that we need to show kindness in this world. We all have experienced the great rewards from helping others, and the feeling we get when we help someone is a remarkable, overwhelming sense of joy, happiness, and wholesomeness -- especially with this last project we recently completed.

At the end of the day, we gathered $400.00 in donations. This is an incredible amount for us to collect, and it is a testament to the generosity of our school. The donations completely exceeded our expectations, and showed us how much of a difference we can make in someone's life.

Keaira’s family was very thankful that we were able to contribute toward the fund, personally thanking us “for the generosity.” They also appreciated how much of a big push for ‘’Teen Suicide Prevention’’ LCCTC provided.

Keaira’s family asks that we continue to urge others to spread kindness to each other in the hopes to find that all know there is a friend in everyone. Although we completed the project to bring a little light to a world sometimes filled with darkness, we are forever dedicated to furthering our work in raising awareness and making a change for Keaira, her family, and the world around us.

Daffodil Day ~ Emily Granata

The Daffodil serves as a symbol of hope for cancer patients that a cure will be found. This year, the American Cancer Society will bring these symbols of hope back through, with the Daffodil Days campaign. What better way to put a smile on the face of someone you care for and at the same time put hope in the hearts of cancer patients?

As prepare to welcome in spring, the season brings thoughts of hope, and life, and flowers. With this in mind, the American Cancer Society gives us a chance to support cancer patients in their battle to fight this disease. Starting back in the 1970’s, the Society started began the campaign, Daffodil Days, where people could donate money to send daffodils to cancer patients across the country. Almost 50 years later, the Cancer Society continues this fight.

As you see these daffodils delivered to staff and students alike, think about what their sunny yellow faces symbolize. Remember the hope that tomorrow CAN be a reality for those with cancer.

 

COT Team is Headed toward Success! ~ Maggie Richards & Suzanne Bowser

“I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.” -Isaac Asimov

The Computer Office Technology (COT) shop of LCCTC is sending four students to the SkillsUSA state competition. All four seniors attending this year will include Carlee Stoner, Makenna Braniff, Shay Stanley, and Blu Bartle.

Carlee Stoner’s experience with computing goes way back to the age of 5. Using technology became a second nature to her. “I only felt right to further my skills in a trade that I knew would be part of my future career. I want to make an impact no matter where I go,” Carlee Stoner states. Over the past three years, she has earned several certifications in the Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Access. Additional certifications include IC3 and Adobe Photoshop.

This year, in district competition, Carlee placed 1st in Technical Computer Application; rightfully so, she feels very confident in her work for skills and knows what she is doing. She is determined to do her best in states and is preparing by going over every aspect that will be involved in her part of competition. In particular, she wants to go over computer hardware.

Although she is in computer office technology, Carlee is looking closely at Robert Morris for pre-law and is also looking at Pitt for Library Sciences. Her largest motivator is keep pushing myself forward for so she can be able to financially help her mother while still being able to travel. She gushes, “I am so excited to learn more about different cultures.”

Makenna Braniff, also a senior COT student, is well-known around the school for her advanced skills with Photoshop and Graphic Design. She designed the 2016-2017 yearbook cover which has been used in LCCTC’s chapter of SkillsUSA; she also made several different dance tickets including 2016 and 2017 Holiday Dance and 2017 Prom tickets, as well.

Makenna has certifications in IC3, GS5 (3 part test) Photoshop CS6, Photoshop CC, Powerpoint 2016/2010, Word 2016, and Soft Skills. She will attend Pittsburgh Technical College for her associates in graphic design. Her biggest motiviater is “To make a difference where I can; I want to make sure I leave a positive footprint in the world in some way.”

She is proud of LCCTC and feels that being a part of the Promotional Bulletin Board team can help her bring attention to SkillsUSA at LCCTC. Makenna feels rather confident with her skills but is touching base on them to help her team prepare; she was excited to be able to share a bit of artistic ability by working with the photography for the project.

When she graduates, Makenna will certainly make a bang in her future career. She is ready to be part of the workforce and has an interview with Pyrotecnico, a special FX company, She is very excited to see where this career choice is going to take her.

Shay Stanley selected COT as her shop because she has always loved computers; LCCTC gives her a chance to go further in-depth for learning about them. She has already earned certifications in IC3, Soft Skills, Microsoft Powerpoint, and HTML. In the fall, Shay will attend Westminster College for Computer Sciences and Graphic Design.

A member of the Neshannock High School Band, Shay understands the importance of team work. As a second member of the Promotional Bulletin Board team, Shay has been working hard to utilize the skills learned in COT to be sure her project is the best it can be.

Shay plans to eventually become an Animator much like Walt Disney was. “What motivates me the most,” Shay smiles, “is watching all of my stories come to life as I practice my animation skills.” Shay is excited to see where the world of technology will take her in life and is very happy to say that LCCTC has made this an easier path for her.

UPDATE: Because of an unfortunate injury, Shay will not be able to go to states with her team, but as a true team member, she continues to assist her team in the project. We look forward to seeing her many accomplishments as she continues to work toward earning more certifications in COT.

Blu Bartle chose COT as his shop because, as he quoted, “I grew up with computers around me throughout my childhood, my grandfather was a programmer, and my grandmother was an accountant. So we have always had computers.” As a child and even still today, it had always peaked his interest.

To date, Blu has earned certifications in IC3 and Microsoft PowerPoint, but is currently working hard on Word and Access, Photoshop CS6, and a continuation of IC3. As the final member of the Promotional Bulletin Board Team, Blu will apply his knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Design programs. He is fairly confident in his skills and works with his team and through independent study to make LCCTC proud. “I am very good with theory, and I am also very creative.” Coupled with Makenna’s artistic eye and Shay’s enthusiastic energy, this team will be sure to make us proud!

Being so committed to their work, all four students are sure to place well in the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Conference in Hershey in April. Even though confident with what they will be doing for the competition, they all plan to continue sharpening their skills. Good luck to LCCTC’s Computer Office Technology students!

Rev Up!: Automotive Technician ~ by Kyleigh Johnston

In a vocational school, there are different shops offering a great variety of possible careers. Whether helping animals, working with oil and gas, or fixing cars, these young adults are amazing at what they do. In Auto Tech, the daily routine for working with the cars might include brake work, suspension work, motor work, or oil/ fluid changes and much, much more! AT students all work hard and are dedicated in what they do, but they DO have fun while they work.  Why?  Because they work in a field that interests them and they work alongside people they can now call friends.

"You can't be afraid to get a little dirty," Christian
says, "...when you're making good money!" 

Auto Tech began working on students and teachers’ cars as a boost to help with money and let the kids be able to work with new and different types of cars. Under the skilled, watchful eye of their instructor, Mr. John Goebel, students who work with these different types of cars, old or new, can encounter many different experiences like standard and automatic transmissions; With front, back, and all-wheel drive; and a lot more. 

Sometimes, it takes teamwork to inspect a problem. These
AT students have no problem working together!

As for working with the teachers and students’ cars, the students in Auto Technology know how important It is to make sure engines run right and everything is repaired and good to go. They generously give their time and hard work into making sure they find the problem, fix it, and make sure the car runs safely. 

Devin Dittmer really enjoys Auto Technology; because of the skills he has learned in shop, he is even able to work for McElwain’s in Ellwood City. He explains, “I am pleased to pursue my dream in Auto Technology. It’s hands-on and we get to work on live vehicles.” Dittmer is looking forward to working with McElwain's this summer; they're actually sending him to become GM Certified, and if all goes well, Dittmer, who has recently passed all of his Keystone tests, will be working in their garage on full-time co-op in the fall.

Devin gets the job done!

Others like Nathan Vidovich claim, “I wanted to learn auto mechanics. Being in this shop, I can learn hands on and make a career out of doing something I love.”

"We work on anything with an engine!"

Auto Tech is an amazing program. They do so much for the LCCTC community helping our teachers and peers when they need expert automotive assistance. The students and Mr. Goebel put time and dedication into making sure the cars they are correctly and safely repaired. 

This is a great shop and has a lot of great future mechanics in it.

"Diddy", "Christmas", and Ealy work hard to make it right.

Celebrating Women in Industry ~ Heather Jewell

Being able to have whatever job you want is important. Knowing that everyone is entitled to their right and what they want to do in their future means that no one is left out. The Women in Industry is an organization where women have uncommon jobs and are “breaking stereotypes of men workers,” states Kenna Curtis, who attended the function.

In addition to Kenna, six others traveled to these presentations on what it’s like to work in the industry as a women. Lexis Felasco, Emily Miller, Bailey Eaton, Kenna Curtis, Devin Dilling, Jamie Dillinger, and Kiasia Gilmore were able to open their minds and allow themselves the opportunity to discover careers as non-traditional students. “The women in the industry field trip was was an enlightening experience,” claims Devin Dilling. “I now know more about the trades women don’t usually go into, and it helps me see there there is plenty of opportunity for people like me.”

The speakers were inspiring to these young women. For example, Curtis remembers, “A woman who works as a mechanic had a great attitude about her job; it seemed easy for her to relay this passion to others.” Listening to the presentations helped instill the message that the future plans for our young women at LCCTC is a worthy pursuit.

There were some demonstrations that emphasized a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM ) concepts, as well. Curtis explains, “They took a piece of PVC pipe, placed a ping pong ball in it, took pressure out and put pressure back in through a poked hole in the tube. The ping pong ball shot out because of the amount of pressure released back into the pipe.”

These presentations demonstrate to the audience the importance STEM careers. “It really helps me understand the importance of doing well in my math and science classes as I study welding,” claims Dilling. “I can see how the lessons I learn can be used later in life!”

All in all, meeting the presenters can helped the ladies of LCCTC see that they can create a future where they want to stand out in their chosen careers. These role models were proof that women can do just as good as men can in whatever trade or job they choose.