Jefferson County Joint Vocational School celebrates

BLOOMINGDALE -- More than 100 seniors reached a milestone May 17 when they officially completed their education from the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.

From Passports and certifications, to scholarships and awards, officials spent the evening presenting students with their well-deserved rewards during the annual senior recognition ceremony.

Family members gathered inside the school's common area to watch as seniors, adorned in their home school's graduation gowns, walked up to accept their award for completing their respective studies in one of the school's 16 programs. Passports were given for animal science management, auto collision technologies, auto service technologies, carpentry, computer networking technologies, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition to Work and welding.

Supervisor and Principal Andy Long welcomed the crowd and congratulated students on reaching their goals.

"It is with immense joy and pride that I stand here before you to celebrate this milestone in your lives," Long commented. "Today, we honor not only your accomplishments but your unique journey. As you stand on the precipice of the world, remember the lessons your learned at the JVS. Pursue your passions wholeheartedly and not with mediocrity, and seize the opportunity and always try to evolve."

Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson shared words of wisdom interspersed with quotations from famous authors and more. He lauded the students as well as parents, teachers, staff, the school board and others who have supported the youth in their endeavors.

"I am proud of your accomplishments," Phillipson said. "Students, in a short time you will need to step up and put your skills up to the challenges of a demanding world. You have already learned that sometimes it is time to branch out from your comfort zone. You chose the JVS to leave that comfort zone. You are a dreamer. You enter a job market with many opportunities. It is your determination that sets you apart and your vision."

He said life can be compared to chapters, with one closing and another beginning, adding when one begins another chapter, they can look back and reflect in celebration so as to move on and pursue their dreams and goals.

"The rest of your story or the next chapter will have many twists and turns," Phillipson stated. "I wish you well. I hope that your dreams come true and you will be known for your kindness, your hopefulness and your compassion."

Anthony Bailey, a 2004 JVS graduate and owner of Movin and Groovin Productions in Toronto, was keynote speaker for the evening. He shared how growing up with hardships only encouraged him to build his business and prosper. During his sophomore year of high school, Bailey decided he wanted to become a DJ and began renting equipment until he was able to purchase them in order to start what would eventually become his company.

Bailey noted he now employs more than 45 summer workers and six full-time employees, plus the business owns three warehouses with more than 20,000 square feet, adding he is currently on track to an estimated $600,000 in sales. Movin and Groovin also holds contracts for backstage activities at the Pavilion at Star Lake. He said he has handled events for country singers Morgan Wallen and Jason Aldean and for the Foo Fighters, among others.

Bailey recalled his days at JVS, saying he dealt with authority issues as a criminal justice student but eventually learned the error of his ways. Former Principal Tony D'Aurora's faith in him and a switch to the business program led to a positive outcome and he approached officials about the possibility of starting a radio and television program at the school.

"Following research and a proposal for the school board, JAM was created," Bailey said. "JVS taught me there is more to school than textbooks and quizzes. At JVS, you learn skills and your trade. If you combine that with a vision and something you are passionate about, there's no telling what you can achieve."

He added he has he lived by three rules: Never be afraid to ask for help, always watch your back and know that failure is not an option.

"I pursued my dream of being a self-employed business owner," Bailey concluded. "Don't get me wrong, I put in a lot of hard work, sleepless nights along with blood, sweat and tears to get where I am today. It wasn't easy. So Class of 2023, follow your heart and do great things in the world."

Scholarships were disbursed throughout the evening. Recipients included: Caleb Phillips, Eastern Gateway Community College and Jefferson County Academic scholarships; Raven Holloway, Blaner Gift, Dr. David Robinson and JCJVS Teachers' Association, Tony D'Aurora Memorial, and Medical Mutual scholarships; Hunter Tice, Bob Eddy Memorial Scholarship; Karlee Warren, Borden Office Equipment Scholarship; Torry Burks, Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation Scholarship; Travis Rose, Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation, Mike "Mags" Cicone, and Dr. Tom and Suzanne Brown scholarships; Sydni Cunningham, Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation Scholarship; Kaleb Griffith, I Can Succeed, Christopher Sprouse Memorial, and Ohio CAT Think Big scholarships; Ben Carpenter, Dixie Saltsman Scholarship; Peyton Marsh, Geno Morelli Memorial Scholarship; Ian Latynski, Harry E. Scott Jr. Memorial Scholarship; Abigail Maxwell, Mike "Mags" Cicone Scholarship; Ollie Burton, Mike "Mags" Cicone Scholarship; Harley Totterdale, Rick Finney Memorial Scholarship; and Evan McFadden, Weirton Lumber Scholarship.

Meanwhile, perfect attendance awards went to Clarissa Whiteman and Daymien Blankenship. Vocational and academic awards of distinction were presented to: Marian Cline, auto collision; Cody Kinsey, automotive service technology; Jayden Clancey, carpentry; Bryson Mattern, computer networking; Madison Shell, cosmetology; Taranisa Lindsey, criminal justice; Harmony Hatch, culinary arts; Lita Bennett, early childhood education; Hunter Tice, electrical trades; Genevieve Leverett, health technologies; Annabelle Morgan, multimedia and design; Jeremiah McGalla, power mechanics; Corinne Hutton, animal science; Clarissa Whiteman, transition to work; Kaydence Bell, welding; Kayleigh Davisson, English; Makayla Brazauskas, intervention; Daniel Cermak, intervention and virtual operating system enviroment; Dominic Stanley, Caleb Phillips and Logan Grant, math; Diamond Sharpe and Allen Quinn, science; and Logan Grant and Andrew Saiter, social studies. Vocational and academic awards of excellence were then given to Brady Ogden, auto collision; Elijah Foster, automotive service technology; Kayleigh Davisson, carpentry; Elijah Middleton, computer networking; Avery Lucas, cosmetology; Caleb Phillips, criminal justice; Gage Simmons, culinary arts; Karlee Warren, early childhood education; Ian Latynski, electrical trades; Floyd Edmond, health technologies; Peyton Marsh, multimedia and design; Boady Wood, power mechanics; Ainsley Roach, animal science; Clarissa Whiteman, transition to work; Xander Everson, welding; Levi Bowman, English; Kaydence Bell, intervention; Brooklynn Hoover, intervention and virtual operating system enviroment; Travis Rose, Ian Latynski and Karlee Warren, math; Ian Latynski and Ben Carpenter, science; and Ollie Burton and Lynnzee Grimm, social studies.

Also recognized were National Technical Honor Society members Boady Wood, Holly Wood, Jude Riggs, Ian Latynski, Travis Rose, Karlee Warren, Avery Lucas, Peyton Marsh, Annie Brookes, Kloey Biddle, Ollie Burton, Ben Carpenter, Xander Everson and Raven Holloway.

Supervisor and Assistant Principal, Gabrielle Wilson, closed the event with parting words for students, "Congratulations. You have put in a lot of hard work and dedication to reach this point, and you should be proud of everything you have accomplished.

"As you move forward into the next phase of your life, remember to stay passionate, curious and open-minded," Wilson concluded. "Keep learning, growing and pushing yourself beyond your limits. We wish you all the best in your future careers and hope that you will continue to strive towards your goals."