Heather Campbell, a 2010 JVS graduate from Columbia High School, discusses her national travel experiences made possible through the program. By competing in opportunities all across the United States, she earned scholarships galore from such respected institutions as Le Cordon Bleau, Johnson & Wales University, and others. Heather is now attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. We can’t wait to hear about where her career takes her next!
Latest
Why I Love Teaching at the JVS — Debbie Harrison
Debbie Harrison is an accounting instructor in our Computer Business Technology course, where she focuses on preparing adults for the workforce. In this interview, she shares her love of teaching, which is evident by the very look in her eye as she talks about how proud she is to track the progression of her students. Her work helps prep students for positions in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, and many of her students go on to earn college degrees in the field. Hear about a very special student whose internship turned into a position created just for her at City Hall!
Taking Teaching to New Heights with Instructor Frank Pavlocic
In the JVS Adult Career Center, we get the honor of working with some of the most interesting characters in Lorain County. This interview with adult PMT instructor Frank Pavlocic gives you an inside look at how he applies his work ethic to teaching. By following a rigorous personal and career path that included more than 12 years of evening classes toward advanced degrees in his field, he serves as a model for our students of the rewards of applying oneself to your goals.
And one cannot discuss Frank Pavlocic without mentioning his latest project: he built an airplane. An AIRPLANE. It took 2 years and 12,500 rivets, but by golly, he did it. View his maiden voyage here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L41kpeu41c
An Interview with Senior Cosmetology Instructor Kimberly Wooley
This month senior Cosmetology student Tiffany Powell interviews one of her teachers–Kimberly Wooley. She discusses the many types of positions her program prepares students for, as well as some of the salons where we kind find our JVS students working today! Also learn about the new pedicure chairs in the department which you can enjoy by scheduling an appointment in the Reflections Salon at 440-774-1051 ext. 2373.
One of my favorite things about teacher interviews is learning what they love about their jobs, and Kim Wooley really delivers. Discover how her program helped transform one of her students from a life of homelessness to one of self-sufficiency. What a story.
How Computerized Business Technology Prepares Adult Students for Today’s Jobs
Terri Brennan has been a beloved staple at the JVS Adult Career Center for nearly 30 years. In that time she has been responsible for the training of hundreds of adults through the Computerized Business Technology program, which prepares job seekers for positions in accounting, administrative assisting, and now, electronic health records. Her students will be quick to tell you that she is more than just a teacher–Terri goes above and beyond to personalize her instruction to the learning needs of those in her class, and is one of the many JVS teachers who works with students beyond the hours of the class day. She even connects her students to available jobs in the community. Click “play” to learn about some of these success stories!
“Why I Chose the JVS” by Joe Majercak, Culinary Program, Class of 2011
Did you hear us on WEOL this morning talking about the “I’m What Works at the JVS” project? Thanks to morning DJ Jeff Thomas for the opportunity to speak about how our students are showcasing their progress through the JVS with this project. Today we have Culinary student Joe Majercak, a senior from Avon Lake High School, who chose to attend the JVS to follow his passion for cooking after years learning from his mother and grandmother. I thought it was interesting how he extends his love and talent for artistic pursuits through food. Throughout the year Joe will be taping the different techniques he is learning with Chef Michitsch, and the many opportunities he will have participating in the program. Bon Appetit!
My Experience in the JVS Culinary Academy, by Brad Thomas, Class of 2010
Meet Brad Thomas, an Amherst Steele student, as interviewed by his classmate Amanda Smith. I think one of the most pressing concerns any teen has when choosing to attend a different school is how he or she will connect with a new group of peers. How will they meet new people? Who will be their new friends? Brad discusses this topic, as well as his experience in the culinary academy, which led him to attend the Culinary Institute of America TUITION FREE in Hyde Park, New York! (Can you imagine? I’m still paying off my student loans!)
Why I Chose the JVS: Tiffany Powell, Class of ’11
When we first started this program, we figured we’d learn a lot–about our programs, about ourselves. But there have been unexpected lessons as well. In our technical training session with our high school participants, for instance, we learned that they don’t require 3 hours to figure out how to capture stories with a Flip Digital Video Camera (which is the length of time we had planned for)…they only need a 1/2 hour. Maximum. And the best way to contact them? It’s not through e-mail…that’s for us old folks. If we want to reach them, we need to text their cell phones. (On another note, apparently golf shirts are no longer cool…when the heck did that happen?)
The lesson? Never underestimate our young people. In the video clip below you will view a quick introduction to Tiffany Powell, a JVS senior enrolled in our Cosmetology program. She’ll be one of our video journalists this year, teaching us all about her perspective of her work and the world around here. We think you’ll enjoy meeting her!
JVS ’75 Alum Continues Career-Tech Commitment as Adult Ed Instructor
I’m one of the lucky people who gets to work with people like Ralph Bentley every day. He “gets” the importance of our mission and commitment to career-technical training to improve lives in Lorain County. Click “play” to learn about his background as a JVS high school grad, and his industry training that prepared him to teach in our Adult Career Center. He even shares a touching story about one of his students–as he says, we come from “all walks of life”. (And yes, I made him say “I’m What Works at the JVS” at the end…I think I owe him lunch for that 
Why the JVS is a School of Choice
Kristin Smith, a senior enrolled in the JVS Early Childhood Education Program, shares her thoughts on why she chose the JVS and what she enjoys about her training here in our school. Kristin will be one of our student video journalists this year, so stay tuned for more stories from her persective!
