March 5, 2010

Sunlight after 6 p.m.—how great is that! I think the sunshine this week has done us all a world of good. (A landscaper told me today the Farmer’s Almanac is calling for 30 inches of snow in March, but I’m going to assume he’s talking about North Dakota!)

I’m going to rush spring a little bit and say we’re already well into it with all of our spring banquets, competitive events, and awards programs. There will be lots of news to share regarding these events in coming weeks!

Last Tuesday I attended the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance Annual Dinner and had the privilege of seeing our Ridgemont board member, Robert White, receive the Citizen of the Year Award for his work in securing passage of a levy for the County Extension Office and for his support of 4-H programs. Bob told me he was just in the right place at the right time; I told him he was also doing the right things! Congratulations, Bob—we’re proud to have you serve on our board!

This past Monday I had the real treat of sharing a tour of Benny’s Pizza in Marysville (and lunch!) with our Culinary Arts students. I originally had to decline the offer due to my schedule; but when the lunch was rescheduled due to weather they invited me again, and I was able to stop in on my way to a meeting in Columbus. I’ve always been amazed with the customer service at this local favorite, and the tour was really an eye opener. They crank out a lot of great food from very small space in an old building! The kids were great—they were well behaved (of course), asked great questions, ate heartily, and made me feel like an honored guest. Thanks, CUA, for a great experience!

Wednesday I visited our Marysville site and our South Campus and met our Practical Nursing students in those facilities. At Marysville, we have one group about three months away from graduation, and they’re clearly very proud and very excited! Another class there has just begun, and those students seem very determined to take on the challenge and work for a better future. At South Campus we’ve started our very first PN class, and they seem so appreciative of the opportunity. I so admire these adults who embark on such a challenging course of study, and I know the payoff will be huge for them when they graduate. I encouraged them to “keep their eye on the prize” and hang in there when things get tough. I look forward to seeing those same smiling faces at their graduation!

Wednesday we had Chinese students from Urbana University visit our campus. I wasn’t able to be here when they were on campus, but Associate Director Shelly Swaney tells me they were intrigued and amazed by the choices our students have in career-technical training. In their country, their career pathway is decided for them at a fairly young age. As she shared with me their comments, it made me wonder if our students realize how very fortunate they are to have the choices they do. This kind of interaction is so rich for our students—and we look forward to hosting visiting students again!

As the week draws to a close, wasn't it great to have five full days of school? Maybe exhausting, too. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you have an opportunity to get out and enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures!