SCCTC graduates 146

BY STACI WILSON

The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center honored its 146 Class of 2018 graduates in a ceremony held Thursday, June 7, at the Elk Lake Elementary School.

Gary Fenton, SCCTC Work Site Coordinator, who acted as the master of ceremonies for the evening said, “Our connection to business and industry is vital to the success of our programs.”

He noted that at an awards night held prior to the ceremony over $20,000 had been awarded to the graduating seniors. He also noted that this past year more students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society; and many of the graduates had achieved a Pennsylvania Skills certification in their program areas.

SCCTC Executive Director Dr. Alice Davis focused her remarks to the graduates on happiness and attitude.

And to the audience of family, friends, school board members, staff and sending school administrators she said, “I can tell you are country is not in trouble, these kids are amazing.”

Davis reviewed the numerous projects the students had been involved in over the course of the year, including finishing the house build, the installation of several Little Free Libraries, building tables for Hunts for Healing, and providing cosmetology services and lunch for veterans. “They not only learn a trade and skills, they also give back to the community and learn the value in that,” she said.

To the graduates, Davis said, “Each of you has a special place in the hearts of the SCCTC instructors, administrators and the Board of Education and on behalf of all of them, thank you for enriching our lives.”

Bill Kelley presented the Outstanding Senior Award on behalf of the Brian Sipe Agency to Searra Muller, a Montrose Area student who has been enrolled in the Food Management, Production & Services program since the 2015-16 school year.

Elk Lake’s Jenice Taluba delivered the graduate remarks on behalf of the class.

“It seems like just yesterday I was walking into Culinary Arts as a freshman with no idea what to do,” she said. “On my first day of being there I got to meet three amazing people who I never imagined would mean so much to me four years later. These amazing people are Mrs. (Laurie) Ellis, Mrs. (Jill) Radicchi, and Mr. (Dave) Dunster.”

Taluba, this year’s SCCTC Skills USA President, told the audience she first competed in Skills USA her freshman year placing third in Customer Service. In her junior year, she again finished in third place. This year, she placed first in Customer Service at the Skills USA competition held at Lycoming County Community College. “After four years of hard work and dedication I finally earned it,” she said.

Taluba plans to continue on to college to to study baking and pastry arts.

“Senior year made me realize that this is it, the real world is coming quickly,” she said.

Davis said that of the 146 graduates, 11 percent were joining the military, 45 percent were continuing on with post-secondary training, and 44 were entering the workforce.

“I hope that whatever path you have chosen, success will follow,” she said.