Vo-tech event opens possibilities
Sydnie Neff was dead set on becoming a surgeon, and attended the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School to get closer to that goal.
She ended up enjoying the health assistant program at the school so much she resolved to become an R.N.
On Thursday evening, she was at the school to talk to prospective students about the program for the vo-tech school's annual open house and program showcase night.
“It's a lot of fun; you get great perspective,” said Neff, a senior at the school. “And it helps you get ahead of schooling because you can earn some college credits here.”The school showcased all of its 15 programs of study at the open house, where administrators, program leads and current students talked about the offerings at the school, and were able to answer questions from curious attendees.Regina Hiler, director of the vo-tech center, said the evening was designed to be a casual meeting experience to make prospective students feel comfortable.“We make it as nonstructured as possible, so no one feels like they are coming to something where they have to listen to a long lecture,” Hiler said. “It's not, 'We'll tell you what we do'; it's 'We will show you what we do.'”From 6 to 8 p.m., the school doors were open and teachers and students were milling about to explain their programs.Machine technology instructor Aaron Clouse said a lot of students are interested in the program because it teaches hands-on building skills.“I try not to make it too regimented,” he said. “I try to learn what they are into and I try to make learning fun.”Computer networking and security instructor Daniel Zulick had several families speak with him about the program throughout the evening. He said students are interested in his program because it offers many future career opportunities and options.“Everybody relies on technology,” Zulick said. “It's really like a little slice of industry here.”Hiler said the vo-tech center is unique even for a school of its type. Students who attend still go through standard academic classes alongside their career class focuses.
She also said the school still promotes hard work in students.“You have to want to learn and have to work hard and be able to listen,” Hiler said. “Then, let me teach you measurements and work ethic and working as a team and we're going to try to build an end table. It's very project-based, but based on curriculum.”Neff said she has learned new aspects about her future career in nursing each year.“Your first year, you learn a lot, your basics, your terminology, a little bit about bones,” she said. “Your third year, you get to do some really fun things.”Clouse said he enjoys seeing students go from brand new builders to experienced manufacturers over the course of three years.“I love to see the light bulb go off in their head,” he said. “You could say that progression is the best part of teaching.”Hiler encouraged any student or parent interested in pursuing a technical career to research the school's offerings.“It's the best place in the world,” Hiler said.
