OPEN HOUSE INFORMS STUDENTS, FAMILIES

Opportunities showcased in programs that provide certificates, credentials, college credits

Prospective students, their families and members of the public roamed halls and lab rooms Jan. 26 during an open house at Lorain County Joint Vocational School.

Instructors and employers for programs and fields including carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, engineering, auto technology and graphic design, among many others, were available during the open house to answer questions.

Organizations like Ohio Means Jobs and the Lorain

County Manufacturing Sector Partnership were available.

JVS assistant principal Megan Champagne said the day started out busy.

“We’ve had a lot of people in the doors really since before they opened,” she said.

A high number of visitors is anticipated for the event, according to Champagne.

“I think this is always a really big event for us,” she said. “We have sophomore tours during the week, so we try to bring all the sophomores in the county through the building. At least all the interested sophomores.”

Unlike those tours, the open house provides an opportunity for prospective students to take a look at every program and lab to their pleasing.

“I feel like that’s the intent, for the kids to be able to go in and get a feel for what that program is going to be like,” Champagne said.

In addition, the open house allows other locals to take a look at what the school does and can act as a networking opportunity for alumni.

“They (community members) like to see what we offer, and it’s a great opportunity for alumni to come back and talk to some of the teachers,” Champagne said. “So there’s lots of different reasons why people come back.”

For those like Roberta

Alberty, 39, of Elyria, the interest in vocational school is generational.

She graduated from the school in 1998 as a legal medical secretary and attended the open house with her son Trenton Fridley, who will be entering ninth grade in the coming year.

“He’s interested in the ninth grade program,” Alberty said, adding that he has a particular interest in auto technology and diesel mechanics.

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL The Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181state Route 58in Oberlin, opened its doors for the public during an open house Jan. 26. Prospective students and their families were able to get a look at each of the school’s labs and speak with instructors.

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Students and families roamed halls during open house at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181state Route 58in Oberlin.