Students from area high schools visited the JVS to learn about 27 career-technical programs. Students in the Allied Health Technologies Program demonstrate bandaging techniques.

Sophomores from area high schools recently visited the JVS to "explore and experience" 27 career-technical programs. Sophomore Career Exploration Days play an important role in helping students learn more about JVS programs and the enrollment process and criteria.

The upcoming JVS Open House on Sunday, February 7 from 1:30-3:30pm, is another opportunity for 8th, 9th and 10th grade students and their parents to take an in-depth look at career-technical programs in seven career areas: Building Trades, Business/Marketing, Community Service/Healthcare, Culinary, Manufacturing/Pre-engineering, Transportation and College Tech-Prep.

Nick Miller, a Collision Repair student from North Ridgeville, reads to a JVS preschooler.

Students in Michael Brandyberry's Exploration of Literature Class took a field trip to the Half Price Book Store in North Olmsted and purchased 77 books to add to the class library, thanks to a grant from the Lorain County JVS Educational Foundation.

"Most students will admit that they were not big readers when beginning my class, but many have found some type of literature that they enjoy," commented Brandyberry. John Moore, a senior from North Ridgeville, has read all of Dan Brown's books, including the new Lost Symbol, while Jake Tansey, a senior from Firelands, has found interest in John Grisham crime novels.

Jacqueline Cannan, of Avon, gives her father a haircut.

First year students in the Lorain County JVS Adult Cosmetology Program recently hosted a Friends & Family Night. Students had an opportunity to perform haircuts and styles on anyone they invited to the event. All services were completed under the supervision of their licensed instructors Marge Lucas and Donna Steinbrenner.

"Everyone left with a new hair cut and smiling faces and the students had a great opportunity to practice their newly learned skills," said Lucas.

Students with the blankets they made for the Haven Center.

Students in the JVS Family & Consumer Science Satellite Program at Elyria Catholic High School made fleece throws for the Haven Center homeless shelter in Lorain.

The Life Skills students donated 16 fleece throw blankets. The project was funded by a grant from the Elyria Catholic Naughton-Basinski Faculty Fund.

Mary West

In many ways, life has turned full circle for Mary West, who graduated from the Lorain County Joint Vocational School in 1982, returned to the JVS Adult Career Center for more training in 2006, and is now employed by the JVS as administrative assistant to the assistant principals.

From left: Jessica Duplaga (Keystone); Josh Simon (N. Ridgeville) and Kellie Hanko (Wellington)

Over 70 students from six area Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs competed at the recent District 2 FFA Nursery and Landscaping Contest at Pioneer Career & Technology Center in Shelby, Ohio.

The Lorain County JVS Landscape and Greenhouse Management team, consisting of Kellie Hanko from Wellington, Jessica Duplaga from Keystone, and Josh Simon from North Ridgeville, placed 3rd. Jessica Duplaga placed 6th in the individual competition.

From left: Theodore Szalay, Lisa Marie Albright, Tracy Donovan, Tangeana May, Kerry Johnson, Peggy Hastings

The JVS Adult Career Center's Computerized Business Technology (CBT) program kicked off their discussion on Employability Skills with a "Dressing for Success" workshop. The workshop was led by a panel of students who presented information about appropriate attire for a job interview.

The student panel conducted research, provided handouts for their classmates, and led an informative discussion. To reinforce their topic, the students provided a demonstration by dressing in formal interview attire, business casual attire, and attire that would not be inappropriate for a job interview.