Career center open house serves multiple purposes
COSHOCTON – Matthew Sharier was eager to share what he’s learned in his construction technology classes at the Coshocton County Career Center with those who attended the school’s open house on Feb. 16.
“This is a really good program and you learn a little bit of everything that has to do with construction,” said Sharier who is a senior. “You learn about laying block, a little bit about electricity and plumbing and even cabinetry. I’ve decided to go into the military after school, but I’m still very impressed with this program.”
Principal Eddie Dovenbarger said one of the reasons they hold the open house is to show the public what the students are learning. It also is an opportunity for them to see how their tax dollars are being put to use.
“We are very grateful and thankful that our levy passed,” Dovenbarger said.
Funds from that levy have helped with upgrades to the boiler and air conditioning system and also went to more noticeable changed such as carpet and paint.
“I’d say about 70 percent of our carpet was replaced and it was original from 38 years ago,” Dovenbarger said. “We also are working on updating some of the furniture that is original to when the school opened.”
The culinary arts department received new gas appliances and the school’s roof is on the agenda to be updated in 2017 – 2018.
“We have to use the levy money for brick and mortar type things,” Dovenbarger said. “We can’t use it for operating costs.”
Another purpose of the open house is to get area high school sophomores and their families in the doors to show them what the school could offer them during their junior and senior years.
“Applications are being accepted clear through next August,” Dovenbarger said.
There also is a social aspect to the open house.
“It’s kind of a homecoming for our graduates who get to come back to see friends and teachers,” Dovenbarger said. “Plus we usually have about 70-100 vendors from the community who set up tables for their businesses or organizations. Some people have said it’s the winter county fair.”
Coshocton County Career Center school board members Dan Hothem and Dr. Jere Butcher had prime spots at the open house for meeting and greeting people. The pair were helping serve up free spaghetti dinners, which is another highlight of the open house.
“It’s fun to do this and see all the people,” Butcher said. “There are a lot of them that come back year after year.”
Category: Education, Multimedia, Photo Galleries
