February 29, 2008

Happy Friday and Happy Leap Year Day! I didn’t get a chance to check—but if any of you have a birthday today, I envy you. You only have to add to your age every four years!

As we take this extra day to catch up with the sun (literally!), I thought I’d share some leap-year superstitions that were featured in the Columbus Dispatch this past week:

According to Irish legend, February 29 is the only day a woman can ask a man to marry her, because St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick that it took some men too long to do it themselves. (No comment.)

A Greek superstition claims that couples have bad luck if they marry in a leap year, so one out of five couples won’t. (Whew! I just missed that one!)

Apparently leap year has a reverse effect on a business. It is supposed to be lucky to start a new business during a leap year. So to all you entrepreneurs--go for it!

This past Monday evening, we hosted our first ever Hi-Point Hi-Tech Night in partnership with Honda of America Manufacturing. What a wonderful evening! We estimate we had about 150 potential students, parents, and adults present to learn about career opportunities in Ohio’s new manufacturing economy. After a video presentation, Honda representatives described career pathways including coop experiences with Honda that can lead to exciting careers as manufacturing maintenance technicians. Then, participants had the opportunity to tour our manufacturing-related labs and see for themselves the hands-on education that we offer at OHP. (See the photo at right.) We were thrilled with the results of the evening and look forward to this continuing partnership with Honda to strengthen our programs. The individuals involved in organizing this even are too numerous to mention; but let me just say that the OHP team, including administration, staff, and student ambassadors, came through as usual with flying colors and put on a class act! Thank you so much.

Incidentally, in spite of the news that Honda will cease motorcycle production at the Marysville site, we have been assured that the need for manufacturing maintenance technicians will continue to be strong and that our partnership with Honda will continue to be a priority.

We had our monthly Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening, and one of the highlights of our meetings for me is always the recognition of our Students of the Month. This month was especially neat because our female student of the month, Brittany Godfrey, was accompanied by her mother (who drove in from Ft. Wayne to be there, by the way!) Her mother is also an OHP graduate from our adult education health program! I can’t tell you how proud I was to know that our programs have had such a positive impact two generations of one family. We just never know how far-reaching our work can be!

When we come back on Monday, it will be March. We’re rounding the corner into spring—and I think this year it’s especially welcome! Have a great weekend!