The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
JVS students shine during career signing day
Lorain County Joint Vocational School seniors celebrated with a signing day May 4 as they committed themselves to full-time jobs after graduation.
Students from various programs including: carpentry, HVAC, electricity, culinary arts, truck technology, machine technology and welding and fabrication attended the program.
Sean Kane, 18, an HVAC student and graduating senior, said his experience at the JVS prepared him to succeed in life.
“We’re starting our lives,” Kane said. “It’s a really good program because we don’t have to go to college to earn a good living.”
During his time in the program, he said his instructor David Morgan taught him valuable information in ways students found interesting.
“We weren’t just doing the same thing, it was hands on,” Kane said. “(Morgan) taught us the basics and worked his way up to the harder materials.”
Kane and several of peers have accepted careers at Stewart’s TV and appliance in Elyria.
“It feels good to go in with someone you know,” he said. “It’s support, and we feel prepared.”
Students were able to enjoy and celebrate their hard work and success with the celebration.
Friends, families and future bosses were invited to support students and share in the experience.
Cheryl Fridenstine, JVS marketing coordinator, said the experience is meant to show students their choices to enter the trade field is just as important and rewarding as attending college.
“Part of the SkillsUSA career tech program is this celebration,” Fridenstine said. “It’s like signing days, and we want the students to know that it’s just as important to sign to careers.”
Similar to athletes signing to sports teams, the students signed their job offers in front of cameras and families, and immediately put on hats to signify their accomplishments and acceptance.
For senior electrical student Summer Wells, 18, the experience of attending JVS was rewarding and filled with memories, education and love.
“It really got me started,” Wells said. “It gave me the base knowledge for my career and my life.
“I’ve been at this school for four years, and it’s changed my life.
“I loved this school.” As she committed to Electrical Accents in South Amherst, Wells said she was excited for this new opportunity and experience.
“Today was a big step for me,” she said. “It was my first big step into my new future.”