SkillsUSA State Competition at Hershey 2017

On our way to Hershey PA for state competition!

Enjoying some down time!

As a sophomore, Devin Dilling competed
against 32 other welders across the state of
Pennsylvania and came in 5th!  Impressive!!

Our Chapter Display team worked hard on this
project -- they were a mere fraction away from
heading to nationals!  Look out next year!

Ben Schwartz competed in the
cake decorating competition to
celebrate SkillsUSA PA's 50th year!

Our Promotional Bulletin Board team showed
well with their presentation!
Jaden Locke, Tabby Zang, and Gemma Gatto

The food is GREAT in Hershey!

We're the "Red Coats," as Mr. Milanovich calls us.  We make
these red coats look GOOOOODDDDD!

There's a lot to smile about at SkillsUSA Hershey State Competition!

"Okay guys -- it's curfew..."  And they all said good night to each other.
It's the friendships through SkillsUSA that is so great.

Governor Tom Wolfe Spoke at the Awards
Ceremony, pledging his support for
CTC education!

Silver Medalists:  Chapter Display
Trevor Cunningham, Stormy Fiello, and Noah Skelley

State Champions:  Opening and Closing Team
Jake Troutman, Tristyn Gravatt, Felicity Weir, Krista Berkley
Jenna Locke, Dayuna Ware, and Brandee D'Ambrosi

LCCTC's 2017 Competitors and Delegates

The Ellwood Group's Generous Donation to MTT ~ by Brandee D'Ambrosi

It all began when Ms. Pamela Vass of the Ellwood Group, Inc. asked Mr. Rich how LCCTC’s industrial programs were progressing; he replied, “It’s a little tough right now.  Our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is down in Machine Tool Tech (MTT).”  

Ms. Vass immediately replied, “I think we may be able to help you with that.”  

The CNC Machine is an electromechanical device that manipulates machine shop tools using programming inputs. This machine is used for a variety of different operations. CNC machining is very necessary because CNC machines are used in many different fields, ranging from hobbyists to military groups.

The next thing we knew, the Ellwood Group, Inc. arrived at our door with big smiles, warm handshakes, and a check for $48,000 -- the price it takes to purchase the piece of equipment we needed!

Back Row MTT Students: Corey W, Kyle M, Brandon L, April B, Lane K, Aaron H, and Trevor C
Front Row:  Mr. Bernard Rosenwald of the Ellwood Group Inc, and 
Mr. Kurt Miller, Machine Tool Technology instructor

Ellwood Group, Inc., a family-owned, privately-held company, has been operating for over 100 years. Through growth and acquisition, EGI has become a major supplier of high-quality, engineered, heavy metal components to customers all over the world. While EGI has grown significantly and now employs over 2,000 employees, the same family values are just as important now as they were 100 years ago; this can be evidenced today with their considerable gifts to our students. According to Eric Poole of the Ellwood City Ledger,  “Over the last 15 years, … [the] Ellwood Group has donated more than $2 million in supplies and funds to a variety of educational institutions including … the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center.”

Poole goes on to inform us that, “The technology comes back to benefit Ellwood Group, who lean on the local schools for its labor force. Rich estimates that 26 percent of the career and technical center's graduates move directly into the workforce -- in many cases, for companies like the Ellwood Group which has facilities in five states and Ontario, Canada; it means that we will be able to graduate skilled graduates.”

When we asked Ms.Vass why she felt driven to donate the money to help our school, she replied, “We donated the money for a good relationship, good values, and because we are considering future jobs.”

Ms. Vass had great reasons, but to the administration and students here at LCCTC, the donation meant so much more than that.  “This donation is quite generous,” states Mr. Rich.   “That’s how much these people believe in you.”

Stormy Fiello, Ellwood City sophomore, appreciates
the support from EGI. "It's an honor to come out
and see what we're doing. I appreciate that they
donated the equipment to us."

Continuing on to SkillsUSA state competition for CNC Technician, Dawson Fair is extremely grateful for the generosity of EGI.  “I can’t wait to see the CNC machine and get my hands on it -- even if it’s only for a little while.  I really appreciate their generosity!  I feel that THEY feel that we’re worth this investment, and that feels good!”  

It’s true that in a high school like ours, it is important to have people who help us to succeed at the goals we set within our shops, and to us, knowing that there was a group of people who believed in us enough to donate that much money gives us that push so we make them proud.  

For someone who doesn’t know much about machines to wrap their heads around such a gift, it is hard to understand.  They may feel that $48,000 is a lot to donate for just one machine, but the importance of operating a CNC machine at our school is indispensable for our students and their future careers in the Machine Tool Tech industry.

Along with using the machine for teaching purposes, the new machine will also have a very special use. Our very own student, Dawson Fair, will be using this machine to compete at the upcoming SkillsUSA States competition. With the help of this machine, he will hopefully be bringing home the gold!

“A lot of the population doesn’t know that this is a great career path,” comments Ms. Vass, and we agree; LCCTC can provide our community with college and career-ready graduates.

“I want to get this shop to where it needs to be for these students,” grins Mr. Kurt Miller, MTT teacher, “and I can’t bring kids to their full potential without a CNC machine.”

Thanks to the Ellwood Group for granting his wish.

Welcoming our guests

Trevor Cunningham, MTT sophomore originally from Ellwood, states, “I feel that
there is a trust bestowed upon our school -- to graduate skilled
workers who are employable in regional companies like the Ellwood
Group.  We will also be career-ready in any machine shop.”

"Through their generous gifts of money and equipment, the Ellwood group is helping us teach our kids the skills needed in industry, and we greatly appreciate their generosity," states Pete Montini, EO instructor.

NTHS Inductions Spring 2017

To the veteran members of National Technical
Honor Society:  Keep up the good work!  To our new
inductees:  Congratulations!!

"Success is no accident...

"It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice...

"...and most of all, love of what you're doing or learning to do." ~ Pele

"There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, 

hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell

According to the NTHS.org, the mission of the organization is "to honor student achievement and leadership in career and technical education, promote educational excellence, award scholarships, and enhance career opportunities for the NTHS membership."

The site also states that the vision of NTHS is " to be the international leader in providing recognition for excellence in career and technical education."

NTHS' motto is "Success favors the prepared mind."  

NTHS requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and the nominee must be enrolled in a CTE program.

"Last night at NHS I felt very proud," recalls member Emily G, "not only of myself, but of all the new inductees that I know worked very hard to be in the position they're in now.

Additional suggested criteria include attendance, instructor nominations, disciplinary records, and Career & Technical Student Organizations membership such as SkillsUSA.

There are seven attributes of membership:  skill, honesty, service, responsibility, scholarship, citizenship, and leadership

"Knowledge is familiarity, awareness, or understanding gained through experience or study. This candle represents the knowledge you have gained through experience and study in your technical program."

The first member attribute is SKILL, the use of knowledge to develop great ability and expertness necessary to make a positive difference in a particular occupational field. 

The second member attribute is HONESTY, the quality of being truthful, trustworthy, and fair with everyone while at work or play. 

The third member attribute is SERVICE, the giving assistance and being ready and able to provide a helpful and useful act.

"I felt as though that ceremony was really special," reflects Shay Stanley.  "I felt wonderful to be recognized for my academic achievements with my family watching on."

The fourth member attribute is RESPONSIBILITY which involves the ability to act without guidance or superior authority and being answerable for your actions.

The fifth member attribute is SCHOLARSHIP, the distinctive mark of one who has mastered an area of learning, as reflected in the quality of his/her work, especially with respect to scope, thoroughness, and care.

The sixth member attribute is CITIZENSHIP which is being entitled with full civil rights and exercising the duties, rights, and privileges of this status.

The seventh member attribute is LEADERSHIP, the responsibility of serving as a guiding force, and directing the way by going first with courage and confidence.

"The goal of the society is to see that deserving technical students be recognized and that people of the community become aware of the talents and abilities of the young people and adults who choose technical education pathways to a successful future."

Proud family members and friends snap moments to remember.

"Remember -- You always want to be the 'lead dog'."

Mrs. Pasterik passes out roses for keepsakes.

Families capture memories

Lots of laughs as they strike a pose

Checking out portfolios

Congratulations Mrs. Pasterik and the NTHS members!!

LCCTC Promotes Autism Awareness

On April 3rd, the Peer Leaders decided to show support for our friends and family with autism by wearing blue.  They even went to the trouble of creating t-shirts for the entire students and staff.  On the front, there is a puzzle piece with a heart inside.

The blue puzzle piece reminds us that a puzzle is made of several different shapes; each is necessary to complete the picture.  If any one piece is missing, we are all incomplete; we all have an important part to play in this world.  The symbol of the heart is simple; love, support, and show respect to others.  

Autism Awareness encourages us to see the ABILITY in every person, and wearing our light blue shirts helped us all remember to do just that. 

Conservation Club Stocks Trout

LCCTC's Conservation Club
was asked to help stock fish
and we answered!

It takes a little teamwork
to make this happen.

Careful handling ensures a
safe delivery.

Safety of those helping
is key, too!

LCCTC's Conservation Club member
Ryan Wehman is smiling away!
"Swim fishy, fishy, fishy!  
I'll get you later!"