O & C Readies Themselves for Success in 2017

CONGRATULATIONS!  Our 2016 SkillsUSA Opening and Closing team earned the distinction of being third in the nation -- Yes, that's right...NATION!!!  AND they were awarded the prestigious Skill Point Certificate, a test that shows that they were "work force ready!”

Opening and Closing?  What is that?  Just one of the many competitions offered in SkillsUSA, this leadership event is comprised of seven students from any grade-level and shop.   The purpose of this competition is to evaluate the contestants' understanding of the symbolic representation of the colors and assembled parts of the SkillsUSA emblem and to evaluate teamwork and professional presentation skills. 

The emblem from SkillsUSA?  It is comprised of five components: 

·         Shield = Patriotism

·         Gear = Industrial Society

·         Torch = Knowledge

·         Orbital Circles = Technology

·         Hands = Individual

What did it take for the 2016 team to get to Nationals?  Practice.  Lots of Practice.  In addition to the personal practice needed to pour over the official Scope and Sequence (rules) and to memorize both individual and group speeches, over 90 hours of practice as a team throughout the course of the year was needed; this occurred during activity period, after school, in local parks, and during “down-time” at competition venues.  They have also performed their competition presentation in front of local rotaries, school boards, OAC Meetings, SkillsUSA conferences and competitions, and in front of the entire school.  The largest audience:  approximately 800! 

Why would they do this?  #1:  It’s fun!  It has also taught each member to be poised and confident in front of an individual or a packed arena.  Working closely to make a goal and meet that goal with a diverse group teaches real-life experiences:  how to be a compromise and lead, how to positively communicate, and how to work through trials and tribulations – all while maintaining a sense of team…of family.

What is in store for the team in 2017?  Returning to competition are two of the seven members from last year’s team, Jenna and Jake are hungry for a repeat of last year’s successes.  Yes – there is a lot to be done to assemble a new team, but these two are ready and willing to do what it takes.  This means patience, perseverance, and practice – lots, and lots of practice. 

Who are the members of the 2017 team?  When you see the following students, congratulate them:

• Krista Berkley, junior
• Brandee D'Ambrosi, junior
• Tristyn Gravatt, junior
• Jenna Locke, senior
• Dayuna Reitnauer, sophomore
• Jacob Troutman, senior
• Felicity Weir, junior

Whether you are a member of the Opening and Closing team or a competitor for one of the many shop-specific events, Jenna and Jake urge you to “just join SkillsUSA.  It’s so much fun, and you learn so much!”

If you are interested in joining SkillsUSA, contact Mrs. Weisenstein or Mr. Goebel.

Sign up for SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled, and service occupations.  As a member of this organization, you will learn skills that are needed to succeed for life: technical skills, academic skills and employability skills. In addition, career and technical education helps students see how what they’re learning applies to the needs of employers.

Why is it so fun?  Just see what last year's SkillsUSA members had to say:  

• "I liked being able to work with my shop to help me learn more.  I also enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends.  In the end, being a member of SkillsUSA empowers me to chase my dreams and further my education after I graduate.  I can't wait to sign up again."  ~ Macheala Nail
• "SkillsUSA is a lot of fun!  When I went to state competition in Hershey over the last two years, I loved every moment; I met so many other people from all over the state, and here at our school, I feel I have made so many new friends -- even outside of my shop!"  ~ Ethan Bobic.
• "Being a part of SkillsUSA has been so amazing; it's hard to comprehend.  I've been in the organization for only a year, but I know I have memories that will last a lifetime.  I'm glad I have the chance for another amazing year to make even more incredible memories." ~ Jacob Troutman
• "Skills is love.  Skills is life."  ~ Jenna Locke

Are you interested in joining SkillsUSA for the 2016/2017 school year?  See Mrs. Weisenstein or Mr. Goebel to get your registration paper.  You will become an official member and will be included on the activity period roster when your registration form and dues ($15 for local, state, and national dues) are turned in.  

Join SkillsUSA today!  It's a lot of work -- but it's a labor of love.

We Can Help!

Attention!  Do your living arrangements match any of the following criteria?

• Are you sharing a house with others due to loss of housing, economic hardships?
• Are you living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to lack of adequate accommodations?
• Are you living in emergency or transitional shelters?
• Do you have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings?
• Are you living in cars, parks, or public spaces such as an abandoned building, substandard housing, or bus or train stations?

If you answered, "Yes" or are unsure of any of the above questions, see Mrs. Lynch in the guidance office!  We can help!

Gemma Competes at Nationals!

Congratulations Gemma:  3rd Place in the
PA State Sporting Clays Championship
on June 18, 2016. 

If you listened carefully at the National Sporting Clays Championship, you'd hear a soft voice call "Pull" followed by a deafening (Bang!) ... (Bang!)  

You'd see a quickly-moving disk burst into a terra cotta cloud of gray quickly followed by another burst of gray.  You may recognize that gentle voice as Gemma Gatto, senior Health Assistant student, who was eligible to travel to the national competition in central Ohio to compete in the female varsity division after placing third in the 2016 Pennsylvania State Sporting Clay Championships.

"Pull!"

In Gemma's competition, she shoots sporting clays.  There are seventeen stations laid out along the course; at each station, there are several different scenarios of clay birds being thrown in the air and on the ground.  Her target goal?  Accuracy.

When asked her favorite aspect of the sport, she replied, "The sport is 90% mental, so I need to study the target before I even get to shoot."  She enjoys the complexity of critical thinking when deciding how, when, and where to shoot.

Ryan Wehman & Gemma Gatto
Lawrence County Young Guns

An outstanding shot, Gemma shoots sporting clays for the Lawrence County Young Guns, a member of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation. The aim of this organization is to teach "life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values."  SSSF welcomes well over 12,000 members, is active in over 42 states, and awards over $52K in scholarships each year!

During a break in events at
Nationals, Gemma assists a fellow
shooter in the 11 year-old  division.
This is leadership
in action!

How did she get her start?  "It's my dad's fault," laughs Gemma.  When he took on a leadership role with their local gun club, he involved Mia, Gemma's older sister.  After two years of badgering, According to Gemma, "I finally gave in and tried shooting, too.  I've loved it ever since."  She's at Young Guns practice twice a week, but, as a testament to her dedication to the sport, you'll hear backyard blasts from her shotgun about four times a week.  Now, shooting for the past two years, she competes with the Lawrence County Young Guns Club affiliated with the Lawrence County Sportsman's Association.  Mia also competed at the state level and brought home a silver medal to add to the family's collection.

But her involvement in LCYG isn't just a family affair; our very own Ryan Wehman, senior Electrical Occupations student, also enjoys shooting, as well.  Shooting with your friends -- even making new friends -- is part of the benefits.  The opportunity to network is abundant in competitive shooting.

Gemma takes her shot at Nationals landing her 17th of
the 75 young women in her division!  

What do these students learn within this organization?   Lawrence County Young Guns learn how to safely handle and care for their firearms.  They learn to skillfully shoot with precision.   They learn the "characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self discipline, team play, and self-reliance."  Above all, they learn patriotism.

A lifetime sport, Gemma loves not only the travel; she also loves that this sport is a great sport for all ages.  "I will probably shoot until the day I die!"

If you'd like to see Gemma in action, click on the video below:

Appreciating Every Job

While the students and teachers enjoy the "lazy days of summer," there is still a lot of work happening at the school -- and you might be surprised as to who is doing some of that work!

In the summer, on any given day, the hallways are filled, not with students going to and from class to class but with desks...and shelves -- sometimes, lots of shelves.  Each classroom is emptied and scrubbed from top to bottom. Windows are washed.  Ledges are wiped, and floors are waxed and polished 'til they shine.

This "behind-the-scene" work is something many of us don't think to consider because it's completed when we're not at school, but it IS greatly appreciated.  Imagine our school if the trashcans and recycling bins weren't emptied each night -- if our floors weren't swept and cleaned -- if our restrooms were untouched.  This is important work, and it is necessary and greatly appreciated.

Who does all of this?  Throughout the year, it is our staff of hard-working custodians, but this year, they ARE getting a hand from two of our very own:  Michael Birckbichler and Gordon Yoder, both incoming juniors studying Electrical Occupations.

These "young guns" are learning the ropes from the best of the best; we all must admit that the school does look amazing each year when we return in August, and these two will appreciate it in a way many of us may not understand.  When students take an active part in a project, they feel a sense of ownership; Mike and Gordon will now feel an enormous sense of pride, maybe more than most, when they walk through those doors to begin school in August.

What have they learned from their experience this summer?  Mike states, "It taught me how to manage time.  I need to be punctual for work, and while I'm here, I need to make sure I work hard to get done what I need to get done."

After working with our custodial staff to return our school to that August shine, these two could certainly ask one favor:  respect our school.  If you drop something on the floor, pick it up.  If you have trash, throw it away where it belongs.  If you have something to eat or drink, make sure to be very careful with it.  If you see someone else forgetting to respect our school, kindly say, "Hey -- don't do that."  It's important that we all do our best to make sure we all take good care of our school.  That's what they'll do -- because they understand what it takes to make sure our school is beautiful.

Click HERE to read more from The LCCTC Eagle blog.

RYLA: Daily Reflections

UPDATE:  Here is some exciting news:  Because of his involvement in RYLA, if Matt would like to attend Westminster College, he can study under a RYLA Scholarship established by the college worth $18,500 per year or $74,000!  

Congratulations, Matt!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Day 1:  Sunday, June 12 ~  My first day at RYLA was pretty interesting. I met new people and got to know of their interests.  I learned to be a little more out going and had some fun stepping outside of my quiet comfort zone. For me, it went really well. I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of my week will look like.

Day 2:  Monday, June 13 ~ On my second night at RYLA, I learned two valuable lessons. For example, I found out that what other people think of me may not be what I think of myself. I also learned to be true to myself:  to do what I believe in -- even when I am by myself. The most enjoyable part of today was the scavenger hunt at the end. I continued to meet new people and opened up a lot more from yesterday.

Day 3:  Tuesday, June 14 ~ Although the beginning of the day seemed slow, I discovered so many organizations I'd like to help with and participate in. I still had fun.  Also, we had an interesting talk in our discussion group to help us find out who we really are. At the end of the day we had a very fun dance. Everyone was dancing, singing, and enjoying themselves. I believe today was the best day so far

Day 4: Wednesday, June 15 ~ On the fourth day, I learned 10 new acts of kindness I could apply on daily basis. I also learned to appreciate what I have and to live a life that is true to me to the fullest because I never know when the end will come.  And with every end, there is a beginning, and that beginning can be wonderful.  We also considered a word or phrase that puts us down; we wrote it on a rock, and we dropped it into a bucket as a sign of letting go that unwanted weight; then we sang "Lean on Me."  We ended the day with a RYLAlympics and some family games -- a lot of fun.

Day 5:  Thursday, June 16 ~ On Thursday, everyone did the usual morning Skype video, and I learned that "it's not always about the nail." What does this mean?  If a person would talk to you about a personal problem, sometimes not saying anything at all would make them feel better.  Sometimes, all that person needs is someone to listen.  As a listener, we don't need to state the obvious; we must consider that it may not be what the person who is hurting wants or needs. Next, I had this really cool group discussion; everyday so far we've all shared some amazing stories. At the end the night off, we had a karaoke night. Once again, I had so much fun.

Final Day:  Friday, June 17 ~ On the very last day we had more fun that we've had all week. Its not that we didn't have fun all week; it's that this was the day that we'd leave each other behind and move on pursue what we loved -- and I wanted to remember every moment of it all. 

We all had to write on a poster board how we felt when we got there and how we felt afterwards. My first impression was "nervous," but my last emotion was "sad." I was nervous at first to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people because I didn't know what to expect, but on that last day I was sad. I was sad to leave everything and everyone. 

RYLA make me feel like a whole new person -- a better person. Someone from RYLA once quoted, "I came to RYLA to become a better leader; instead, RYLA brought the leader out of me." That's what RYLA is all about. 

RYLA was a family to me. RYLA improved me amazing ways. 

My only regret:  I wish I had RYLA for just a few more days.

To the New Castle Rotary #89:  Thank you -- from the bottom of my heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click HERE to read more about the RYLA event and about our representative, Matt Hawkins.

Click HERE to learn about Rotary International and their support of both RYLA and ROVA students.

To read more from The LCCTC Eagle blog, click HERE.

Matt Hawkins Proudly Represents LCCTC at RYLA

Proud to represent the New Castle Rotary Club #89 once again, our very own Matt Hawkins has been selected to attend RYLA this week (Sunday. June 12- Friday, June 17) at Westminster College.  

According to the RYLA Handbook, here are the basics for the program and of what Matt may experience this week:

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth,and aims to:

• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth
• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders
• Encourage leadership of youth by youth
• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities

For these young adults, this recognition offers the opportunity to build self-confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people, meet active community leaders, and learn valuable information and career skills.

The core curriculum for all RYLA events across the globe covers the following general topics:

• Fundamentals of leadership 
• Ethics of positive leadership 
• Importance of communication skills in effective leadership 
• Problem solving and conflict management 
• What Rotary is and what it does for the community 
• Building self-confidence and self-esteem 
• Elements of community and global citizenship 

Here are questions Matt will consider as he participates in activities this week:  

1. What challenges did you encounter in trying to solve this problem? 
2. What feelings and thoughts did you have while trying to solve these problems? Fear? Frustration? “It is impossible!” Excitement? Wanted to give up? What did you do with those feelings and thoughts? 
3. Why is it important to listen carefully to directions? 
4. How many ways did you find to communicate with one another as a group? 
5. Did any one person come up with all the solutions? If not, what does that tell you about the benefits of seeking help and cooperating when you have a problem to overcome?

Matt is currently serving the graduating Class of 2017 as president.  He is the vice-president of Peer Leadership and has participated in ROVA.  He has recently earned his Certification as a Nurse Aid and studies Health Assistant.  He proudly participates in SkillsUSA as a member of the Health Bowl team.  He was the gold-medal winner at the Jeri Palumbo Memorial 5K and runs track (his favorite event:  the 800) and cross country for his home school, New Castle High School.  

Thank you, New Castle Rotary, for sending Matthew to RYLA this week.  We are certain that he will represent you, our school, and his family well.  We are proud of Matt and his accomplishments.  

You can learn more about RYLA, ROVA (Rotary Outstanding Vocational Award), and Rotary International's aim to support today's youth by clicking here:  http://www.rotarydistrict7280

We look forward to hearing more from Matt and his experiences.  For now, we wish him all the best.  Here's hoping the weather is phenomenal!  Enjoy your week, Matt!!  

Click here to read more from Matt's daily reflections during RYLA:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/2016/06/ryla-daily-reflections.html

To read more from The LCCTC Eagle, click here:  http://thelcctceagle.blogspot.com/