Thursday, October 6, 2016

Flight 93 Field Trip

It was a sunny day.  There was barely a cloud in the bright blue sky.  It was a day that will forever be remembered; a day that should never be forgotten.  It was September 11, 2001.  

When people speak of 9/11, many think of the tragedy in the twin towers in New York City; some may remember those who lost their lives at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; however, we felt the sting of that day quite close to home here in Pennsylvania in a peaceful field just a little over two hours away from where we live. On that same day, 40 passengers and crew lost their lives when they bravely fought back to take control of the plane, thus thwarting a loss of life at the U.S. Capital similar to the attacks at the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon.  


For current students, their memory only exists in yearly anniversary specials on the History Channel,  in classroom discussions in American History, or from stories shared by grownups, but for a busload filled with LCCTC students, the history of 9/11 became so much more.  


As these students traveled to Shanksville, PA, about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh, they reflected on the lessons delivered by their English teacher, Mrs. Gettings.  


Here are the reflections from our 40 LCCTC Students and their teachers:

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It has been my dream to share the Flight 93 Memorial with our LCCTC students. To witness their display of respectfulness at the Flight 93 Memorial took my breath away! Thinking of the heroes who sacrificed their lives to save thousands of others brings me to tears.

May they rest in peace and glory.~ Mrs. Julie Gettings
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Flight 93 Memorial was very nice and respectful. 9/11 was a horrible day and the memorial was a great way to explain it. Never Forget! God Bless. ~Kaelyn Blakley 

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The memorial made me cry, rest in peace.~ Kayla Grannis 

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The Flight 93 Memorial trip was emotional. I was in awe over watching our students engaged in the exhibits at the Visitor's Center. I am appreciative of the opportunity that was provided to our young men and women. ~ Ms. Renea Young
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Flight 93 was very interesting. We were able to remember those we lost and those we love. May they rest in peace and may we never forget all our heroes. ~Ciera P. 

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Flight 93 was nice and sad at some parts. I hope to go home and share all the pictures with my friends and family. ~Harlee L. 

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Flight 93 was very sad, it was like I was there. When I listened to the phone calls, I felt very sorry for the crew and passengers. God Bless them. ~Brittany Bove 

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Flight 93 was beautiful, and I feel really sad for the victims who lost their loved ones that day. God Bless. ~Mindy Michaels 

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I was sad. ~Audrey Gallentine 

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It was a good experience. It was sad, but I am thankful I went. ~India Cunnigham 

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The visitor's Center and Memorial was amazing, very breathtaking, and emotional. God Bless those 40 brave passengers. ~Cassie Evans 

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Flight 93 was a great experience. I enjoyed it, and it was very emotional. I almost cried a few times. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. I respect the brave people who gave their lives that day very much. ~Chera Dudash 

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The Flight 93 Memorial was really nice. I loved it. This was the first time I visited this memorial. When I heard the phone calls, I almost wanted to cry because they were very touching. ~Tatum Lordi 

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Flight 93 was really nice. I loved the pictures and I watched the video. I took pictures myself and had a great time. ~Crystal Holmes

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Flight 93 was really nice. Hearing those phone calls made me cry, and the same with seeing the pictures. ~Tiffany Hoon 

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Flight 93 was great! I loved how they got the voices and what they were saying. ~Casity Robson 

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Flight 93 was a great place and was very interesting. There were a lot of things found from the people on the plane. ~Cameron Trott 

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Flight 93 was awesome. They had a nice set up of everything that happened. ~Alexis Cummins 

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Flight 93 was very important to me, going there made me realize a lot. Thank you Mrs. Gettings, this was an honor to go and enjoy. ~Sierria Jones 

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Flight 93 was a great experience for me. People sacrificed their lives just to stop the terrorist from killing thousands of people. This was trip was a great honor to attend. ~Alyssa Graham 

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Flight 93 was nice and respectful. ~Grace Patrick 

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Flight 93 was sad. ~Waddell Vogan 

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Flight 93 was very sad, but nice at the same time. ~Tyler Mellott 

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Flight 93 was sad. ~Jake Brown 

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Flight 93 was sad and was a nice memorial. ~Matt Fuller 

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Flight 93 was a sad day because people lost their lives. ~ Ed Barr 

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Flight 93 was a great place to learn and visit the memorial. ~Doug Haag 

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Flight 93 was sad. ~Scott Burkes

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Flight 93 was a good and a new experience that I had. ~David Kane 

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I thought it was very cool, but also sad. Rest in peace Flight 93. ~Corey Gumpp

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It was really sad listening on the phones. It was the last time anyone heard from the brave men and women from Flight 93, and I I felt like I was there. ~David Weston. 

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I thought it was very cool, and thank you for your service. ~ Robert Kelly 

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I liked the wall with all the names. I have been there 5 times to see it. ~Miguel Miller

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My experience was one of the very best in a long time. ~Mark Seamans 

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I will remember the heroes who did this to save others. Amen. ~Nathan Kreible 

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I was interesting. ~Travis Kelly

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It was cool, I liked it a lot. ~Joey Gasser 

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It was a very interesting and exciting experience. Hopefully their spirits are okay.~Shawn Callahan 

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I thought the Flight 93 Memorial was a good experience for the 5th time. ~Christian Jackson 

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It was very sad hearing the voice messages.~ Thomas Gennock 

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Flight 93 heroes saved many people (Washington D. C.). It was sad to see the things saved from the wreckage. ~Aaron Shelok 

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The Flight 93 Memorial was overwhelming in many ways. Seeing the photos of the passengers as well as the videos of news broadcasts from September 11th took me back to that day in my memory. The shock, the fear, the tragedy of it all is burned into my mind forever. Amidst all of those feelings is the awe of knowing that those forty heroes of Flight 93 were so incredibly brave and ultimately saved hundreds of lives. True American Heroes… May they never be forgotten. ~ Mrs. Melissa Lyons 

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The Flight 93 Memorial Field Trip was an opportunity I am thankful for and an experience I will never forget. I really enjoyed seeing all of the artifacts on display and hearing the personal stories that were incorporated into the memorial. What a perfect way to remember those 40 passengers who sacrificed their lives for others on September 11, 2001. ~Miss DeSimone

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Earning Certifications ~ by Damian Quimby

Jake Troutman, COT Senior, works toward yet another certification
Have you ever wondered what a student in the Computer and Technology does to earn his or her certifications? Well -- here is your answer:  

What is the benefit?  The price for the tests are significantly lower than what you would pay for at college. COT students only pay $25 dollars every year



What are other benefits?  A college student would spend hundreds of dollars to take these tests every time he or she takes it.  At LCCTC, students can take the test as many times as they want -- as long as those students are taking the tests seriously.   They are strongly encouraged to make good use of this opportunity the school gives.

It is easy to see that COT students are afforded a wonderful opportunity to learn their content, take the tests, and earn certifications that make them even more employable.  

Are YOU ready to take the challenge?



Prepping for Face Off

Students in Cosmetology have been working on masks based off of the show Faceoff and from the Esthetics competition in SkillsUSA. Though this year’s SkillsUSA theme is: “Flora and / or Fauna” to utilize nature based concepts of animal or plant life or a combination, LCCTC students have their own way of approaching the competition in order to make their learning fun.  This year, they are creating masks inspired by their favorite films. 
In addition to making a mask, they had to research the creature of their choice to make their masks. 

Fantasy makeup is the special effects of horror movies that we see almost every day in this generation.  

The students spend their time and effort to make these masks, and, at the close of the competition, different shops will vote on the winners based on skill level and appearance.  

This is a chance for the students to practice their makeup skills before entering real world work. 

Often, this project becomes more than just a lot of fun; students must create a design, solve problems through critical thinking, and communicate as they help each other – just like in the workplace.  Their creativity has a real chance to shine in a project like this, and this crew makes every attempt push themselves to do their very best work each and every year.

Rebekah Shoaf (junior) "We got to pick what we wanted to do our masks on; I did mine based on The Purge.  It was a lot of fun to work on my masks; this is my second time making one." 

After studying Greek Mythology, Marie Behr decided to create her mask from Medusa, a monster with serpents for hair and who had the power to turn people to stone with just one look.  “I’d really like to compete in SkillsUSA, and I believe I can show a few of my talents in this project.”

Breaking Glass Ceilings ~ Gemma Gatto

Being in a male-dominated shop is not easy; sometimes, females are often underestimated as they are surrounded by their male counterparts. However, over the years, these young women of LCCTC have developed a thick enough skin to cope with the diversity and are ready to enter the world of work. Likewise, being a male in a shop typically studied by females has its own challenges. Though sometimes teased for their career choice, these young men have much to offer, and their insight brings a lot of unexpected diversity to the workplace.

What are the benefits of persuing a career in a non-traditional field? If you are like Madelyn Foster, Carpentry junior, you might answer that question with this: "I used to work like this with my dad!"

Stormy Fiello, Electrical occupations sophomore agrees. "I saw my dad wire houses before, and ever since then I was always interested in it. I'm good at math and like to draw. My mom and dad said I should use what I am good at for me future and always pushed harder in those areas. The suggested that if I was interested in the electrical field.  As my EO Mr. Montini always says, 'Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life'!."  

Stormy also figures that it may also be an advantage to getting a job as an electrician.  "Because I'm a female, and, even though it may not seem fair, it may help me land a good job faster than the males in this field."  In a NPR.org article, "Could It Be? Researchers Find A Hiring Bias That Favors Women," experts agree; women are now being more readily considered for STEM jobs on a scale of 2:1.

What is required from students who select a career outside of the norm? "Hard work is required of all students. It doesn't matter if you are a girl or a guy," notes Lexis Loveless, Auto Tech Junior. "We can just do as much as the next guy.".

For others, they need to be strong enough to handle the job; Madelyn is not afraid of a little hard work. She considers the challenges of her chosen field: "Though I feel that I'm learning a lot and can be as good as the next guy, I must admit that carrying shingles up a ladder."

What is it like working in your chosen shop? Devin Dilling puts a spark in her work as she studies Welding adds that "it doesn't feel any different than working with a bunch of chicks." Devin shows them all how girls can be just as hard-working, dedicated to the task, and skilled in a trade.

Stormy laughs, "The boys throw stink bugs at me," but that's okay because we're sure she throws them right back!

"Besides," adds Kenna Curtis, Welding junior, with a grin, "Girls rule the world!"

"It's a lot of fun," claims Kalley McClure, Collision Repair senior, with a smile. "It's not as bad as some might think. I think I have a lot to offer in this field, and I think the guys can learn a lot from me about precision and hard work."

Our students have some advice for anyone considering a career in a non-traditional field:

  • "Follow your dreams, and do what you love best!" ~ Madelyn Foster 
  • "If you like it go for it don't be afraid to do things that you know you can do because others don't like it. It's your life live it how you want too." ~ Ashley Long, senior CT 
  • "Keep your head up if it gets tough and focus on what you want to do because it's your career don't let any one else tell you different." ~ Rayna Gasser 
  • "Be strong and be willing to stand up for yourself. Your skill level and work ethic should speak for yourself. It's not easy, so grow a thick skin." ~ Kenna Curtis 
  • "Work hard and to never be afraid to get your hands dirty. It doesn't matter if you are girl; you can work hard, too -- just as well as the guys." ~ Stormy Fiello 
  • "Because I enjoy helping people who struggle to help themselves, my advice is to do what makes you happy." ~ Landen Nice, Junior HA 
  • "Guys can be just as skilled as girls in this field; I am choosing to do what makes me happy -- not what others think I should do." ~ Ja'Briel Blackshear, senior Cos 
McKenna welding junior 
Rayna Gasser and Kalley McClure seniors in collision repair 

Story Fiello, EO Sophomore

Kayla sophomore in Auto Tech

Remind App!


Get connected!  Stay connected!  Sign up TODAY!

The instructions are simple:
1.   Download the Remind app on any smart phone/device.
2.   To alleviate unnecessary messages, students have been grouped by their year of graduation.  
3.  Simply select your year of graduation and text the following message to the number 81010:
·         sophomores: @lcctc2019
·         juniors:  @lcctc2018
·         seniors:  @lcctc2017


SWPB Movie Field Trip


School Wide Positive Behavior is being enforced in the best way possible.  On October 29th, over 100 students attended the SWPB Movie Field Trip. Elligible students had the choice of seeing either, Ouija or Boo! A Madea Halloween.  Our next field trip will be held on December 28th to see a Phantom's Hockey Game. So keep up the good work and make sure you have a seat on that bus! 

Meet Your Class Officers

SOPHOMORE CLASS OFFICERS:

Stormy Fiello ~ EO, Class of 2019
    • Office:  President
    • Home School: Union
    • Reason for coming to LCCTC: I wanted a better education experience then what a traditional school could provide.
    • Funniest moment here at school: When one of the guys in my shop created sparks during shop.
    • Favorite Academic Class: I don't really have a favorite. I love all my classes because my teachers are funny and awesome!
    • Favorite aspect about LCCTC: The teachers really care about the students and I like that.
    • Future Plans:  Go to college
    Stormy's favorite quote: "I swing with everything I got, I hit big or miss big. I like to live as big as I can." ~Babe Ruth 
    _____________________________

    Brianna McCollums ~ Vet Tech Class of 2019
      • Office:  Vice President
      • Home School:  Mohawk
      • Reason for coming to LCCTC: To work in vet tech an to continue working with animals in the marines.
      • Funniest moment here at school:  Making my friends laugh at lunch by doing the stupid stuff.
      • Favorite Academic Class: Biology, Mrs. Brown, she makes class fun an easy to learn.
      • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  That there are teachers an other people there helping you getting ready putting you in the right path for your future.
      • Future Plans: Going into the U.S Marines.
      Brianna's favorite quote:  "No matter how hard things get an what people say continue to fight an work hard. Because the only thing that matters is that you know who you are dont let other people decide your future."
      _____________________________

      Mackenzie Nye ~ Cosmo Class of 2019
        • Office:  Secretary
        • Home School:  Ellwood City
        • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  She thought it would be a good idea
        • Funniest moment here at school:  A field trip that I went on
        • Favorite Academic Class:  Gym, I like to be active
        • Favorite aspect about LCCTC: The new people i met
        • Future Plans:  Open a cosmetology shop
        _____________________________

        Joey Pletz ~ Shop Class of 2019
          • Office:  Treasurer
          • Home School:  
          • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  
          • Funniest moment here at school:  
          • Favorite Academic Class:  
          • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:   
          • Future Plans:  
          Joey's favorite quote:  
          _____________________________

          JUNIOR CLASS OFFICERS

          Aliana Deluca ~ Cosmetology Class of 2018
          • Office:  President
          • Home School:  Ellwood City
          • Extra-Curricular:  The Future is Mine Club
          • Job:  Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe
          • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  Family suggested that it would be good, and I agree!
          • Funniest school memory:  Falling down the steps at my home school.
          • Favorite academic class:  English
          • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  No steps!
          • Future Plans:  Get a great job!
          Alaina's favorite quote:  "Don't give up; try! -- I'll bet you can do it!"
          _______________________

          Rebecca Shoaf ~ Cosmetology, Class of 2018
          • Office: Vice President 
          • Home School: Union 
          • Extra-Curricular: Peer Leadership, SkillsUSA 
          • Reason for coming to LCCTC: to gain a great experience in Cosmetology 
          • Funniest school memory: when my teachers had a week off from my talking because I had jaw surgery. 
          • Favorite academic class: Psychology 
          • Future Plans: to attend a 4-year college 
          Rebecca's favorite quote: "VENI, VIDI, AMAVI ~ We came, we saw, we LOVED."
          ___________________

          Felicity Weir ~ HA Class of 2018
          • Office:  Treasurer
          • Home School:  Shenango
          • Extra-Curricular:  SkillsUSA Opening and Closing Team, Cross Country, Peer Leadership, Archery Club, Journalism, & Volunteer Support Group
          • Job:  Subway
          • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  There are bigger and better opportunities here for me.
          • Funniest school memory:  The bus ride back from the archery competition at Penn State
          • Favorite academic class:  English because I love to read and write
          • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  I love the diversity at LCCTC
          • Future Plans:  To earn my degree as a RN and then graduate from Carnegie as a Pharmacist
          Felicity's favorite quote:  "In order to succeed, you must only compete with yourself , not the success of others.
          ____________________________


          Abbie Dolquist ~ HA Class of 2018

            • Office:  Secretary
            • Home School:  Mohawk
            • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  To better myself -- there are more opportunities to help benefit my future here
            • Funniest moment here at school:  Mr. Pavia's shop
            • Favorite Academic Class:  Science because it deals with experiments which supports the line of work I'd like to go into
            • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:   I love knowing that I get to learn a trade that I will enjoy for the rest of my life.  It makes school more fun and interesting.
            • Future Plans:  To attend college and earn my BSN
            Abbie's favorite quote:  "Always a fighter; never a victim."
            _____________________________



            SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS:

            Mathew Hawkins ~ HA Class of 2017
              • Office:  President
              • Home School:  New Castle
              • Extra-Curricular:  Peer Leadership, National Honor Society
              • Job:  Church Custodian
              • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  To further his plans in the health field
              • Favorite academic class:  Ms. McVicker's English class because she understands her students ups and downs; she is an amazing teacher.
              • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  The teachers!  I feel like I'm "somebody" when I go here; student talents don't go unrecognized.
              • Future Plans:  To become a surgeon
              Matt's favorite quote:  "The best thing you can do in life is make someone smile. Even when you are going through tough times, knowing that you brightened someone else's day brightens your day."
              ___________________________


              Angela Graham ~ HA Class of 2017
              • Office:  Vice President
              • Home School:  New Castle
              • Job:  CNA at the Haven Convalescent Home
              • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  to learn to help people improve their health
              • Favorite academic class:  Mrs. Pasterick's class because she loves her job and her students
              • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  Teachers take the time to get to know our strengths and help us improve upon our weak points.
              • Future Plans:  to attend Jameson School of Nursing
              Angela's favorite quote:  "Don't let anyone tell you, you can't do what you wanna do... Believe in yourself."
              __________________________


              Briana Burgin ~ Cosmetology Class of 2017
              • Office:  Treasurer
              • Home School:  New Castle
              • Extra-Curricular:  SkillsUSA
              • Job:  Dunkin' Donuts
              • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  To earn my cosmetology license
              • Funniest school memory:   When I went to SkillsUSA State Competition at Hershey with Halle St. Clair
              • Favorite academic class:  Chemistry -- I've always loved science, and Mrs. Pastrick just makes it easy for me.  When she helps me, I understand it!
              • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  That I can actually earn my cosmetology license -- while I'm still in school!
              • Future Plans:  To attend PTI and become a massage therapist
              Bri's favorite quote:  "Think happy; be happy."
              ________________________

              Josh Quigley ~ EO Class of 2017

                • Office:  Secretary
                • Home School:  New Castle
                • Job:  McDonald's
                • Reason for coming to LCCTC:  I knew the electrical field was a good trade, and I wanted to learn more!
                • Funniest moment here at school:  When my football landed on the school's roof; "thanks a lot" Michael B!
                • Favorite aspect about LCCTC:  Making friends from other schools -- people I wouldn't have otherwise known
                • Future Plans:  To attend college or the military
                Josh's favorite quote:  "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody."
                _______________________