MTT Granted New Machinery - Trevor Cunningham

The Machine Shop at Lawrence County CTC has just acquired two brand-new vertical milling machines through a competitive equipment grant through the state of Pennsylvania; with these machines, students will be able to to cut and form parts mounted on a table or a fixture.

MTT Shop Upperclassmen:  Trevor Cunningham (Ellwood City), Raleigh Boots (Ellwood City), Griffin Holtom (Mohawk), Kurt Miller (MTT Instructor), April Boots (Ellwood City), Lane Kline (Wilmington), Aaron Harper (New Castle), Cory Williams (Ellwood City), and Brandon Linonis (New Castle)

These machines are larger than the three other vertical milling machines in the shop enabling students to handle larger parts.

For the last two years, MTT instructor Mr. Miller has been applying for grants to purchase these machines that run almost $20K a piece. Having them now allows the opportunity for more students to manufacture larger and more intricate parts for Golden Eagle Manufacturing which makes parts for outside companies such as Ellwood Specialty Steel.

Having updated equipment comes with many benefits: These new machines have features such as auto feed which allows a worker to control the speed at which he or she can travel across a workpiece; additionally, the digital readouts have a third access readout which allows the machinist to have more control over the depth of cut.

In addition to equipment granted to us from outside companies like Ellwood Quality Steel, these new mills are a great new addition to the LCCTC Machine Shop offering even more versatility, experience, and opportunity to learn new techniques.

The forklift bring in the new milling machine while Aaron Harper, Griffin
Holtom, and Brandon Linonis make sure it safely arrives. 

MTT instructor, Kurt Miller, moves the new machine to its new location

It's like Christmas!  Students happily unwrap the new machines.

Cory Williams, Brandon, and Trevor Cunningham unpack the 
new milling machine

Griffin helps his fellow classmates unload the new machines from the pallets

MTT students throw a little muscle into securing the machine in place.

Raleigh, Brandon, Griffin, and Lane set up the machines

Vectrax -- the manufacturer of the new machines

Electrical Occupations: Electrifying our World ~ Summer Pitts, Noah Skelley, and Vaughn James

Vaughn James, 17 year old Electrical Occupations junior from Shenango, was recently outside, enjoying a bright sunny day. Was it all fun and games? Certainly not! He and his shop were hard at work, making sure they completed the "job" in a safe, neat, and thorough manner.

Recently, the EO shop was, once again, called upon to retrofit the parking lot lights with new LED lights. “We’ve been working on this for about a year now, all the new lights were wired in house, so a lot of planning had to go into this project,” James explained.  This renovation wasn't only a money-saving venture; it also updated the look of our campus! 

In order for James and his EO buddies to be able to work, they had to be capable of actually doing work like this. First, they needed to go through rigorous safety training, NEC Rules, and practice working in high places, after all, they were, at times, working 30 ft. from the ground! “Our instructor, Mr. Montini, is very safety oriented. Every job we do is held up to union standards,” Vaughn said. There is absolutely no horseplay in this type of work! .

This project gave the students in Electrical Occupations real-world experience; it is proof that they have the theory room and hands-on training needed to succeed in this line of work. When they graduate, they will be able to have a visual proof of their training and experience -- even when it's dark outside! “Not only did we advance the lighting in the parking lot, but we advanced our experience and knowledge as students preparing for job ready day one,” said Noah Skelley, a 16 year old EO junior from Ellwood City

“Being an electrician, you have your fair share of time on the ground. However, there are always times that call for going up, even if they are uncomfortable heights, it’s just something that comes along with being in this field” as explained by Skelley.

James and Stormy Fiello, an EO junior from Ellwood City, helped from the ground and replaced sidewalk lights from the top of ladders while Skelley and Rich Nesbit, an EO junior from Shenango volunteered themselves to be in the basket of the lift for the duration of the job. 30 feet up can be nerve-racking for some, but for Skelley and Rich, it was just another day! They started a little slow and shaky, but as they moved from light to light the process became smoother and easier.  By the time the team got to the last light, they had it down pat.

Of course, we can’t forget the people who helped make this job as easy as possible. the team pulled the used parts for scrap, while Stormy Fiello helped supervise the project to ensure it was safe and speedy. We all have gotten closer to the goal of being “job ready day one!"

Great job EO!

OtJ: Congratulations to our Co-op Students

Congratulations to the following seniors who have landed Co-op employment:

• Birckbichler, Michael: EO ~ Ellwood City Forge
• Bollinger, Sarah: VT ~ Eastbrook Animal Health Services 
• Burkes, Scott:  W ~  Harbor Steel
• Cumberledge, Daylynn: HA ~ Compassionate Home Health Care
• Curtis, Mekenna:  W ~ Paff Custom Welding
• Fernandez, Kaden: MT ~ Ellwood City Forge
• Graham, Alyssa:  COS ~ Las Vegas Tanning
• Janiel, Tyler:  W ~ New Castle Cold Storage
• Jones, Jacob:  W ~ LAW Masonry
• Krieble, Brittany:  HA ~ Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare
• Lutz, Isaac:  MT ~ Meyer Machine Co., Inc.
• Mulbauer, Beau: CR ~ McElwain Motors
• Quigley, Samantha:  RT ~ Rhodes Estates
• Vogel, Krystal:  VA ~ Rainbow Veterinary Hospital
• Walters, Megan:  HA ~ Bright Star Care
• Weir, Felicity:  HA ~ DON Services
• Yoder, Gordon: EO ~ Central Heating & Plumbing

We encourage you to consider these businesses who support our LCCTC students in the Co-Op Program!
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Cooperative Education Criteria for Enrollment

You will need the following papers for the Co-op Program. They need to be completed and returned to Mrs. Gerhardt in the Library before you will be considered for enrollment into the program.  It is also imperative if you are under 18 that you have a work permit.  You may obtain a Work Permit from your home-school.

The student must:

• be in the 12th grade upon enrollment into the Co-op program. 
• be at least 16 years of age.
• under 18 years of age, must have a work permit.
• have been enrolled in their LCCTC shop program at least one year to qualify for the Co-op Program.
• have the recommendation of his/her Shop instructor.
• have a good attendance record, adequate academic credits, and the recommendation his/her guidance counselor.
• have parent/guardian sign the Co-op Application and all other required Co-op documents.
• be interviewed by the Co-op Coordinator and the Employer.

A Training Agreement and Training Plan must be completed and signed by Employer/ Principal/ Parent/ Student and the Co-op Coordinator before a student can begin work.

Students will be graded on the following:

• MOTIVATION 
• ATTITUDE 
• SELF-CONTROL 
• DEPENDABILITY 
• HONESTY 
• LEADERSHIP 
• INITIATIVE 
• POISE 
• GROOMING 
• KNOWLEDGE OF SUBJECT 
• WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS 
• WILLINGNESS TO LEARN 
• ABILITY TO ACCEPT CRITICISM 
• MATURITY 
• ATTENDANCE

“Lawrence County CTC and Employers of Cooperative Education Students will not discriminate in employment,   educational programs or activities, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.”

SENIOR CALENDAR: May and June 2018

May 7: Cap and Gown photos   

PLACE:      LCCTC Cafetorium

TIME:          8:30 AM

DETAILS:  You will be wearing your cap and tassels/cords.  Wear a nice shirt because it might show in the picture.  There will be a group senior picture and senior shop pictures!

May 24: Senior Banquet  

PLACE:     LCCTC Café  

TIME:        6:30 PM

COST:       $20 per ticket, limit 2 guests per senior.  Seniors eat free. 

DETAILS:  Please make reservations to reserve your spot.  All seniors planning to attend must sign up so that accurate food counts are given.

June 1:  Senior Trip:  

PLACE:      Cedar Point, One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870

TIME:          Leave LCCTC @ 8:30 AM

                   Leave Cedar Point @ 9:00 PM

June 4:  Senior Meeting  MANDATORY: (Distribution of Cap and Gowns)

PLACE:      LCCTC Cafeteria

TIME:          9:00 AM

COST:        Free:  Seniors only for breakfast!

June 5:  Graduation Practice  MANDATORY  

PLACE:      New Castle High School  

TIME:          9:00 AM       

June 6: Baccalaureate 

Place:         Christ Luthern, 1302 East Washington Street, New Castle, PA

TIME:          6:30 PM

Cost:           Free   

DETAILS:  All are welcome.  Refreshments to follow.

What is Baccalaureate?  This is a church service, in which the class can gather one last time, for inspirational speeches delivered by various pastors, priests and ministers in the NC area.  This is not a mandatory event, but is encouraged and enjoyed by all who attend.  Refreshments to follow.

June 7: Graduation 

PLACE:      New Castle High School, 300 E Lincoln Ave, New Castle, PA 16101
TIME: 7:00 PM   Graduates arrive by 5:45 PM

DETAILS:  Number of Tickets for Graduation = 7 per graduate.  All attendees  must have a ticket in order to attend.  No extra tickets are available through the school.  If you need more, please see a classmate.      

June 25-29:  Wish your SkillsUSA Seniors lots of luck as they compete in National Competition in Louisville, KY!

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Class Colors:  Black and Teal

Class Flower:  Red Rose

Class song: Good Riddance by Green Day 

Senior Project: Cutting Edge Business Skills ~ Heather Jewell

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to make your own business? Senior cosmetology students have to create a salon/ business and explain what it would be like if it were their own shoppe. Students have to learn certain skills like haircuts, nails, facials, and many other skills. In order to prepare for their final project they usually focus on their workbook, NOCTI practice, or a skill pertaining to the lesson that the students worked on that day. Lately, they have been working on their senior project much more. 

Krista Berkley (Cos senior, Laurel), the first student this year to get all 1250 hours in for clinicals, stated, “The hardest skill to figure out from the get go would be facials and shaving. It’s just a lot of steps to bring out the clients natural beauty.” There is a lot that each senior has to demonstrate to prove their knowledge gained from shop. With all of that in mind, Krista formatted her mock business plan, Cutting Edge Studio, to be small and spacious. It is open and simple with two main rooms. 

Over the course of the year having clinicals will prepare Cosmetology Students to present their projects. Krista explained, “Thursdays the students did a lot of self clinicals and Fridays students will focus on student clinicals.” This has helped to simulate what it would be like on a normal day in a salon or business. She estimates that, based on prices based from internet and catalogue research, her business would cost $15, 859.78 -- just for the equipment, alone.

All in all, This project prepares students for the future by setting an example as to how a salon should be run and all of the objects inside. This class is continuously helping out the future of these bright students. 

"Completing this project helped me understand
the ins and outs of creating my own business;
if I ever aspire to pursue this, I will be more
prepared and feel more confident."
~ Krista Berkley, Cosmetology Senior from Laurel

Pride and Promise: Pitt Bound!

Carlee and Adam on College Commitment Day at their future
home for the next four years!

Carlee Stoner, 12th grade COT student, obtained 11 out of the 17 Industry certifications that we offer in our COT program. She achieved the Microsoft Master Certification. Carlee also won first place in the Technical Computer Applications Skills USA District 10 competition and earned the opportunity to compete in the Skills USA State Competition in Hershey and is 5th in the state! She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and Peer Leadership. Carlee was also accepted to the University of Pittsburgh main campus and will study pre-law or library science.

Adam Finamore, 12th grade COT student has accomplished something in the COT program that no other LCCTC COT student to date has achieved. The extremely conscientious high achiever obtained 15 out of 17 Industry certifications that we offer in our COT program. He scored in the top ten percent nationally with his scores on the TestOut PC Pro Certification and Testout Security Pro Certification. He achieved the Microsoft Master Certification. Adam has a goal to obtain at least one more certification before he graduates in June. He also was accepted to the University of Pittsburgh main campus for Business and Computer Science.

Our Takeaways: RISE, Career Day

Sarah Bollinger, Co-Op student

As a current Co-Op student, Sarah Bollinger came in to discuss what it is like to apply the skills learned in shop to the skills needed in the Veterinary business.  She has done it all:  from day-to-day tasks like we practice during our "Dog Spa Days" to assisting in on surgeries!  It makes us excited to continue in our chosen field. 

~ VA Tess Zak and Alexandria Radwanski, seniors and Tabatha Zang, Junior

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Mrs. Betty Tillia, Director of Lenape LPN Program at LCCTC,
speaks to HA students.

"The LPN program has a strict attendance policy.  This includes showing up on time. “Early is on time and on time is late.” Within one year of this program, any more than six missed days will need to be made up; students must stay the entire day of clinical for it to count. Just as on the job, your employer expects you to be there, ready to work! PROFESSIONALISM is a big part of holding up the LPN name. Students must demonstrate that they are respectful, confident, dressed for the role, and a team player."  
~ Heather Jewell, HA senior

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Ja'Briel Blackshear, '17 Graduate

Three former students returned to their Alma Mater to share their best advice with us:  Allegra Assid (Smart Styles), Briana Burgin (Great Clips and a student at PTC studying massage therapy), and JaBriel Blacksheare (Barbra).  They discussed the pay they get and how to make sure we work well to get that pay, the work hours needed to be successful, the daily tasks, and advice for passing the State Boards.  Our biggest takeaway:  "Whatever we put in -- that's what we'll get out!" 

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Stevens Masonry, Gradute '82

We were proud to show off all we were learning to Ed Stephens and his son, both of Stevens Masonry.  A former graduate of LCCTC, Mr. Stephens has been in the business, locally, for the past 30 years; he was taught by our own teacher's father, Mr. Felix Sperdute.  Mr. Stephens was please to see all that we were learning:  estimation, blueprint reading.  Compared to other districts, "LCCTC students have a definite advantage in attending this school.  One of the lessons he instilled in us was to take advantage of the opportunity to go into the union; many students who have graduated have moved in that direction and it has been quite beneficial.  He stated that the "masons were the quarterbacks and the laborers were the offensive line."  We are the literal and metaphorical "foundation" of the building trades.

~ Trenton Yale, Masonry junior

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On Thursday April, 5th Auto technology and Collision Repair students were joined by Paul Beohm, owner and employee of McElwain Brothers Paint and Collision Center.  Mr. Beohm very thoroughly explained what it takes to become a successful employee in the automotive field. “It takes a great amount of determination and patience to make your way to the top,” Boehm explained. “There is a great need for young adult such as ourselves in the automotive field; most every shop/garage is looking for young employees to take the places of the older generation.” He puts his words to action as Mr. Boehm  happily employs two young employees, Beau Mulbauer, and Jayden Laster, both former LCCTC students of Mr. Evan Banner, and he couldn’t be more pleased with their performance and work ethic. Also, Rick Macmurdo has recruited Devin Dittmer and Jason Ealy, current AT juniors, to work in the quick service department; both are current LCCTC students of Mr. John Goebel. McElwain Motor Car Company has high expectations for upcoming students from LCCTC and hopes to continue to employ upcoming LCCTC students.
~ Devin Dittmer, AT junior

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Michael Forgione, Hilcorp

"Mike Forgione from Hilcorp helped us understand what we needed to know before going into the Gas and Oil business.  We must be 18, a high school graduate, be able to pass a drug test, and have a clean driving record.  We must also be ready to work hard, be confident in our skills; if we can do this, we'll move up the ladder of responsibility and salary -- fast!" 

~ Caleb Grimm, GO, junior

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Amy Stapleton, Banking Center Manager, WesBanco Bank

On April 5th’s RISE, Amy Stapleton, a COT alumnus, came into our shop to tell us about how she has been able to achieve success upon graduation. To advance her career later in life, she went on to earn her Associate’s Degree. Amy now works as a manager at WesBanco. Amy graduated in the class of 1985 and began her keypunching career with skills she wouldn’t have had if she hadn’t went to LCCTC. In fact, her skills she learned when competing in Keypunching through VICA (now SkillsUSA), her employer didn't expect her to have such a skill at her age. "It was one of the reasons why I got that first job," she stated. Work hard. Learn all you can. You can succeed!

~ Carlee Stoner, COT senior