Pickaway-Ross CTC

Students in our Visual Communication & Design program recently had the opportunity to visit The Modern College of Design for an inspiring day of exploration and hands-on learning. During their tour, students explored the college’s campus and discovered what it’s like to pursue a future in the design industry. They also participated in creative workshops, putting their design skills to the test in real-world scenarios. This visit allowed our students to see the wide range of opportunities available to them in graphic design, digital media, and other creative fields, while inspiring them to continue honing their talents. These future designers are well on their way to making their mark in the creative world!

Last week, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague toured Pickaway-Ross CTC, honoring our 50 years of shaping Ohio’s workforce! He visited our Commercial Carpentry and Health Science labs, as well as our on-campus coffee shop, getting an inside look at how we’re helping students reach their fullest potential. Huge thanks to our amazing administrators & faculty for showing how we’re preparing the next generation of skilled professionals!

Our Veterinary Assisting and Diesel & Heavy Truck Mechanics juniors and seniors had an incredible experience at the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio! 🌾🚜 Though their programs are quite different, this event showcased how their skills can complement each other in fields like agriculture. From animal care to heavy equipment operation, they got a glimpse of how diverse career paths work together to support a vital industry. We're excited to see how our students continue to grow and contribute to their fields!

Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center came alive with music from eight home school marching bands last week, as they competed in the 16th Annual Pickaway-Ross Battle of the Bands. The yearly event at Main campus brought together students, staff, and families for an exciting morning filled with competition and school spirit. The event started with the presentation of the trophy and plaque to last year’s champion, Chillicothe High School, for their 2023 win. By showing off their talents, eight competing bands sought to impress their peers to earn the right to be called this year’s champion. After a close round of voting by Pickaway-Ross students, Chillicothe High School successfully defended their title, earning back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. Unioto High School, champions in 2021 and 2022, came in second for the second consecutive year. Westfall High School secured a third-place finish with a strong showing. "As we celebrate our 50th year of career-technical education at Pickaway-Ross, we were thrilled to host eight of our talented partner district bands and hundreds of community guests who came to watch," said Superintendent Jonathan Davis. "This event is so incredibly special for our students, who are usually in their home school colors and get to show off their home school pride. At the same time, it has become a great competition for the local bands!" The Battle of the Bands has become a signature event for Pickaway-Ross, offering students from the career center’s partner districts a chance to showcase their musical talent in a friendly competition. Pickaway-Ross students played a key role, voting for their favorite performances and ultimately deciding the winners. The event continues to foster a sense of community pride and collaboration, making it a cherished tradition for all involved.

Incoming Juniors at Pickaway-Ross! Your first day of school is ONE WEEK away! 😱 Don’t panic—we’ve got you covered! Join us for Career Tech Kickoff on August 13 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at your program location, and here’s what you can do: -- Snag your uniforms 👕 -- Meet your awesome teachers 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 -- Grab your schedules 🗓️ -- Pick up your Chromebooks 💻 And most importantly, scout out your classrooms so you don’t get lost on day one! Let’s kick off the school year with confidence! Check out our website for all the Welcome Back info! #PRCTCProud #50YearsOfPRCTC #CareerTechKickoff

🍽️What's better than a good breakfast & lunch? A FREE, good breakfast & lunch!🍽️ Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center will be participating the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for the 2024-25 school year! This means ALL students at Pickaway-Ross Main Campus will receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE! No applications needed. Just enjoy nutritious meals every day. 🥪🍎 #PRCTCProud

✨What an incredible experience! Students from our Voices of Freedom class had the honor of serving as volunteer chaperones on Honor Flight Columbus Mission 132.✈️ The Honor Flight Network is dedicated to celebrating America's veterans by transporting our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. It was a privilege for our students to assist these brave men and women, hearing their stories and witnessing their moments of remembrance. Thank you, Honor Flight, for this unforgettable opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom. 🇺🇸 #PRCTCProud

Chicago Bound for Business!💼👔 Our @bpaconnect chapter had an incredible time representing Pickaway-Ross at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago! Congratulations to Health Administration junior Isabelle Thomas (Westfall) for placing 11th in the nation in Health Insurance & Medical Billing. We're proud of your hard work and dedication, Izzy! Shoutout to Cybersecurity & Networking junior Zachary Edler (Zane Trace) who competed in Device Configuration & Troubleshooting! Zach's competition test earned him another credential - the Certiport: IT Specialist – Device Configuration and Management certification. Visual Communication & Design junior Abi Bretthauer attended as our voting delegate! Abi played a key role in representing our chapter's voice at the conference. But, that's not all! Mr. Norris and the Westfall satellite program sent two more competitors to nationals. Juniors Christina Gardner and Lauren Barnes competed in Presentation Management, showing off their skills on the big stage. Beyond the competitions, our delegates soaked up all that Chicago has to offer. From exploring museums to networking with future business leaders at the conference, it was an unforgettable experience! #PRCTCProud #CareerTechOhio #BPA

We're thrilled to announce the recipients of the Picakway-Ross Teachers Association scholarships for the 2023-24 school year. After careful consideration and interviews, the following students were awarded for their outstanding achievements: $500 Scholarship Recipients: Jasmine Williams Kou Henry Deshawn Sommers Makenna Buchwalter Anay Sierra $250 Scholarship Recipients: Chloe Funk Caiden Woods These exceptional students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a commitment to their communities and a drive to make a positive impact. Congratulations once again to our PRTA scholarship recipients! Your journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see all you will accomplish.

The RAMTEC program visited Engineered Plastic Components (EPC) last week for a facility tour. Our students got a firsthand look at the world of plastics engineering, and guess who they met? Chris Roberts, a 2019 RAMTEC graduate! It was amazing to see Chris's career journey come full circle and how the RAMTEC program prepared him for success. A huge thanks to EPC Inc. for hosting us and inspiring the next generation of manufacturing leaders! #PRCTCProud #NEXTReady #CareerTechOhio

Future electricians on the move!⚡ Last week, our Electrical Technologies program looked at the future firsthand when they visited the Electrical Trades Center in Columbus! This state-of-the-art facility trains IBEW apprentices, the future electricians and data/telecom technicians that keep Central Ohio powered and connected! With our job placement program, students have the opportunity to begin their careers with the IBEW while still in high school! #PRCTCProud #PRCTCWorks

Celebrating Success: Our Alumni Shine at SuccessBound Conference In Dublin, at the SuccessBound Central Region conference, our alumni took the spotlight, showcasing the impact of our Commercial Carpentry Program. Tyler Bowens, a 2020 graduate employed at Elford, Inc., and Andrew Smith, a 2022 grad employed at Acoustic Ceiling & Partition, shared their inspiring journeys from our program to professional success. Their stories highlight the essence of our program – a fusion of education and real-world experience, made possible by our strong partnerships with apprenticeship programs and contractors. Joined by Jeremy Dennis from Central Midwest Carpenter's Union and by Mr. McManes, our Commercial Carpentry instructor, they emphasized the pathways our program offers. Tyler and Andrew's insights underscored the role our program plays in shaping successful careers. Their success reflects our commitment to empowering individuals in the construction industry. #PRCTCProud #PRCTCWorks #CareerTechOhio

🕊️ Last week, we bid farewell to a beloved mentor, Mr. Brent Ebert, our Machining and Manufacturing Instructor. 🛠️ With 23 years of unwavering dedication, he was not just a teacher but a mentor for countless students. Brent's impending retirement this academic year was to mark the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to learn from him. His passion for teaching went beyond the curriculum; he nurtured dreams, instilled values, and paved paths to success for his students. His impact echoes in our school halls and the careers of those he mentored. We were truly fortunate to have had such an exceptional educator who cared deeply. Following Brent's wishes, there will be no formal services. However, per his wishes, contributions to the Brent Ebert Memorial Fund at Pickaway Ross JVSD are welcome for those who wish to honor his memory. Let's keep his legacy alive by supporting the future generations he cherished so dearly.🌟 #RememberingMrEbert #PRCTCProud https://www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com/obituary/MitchellBrent-Ebert

Busy morning on campus as we welcomed Adena's 8th graders for a tour of our career labs! 🚗🔬✨ Empowering the next generation to explore their passions and pave the way for their future careers! 🌟 #PRCTCProud #CareerTechOhio #PRCTCNextGen

Zane Trace FFA Chapter Among Ohio's Best!🌟 In a recent showcase of talent and hard work, the Zane Trace FFA Chapter made an impressive mark at the Southeastern Ohio Invitational CDE on March 8th. Demonstrating their prowess in livestock, meat judging, vet science, and wildlife competitions, they ranked among the best, with significant achievements in each category. The team's dedication was evident with a 5th place finish in livestock out of 40 teams, high individual rankings in various competitions, and securing 4th place in the wildlife category. 🐄🌳🔍 But that's not all - the Zane Trace FFA has also been honored with a Gold rating, placing them in the top 10% of the 351 FFA Chapters across Ohio in the National Chapter Award Program. 🏆 This prestigious recognition is a testament to their outstanding program of activities over the past year, including impactful community projects like the FFA Sausage Breakfast, elementary ag lessons, and the Beautify for Buck Fifty roadside clean-up. 🌱 Celebrating their 15th year of achieving a Gold rating, the Zane Trace FFA wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the school staff, community, and everyone who has supported them. This dual achievement not only highlights their knowledge and preparation for upcoming state contests but also sets a remarkable example of excellence and community engagement. 🎉 Let's congratulate the Zane Trace FFA Chapter on their continued success and support them as they advance and uphold the values of agricultural education! 👏

🎉 A big salute to our five amazing students who took a bold step at Ohio Military Signing Day! 🇺🇸 Hosted at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, this event, supported by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, celebrated our future service members - from those heading to service academies, accepting ROTC scholarships, or enlisting in active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. The day was packed with powerful stories from a veteran, a current service member, and one student, offering insights from the past, present, and future of military service. We're bursting with pride for these brave souls embarking on a journey of service and leadership. 🌟 Let’s cheer them on as they prepare to defend and serve our nation! #PRCTCProud #CareerTechOhio #OhioMilitarySigningDay

🎉✨Unforgettable Day!✨🎉 We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming our friends from @thepioneercenter and Easter Seals for their annual spa day visit to our Cosmetology program in celebration of DD Awareness Month! 💇‍♀️💅 It was a day filled with smiles, pampering, and heartwarming moments. From stylish hairdos to manicures, our talented students got the chance to showcase their skills and spread joy. 🌈 And guess what? Our Cosmetology instructor, Mrs. Patrick, had a wonderful reunion with one of her former homeroom students! 🎉 It's moments like these that remind us of the strong and lasting bonds formed within our community. Days like today are why we do what we do - they're not just our favorite, but they're also a testament to the beauty of inclusivity and the joy of giving back. 💖 Thank you to everyone who made this day unforgettable. Until next year! #PRCTCProud #InclusionMatters

🌟 Huge Achievements at the Regional SkillsUSA Competition!🌟 Our talented students have made us #PRCTCProud by not only demonstrating their incredible skills but also securing their spots for the State Competition this April! Here are our award winners and state qualifiers: 🥇 James Whitaker in Job Interview - Gold 🥇 🥈 Luke Woods in Collision Repair Technology - Silver 🥈 🥈 Abbigail Wells in Related Technical Math - Silver 🥈 🥈 Payton McQuirt in Job Interview - Silver 🥈 🥈 Ethan Tackett in Medical Math - Silver 🥈 🥈 Addison Lester in Medical Terminology - Silver 🥈 🥉 Gabriel Cantrell in Criminal Justice - Bronze 🏅 🥉 Ethan Palmer in CNC Milling - Bronze 🏅 Let's give them a huge round of applause and all the support as they gear up for the state competition. 💪🔥

✨One step closer!!✨ This week marks a significant milestone for the students in Ms. McVicker's Allied Health program as they begin their clinical rotations at Logan Elm Healthcare! 🏥✨ Eager to pursue their STNA certification, these students are embarking on a journey that bridges their training with real-world application. Over the next few weeks, they will immerse themselves in real-world healthcare settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and insights. This is a unique opportunity for them to apply their knowledge, skills, and compassion in actual patient care situations, preparing them for the challenges and rewards of the healthcare field. Let's cheer them on as they work diligently towards their certification test! We can't wait to see all that you will accomplish in your careers ahead. 💪💖🌟 #PRCTCProud #CareerTechOhio

A Celebration of Dedication and Achievement On December 22, 2023, we had the distinct pleasure of celebrating a significant milestone in the journey of our first Adult Education LPN-to-RN cohort. This special event was the Pinning Ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the nursing profession, attended by approximately 150 friends and family members who have provided unwavering support to the 14 graduates throughout their academic endeavors. The ceremony represented not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a promising future for these dedicated students. It was a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the comprehensive education they received, preparing them to step into society as competent and compassionate Registered Nurses (RNs). One of the ceremony's highlights was the traditional pinning, a symbolic act signifying the transition from student to professional nurse. This moment was particularly poignant, reflecting the graduates' readiness to take on the challenges of the healthcare world with knowledge, empathy, and professionalism. The event also featured the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, or the Nurse's Oath, which was a powerful moment, with each graduate committing to uphold the highest standards of the nursing profession. The candle-lighting ceremony further illuminated the solemnity and significance of the occasion, linking the graduates to the enduring legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. We are immensely proud of what these graduates have accomplished and the dedication they have shown throughout their journey in the program. Their success is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our educational initiatives and the hard work of our staff to bring this vital program to our area. It underscores our commitment to preparing healthcare professionals who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate. As we reflect on this milestone, we look forward to the bright futures of our graduates. They are now equipped to contribute significantly to the health and well-being of our society as RNs. Their achievement is a beacon of hope and a promise of the quality and dedication that future cohorts will bring to the healthcare profession. To our graduates, congratulations on this monumental achievement. Your journey has been inspiring, and your future is bright. To those considering joining our future cohorts, know that your path to making a difference in healthcare starts here, with us. We are excited to support, guide, and celebrate your success just as we have with this remarkable group of nursing professionals. Here's to the next chapter in the journey of our nursing graduates. The impact of these compassionate professionals on healthcare is immeasurable, and we are honored to have played a part in their journey.