June 3, 2009

Hard to believe, but we’re wrapping up another year with our high school students, our GED students, and many of our adult education students. This is the fun part—seeing everyone’s hard work come to the end result we all look forward to!

The Administrative Team and I have been covering all of our partner school high-school graduation ceremonies over the past couple of weeks (with a few to go). On May 22, I attended Ridgemont’s graduation—what a nice ceremony! Small and very intimate. I especially appreciated that each Ohio Hi-Point student was asked to stand and his/her career-technical program was announced. (I’m told Upper Scioto Valley does the same thing.) We appreciate the special recognition our students are given “back home” for their career-technical achievements!

Our own Convocation was, as always, a beautiful ceremony. The weather didn’t exactly cooperate—in fact it teased us all day. But we decided better safe (and dry!) than sorry. I want to personally thank the “army” of people it took to move our Convocation from our campus to the Bellefontaine High School gymnasium. Our OHP team always does a terrific job putting together a memorable ceremony for our students. There are too many to mention—but you know who you are. Thanks so much! And I want to publicly thank the staff at Bellefontaine High School—they could not have been more helpful or accommodating. When schools work together, students win!

I’ve attended a lot of graduation ceremonies over the years; and, of course, the students are always happy. But I have to say our students last Wednesday just beamed as they came across the stage! That’s a tribute to all of you for the positive experience you create for our students at OHP and the excellent preparation you give them for their futures!

I’m sure you, like I, have heard many positive comments about the ceremony. I’d like to share two comments I had from our partners:

"Fantastic job with the ceremony last night! You can all be very proud. The student speakers were outstanding and the evening went very well. Thanks so much again for all you do to take care of our students after they leave USV."

Jon Cook
Upper Scioto Valley Schools


"Congratulations on a great convocation ceremony last evening. I enjoyed watching the excitement in the eyes of the graduates and the parents. You have much to be proud of at this time. I know (two students) would have probably dropped out of high school if it wasn't for Hi-Point and the great staff. Both students are going on to the Adult Education in Phlebotomy this summer."

Pete Yost
Champaign Co. Department of Jobs & Family Services

Last Tuesday evening, I and many of you attended the Construction Trades Academy open house at the project house. What a terrific turnout! This year’s house featured many energy-saving features, and Touchstone Energy partnered with us on our open house. It really was standing-room only. I appreciate the many staff members who took time to stop by—it means so much to those students to be able to show off their hard work over the past year. They built a beautiful house that will no doubt become a comfortable home for a lucky family. Congratulations to the students and teachers—Terry Hedges, Bob Lawrence, Doug Limes, and Dave Marsteller—for another successful year!

Our Administrative Team and I met with representatives from Urbana University last Friday about some potential new partnerships in both academics and career pathways. It’s too soon to have specifics for you. But just let me say that our team had partnered off with counterparts from UU and no one wanted to break up the discussion. That’s the sign of a good meeting! We’ll keep you posted as the details of these opportunities for our students come to fruition.

In parting for the summer, I want to wish you all a wonderful, safe, restful summer. Enjoy a slower pace to spend with family and friends. If you’re traveling, be safe. And take time to recharge your batteries and plan for another great year next year!