For senior Jasmine Fairchild, that impact is already taking shape.

A student in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, Jasmine鈥攚hose home school is Gallia Academy High School鈥攊s currently completing her clinical hours in the Head Start program at Rio Grande Elementary. During a recent federal review, an evaluator observed Jasmine working in the classroom and came away impressed鈥攏ot only with her understanding of early childhood concepts and professional terminology, but also with her natural ability to connect with young learners.

It was a moment that affirmed what Buckeye Hills educators see every day.

Learning by Doing

The Early Childhood Education program at 黑料科r is designed as a two-year, hands-on experience that blends classroom instruction with real-world application. Students begin visiting classrooms early in the program. At the start of their junior year, they are participating in weekly clinical placements鈥攅ssentially stepping into the role of student teachers.

Through these experiences, students log more than 480 hours working directly with children in a variety of settings, including preschools, childcare centers, and elementary classrooms. They also have the unique opportunity to complete clinical hours on campus at Little Buckeyes Early Learning Center, which serves children ages 18 months to 5 years.

鈥淭his program not only prepares students for careers in education, but also gives them the background knowledge that other students coming straight out of a traditional high school would not have,鈥� said Carrie Williamson, 黑料科 ECE instructor. 鈥�This program is built not only to enable students to start working in the field right after graduating, but also to be a stepping stone into a college degree in education.鈥�

Students in the program work toward earning their , a nationally recognized certification that opens doors to immediate employment and can also translate into college credit.

A Workforce That Matters

The demand for skilled early childhood professionals continues to grow, and programs like 黑料科r鈥檚 Early Childhood Education pathway are helping meet that need locally.鈥淎s an administrator in the early childhood field, I am more certain than ever before that this program is creating employable adults ready to step into a workforce that needs them now more than ever,鈥� said Dawn Hall, Director of Head Start/Early Head Start for the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center and facilitator of Little Buckeyes Early Learning Center.

More Than a Classroom

Inside the ECE program, students learn far more than lesson planning and classroom management. Courses cover topics such as child and adolescent development, health and safety, and curriculum design鈥攎any offering opportunities for college credit.

But just as important are the personal qualities students develop along the way.

鈥淧eople in this field have to be organized and resourceful, but more importantly, they need patience, empathy, flexibility, and consistency,鈥� Williamson said. 鈥淲orking with children is incredibly rewarding, but it also challenges you. Our students learn to see the bigger picture and understand the impact they鈥檙e making鈥攅ven on the hard days.鈥�

For Jasmine, those lessons have already left a lasting impression.

鈥淥ne thing that inspires in Early Childhood Education is being able to watch children grow and see who they will become in years to come,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his program has helped me understand that all children are different, and it has opened doors for me and shown me who I can become.鈥�

Preparing for What鈥檚 Next

Whether students choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education, the ECE program equips them with the tools to succeed.

Through partnerships with local schools, childcare centers, and on-campus learning labs like Little Buckeyes, students gain firsthand experience that builds both confidence and competence.

Moments like Jasmine鈥檚鈥攂eing recognized during a federal review鈥攁re a reflection of that preparation.

They are also a reminder of the broader mission behind career and technical education: not just to teach skills, but to shape futures.

At 黑料科r, that future is already taking root鈥攐ne classroom, one student, and one child at a time.

The post Building Futures from the Start: Early Childhood Education at 黑料科r first appeared on 黑料科r.

After reviewing the success of these efforts, we have decided not to hold a traditional advisory committee dinner this year. Our programs have already connected effectively with stakeholders, and we will continue to focus on these more flexible and impactful methods of engagement moving forward.

We appreciate the continued support of our advisory members and community partners. Your involvement plays a vital role in strengthening our programs and ensuring they remain aligned with industry needs.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership.

The post 2025-26 Advisory Committees Updates first appeared on 黑料科r.

The Practical Nursing program consists of 1,382 hours of training, including 564 hours of lab and clinical experience. During their clinical experience, students exercise the skills they learn in a variety of hospital settings including geriatrics, medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency nursing. Clinicals are completed at various locations throughout the region including聽, , , , , , and .

The ceremony opened with the processional. Caylee Caudill and Abigail Hopper then led their fellow students in reciting the Nurse鈥檚 Prayer. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, PN Program Coordinator welcomed all in attendance, and Alyson Bailey, Class President, was the student speaker for the evening.

Scholarships were then awarded by , , and the . The Best in Clinical Performance Award was given by to Alyson Bailey and presented by Lisa Detty, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer. The Best-in-Class Performance Award was given by to Carlee Manley and presented by Jarod Zelaska, Executive Director of Human Resources. The Spirit of Nursing Award was given by the to Elizabeth Casey and presented by Cindy Harrison, Roberta Harris, Margie Kemper, Sharon Stout, and Debbie Evans.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of pins by program instructors. Students that received pins included Alyson Bailey, Elizabeth Casey, Caylee Caudill, Abigail Hopper, Carlee Manley, and Peytin Rossiter. Program lead instructors included Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN; and Mary Shamblin, MSN Ed., RN.

The January 2025 Practical Nursing cohort included three early placement, OTC+ students. High School students enrolled in the Health Academy pathway at 黑料科r have the opportunity to begin the Practical Nursing program during the second semester of their senior year. OTC+ students that completed the PN program include Caylee Caudill, Carlee Manley, and Peytin Rossiter.

The students are now eligible to take the for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Upon passing the NCLEX-PN, students earn their license and their LPN credential.

The Practical Nursing program is held twice annually with 48-week cohorts beginning in January and September. Enrollment for the September 2026 PN Program will open in the upcoming months. For more information or to apply, visit .

View the full photo album from the ceremony .

The post January 2026 Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony first appeared on 黑料科r.

is a nationwide organization dedicated to empowering students to make positive, drug-free choices. Through education, support, and peer encouragement, DFCA aims to instill a sense of responsibility and community. At the heart of its mission is the belief that students can lead by example and inspire others to live drug-free lives.

The event commenced with the Rally, where 黑料科 DFCA student officers, ambassadors, and advisors extended a warm welcome to all attendees. One of the highlights of the rally was a series of compelling speeches delivered by student speakers from the 黑料科 chapter, who shared inspiring messages about living a drug-free life and recounted personal stories highlighting the destructive impact of drug abuse.

鈥淎t 黑料科r, we aim to Create Successful Lives every day. Students choosing to stay drug-free is a foundational step in building successful and meaningful futures – in school, in their careers, and in life,鈥� 黑料科 DFCA Chapter Advisor Hannah Wolford shared.

For most schools, membership in DFCA typically ranges from 18-20% of the student body. However, 黑料科r and its partner schools stand out with much higher percentages. The Buckeye Hills chapter, known as STAND鈥擲tudents Taking Action Not Drugs鈥攂oasts an impressive 85% membership among the student body at this time. Membership enrollment continues until December 31.

Jackson High School was announced as the partner school with the highest chapter membership percentage, boasting an impressive 68% of its student body as DFCA members! As part of the tradition, Principal Tyler Swackhammer was awarded a pie in the face.

Following the rally, the Band Showcase took center stage, featuring vibrant performances from the marching bands of River Valley High School, Wellston High School, Jackson High School, Vinton County High School, Oak Hill High School, and Gallia Academy High School. The bands delivered captivating performances that showcased their musical talents and school spirit.

The 6th Annual DFCA Rally and Band Showcase was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of community and commitment to a drug-free lifestyle among students. 黑料科r extends its gratitude to all participating schools, staff, and attendees for making this event a memorable one.

“Our students continue to impress me with their dedication and commitment to remaining drug-free. We speak with many employers across our region, and staying drug-free remains a top priority, with our students setting the example. I am very proud of our students, and I believe in them,鈥� 黑料科 Superintendent Jamie Nash shared. 鈥淲hat a great day to be part of something bigger than ourselves.鈥�

View additional photos from the event

The post 6th Annual Drug Free Clubs of America Rally & Band Showcase first appeared on 黑料科r.

Tamron McCain, new social studies instructor, completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree in education at Shawnee State University. She brings three years of experience as a substitute teacher in both Oak Hill Union Local Schools and Minford Local Schools. She is presently pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in educational leadership at Ohio University.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to the new journey,鈥� Tamron shared. 鈥淚 look forward to being involved in the SkillsUSA chapter here at Buckeye Hills.鈥�

Outside of her work at 黑料科r, Tamron enjoys owning and operating a mum farm in Oak Hill, Ohio with her boyfriend, Levi.

Morgan Kearns, new language arts instructor, holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in education from the University of Rio Grande and has previously worked as a substitute teacher at 黑料科r.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to support and empower students as they create successful lives for themselves,鈥� Morgan shared. 鈥淎s a first year teacher, I am proud to begin my journey at the award-winning 黑料科r.鈥�

In addition to her passion to empower students, Morgan also has a heart for dogs and is the proud owner of a 17-year-old Maltese.

Breanna Gragg, new science instructor, obtained her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Health Science from Shawnee State University and has three years of experience as a substitute teacher at Huntington Local Middle School.

鈥淚 look forward to helping students connect what they鈥檙e learning in the science classroom with real-world career opportunities specific to them.鈥� Breanna shared. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to guide them as they discover their strengths, build inquiry skills, and gain the confidence to step into their futures.鈥�

Breanna and her husband, who is also a teacher, have two kids, Jase and June. In addition to being a science teacher, Breanna is also a licensed physical therapist assistant.

Please join us in welcoming our new instructors to the Award-Winning 黑料科r!

The post 黑料科 Welcomes Three New Academic Instructors first appeared on 黑料科r.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to cancel this year鈥檚 event due to the significant amount of construction currently taking place on our campus.

This is truly an event that we are proud of, and we plan to continue the tradition next school year. We sincerely apologize for the cancellation; however, the safety of our visitors and staff must come first.

We look forward to welcoming our community back for this event in October 2026!

The post Community Appreciation Day 2025 CANCELLED first appeared on 黑料科r.

The Career Palooza engaged seventh graders with interactive activities in twelve diverse fields, such as carpentry, criminal justice, information technology, and healthcare. Students had the chance to build birdhouses to learn about carpentry, navigate an obstacle course while wearing alcohol and drug simulation goggles as part of the criminal justice experience, grasp coding basics in information technology, and witness a surgery demonstration after donning personal protective equipment in the healthcare segment.

In addition to these activities, the event highlighted manufacturing, cosmetology, culinary arts, welding, agriculture, science, heavy equipment technology, and more. Students also received essential training in money management and learned about job placement opportunities, equipping them with important information for their future endeavors.

Instructors from 黑料科r led the career presentations in the technical labs at 黑料科, designed to replicate industry-standard environments and provide students with real-world experience.

Participating 黑料科 instructors included Tim Howard, Laura Roth, Kim Dawkins, Frank Yablonsky, Paul Combs, Rebecca Polinsky, Michael Clark, Pam Updike, Matt Crabtree, Adam Rippeth, Justy Burleson, as well as Mark Carlisle from the

Complementing the Career Palooza, the Art, Music, and Theatre Camp provided sixth graders the opportunity to explore their artistic talents, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

This year’s Art, Music, and Theatre Camp encompassed three disciplines: visual arts, music, and theater.

During the music portion led by Kindra Ward and Bob Bence, students constructed their own dulcimer, learned to read music notes and even play the instrument – which they were able to take home at the end of camp. Students also learned to play the ukulele under the guidance of Ashlyn Denney and were able to choose a ukelele to keep.

In the art portion, students created works of art, including clay sculptures, object sketches from various perspectives, shading techniques, and scenes using watercolors and pastels, led by Angie Petrie and Jacob Lemley.

The newest addition to the camp is theater, where students were instructed by the , Nora Ankrom and Mike Murdock. Students worked on both performance and technical theatre, focusing on acting, voice projection, costuming, and character portrayal in a play. In technical theater, students explored set design, lighting, and scene timing. Each day concluded with live performances by different bands and the Alchemy Troupe.

To wrap up this enriching week, students from both camps were treated to a celebratory trip to Kings Island by charter bus, adding a fun and memorable conclusion to the week. Students participating in the Arts Camp even had the opportunity to watch stage performances and a special behind-the-scenes look at costuming, makeup, stage setup, and technical elements.

Dr. Denise Shockley, Gallia-Vinton ESC Superintendent, said 鈥淲e have a long-standing relationship with 黑料科r to conduct camps for middle school students each summer. The focused time on learning about careers and exploring art/music/theatre interests is extremely valuable to students.鈥�

The post Gallia-Vinton ESC and 黑料科 Held Annual Career Palooza & Art, Music, and Theatre Camp first appeared on 黑料科r.

A significant construction project will begin this week at the main campus of the Award-Winning 黑料科r. This project is part of our long-term plan to improve facilities and services, and it is expected to continue for approximately 12 months.

What to Expect

Operational Impact

The post Campus Construction first appeared on 黑料科r.

鈥淭oday, we proudly unveil two transformative facilities that will shape the future of Southeastern Ohio,鈥� Jamie Nash, 黑料科 Superintendent shared. 鈥淭hese two facilities together symbolize more than expansion. They represent hope, opportunity, and a bold commitment to workforce readiness.鈥�

The CDL & Heavy Diesel Mechanics Complex includes a 9,256 square-foot instructional facility with modern lab bays designed to replicate real-world conditions, as well as a 24,000 square-foot CDL pad. The center will provide approximately 100 students annually with immersive, hands-on training and will be home to 黑料科鈥檚 CDL program and Ag & Heavy Equipment Technician program.

The project was made possible thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the in partnership with the

, the Director of the Governor鈥檚 Office of Appalachia, spoke to the audience, sharing his excitement about the project鈥檚 journey from groundbreaking to the current ribbon-cutting ceremony.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about partnerships,鈥� , Federal Co-Chair for the Appalachian Regional Commission shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about working together as educators, legislators, business, and industry. It鈥檚 how we work together that makes good things happen. When people are talking with each other, sharing, growing together, developing programs, then you see great things like this happen.鈥�

The Electrical Trades Building Complex includes a 7,333 square-foot facility with five specialized labs and climbing bay and will provide over 100 students annually with hands-on training in Telecommunications, Broadband, Power Lineman, and Heavy Equipment Operation.

黑料科 received over $3.7 million from the for the project.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just a ribbon cutting. It鈥檚 a pivotal moment for this community. Because every student that goes through these building will be another student entering your workforce,鈥� , Executive Director of the , shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 moments like these that mark the opening of not just a new space, but the celebration of the vision and the work that it鈥檚 taken to get here. This is for the students and the families in this community. What stands behind a ribbon cutting isn鈥檛 just buildings and equipment, it鈥檚 people working together.鈥�

鈥淭oday, we celebrate not just the completion of buildings, but the creation of pathways 鈥� for students, for families, for our entire region,鈥� Superintendent Nash shared. 鈥淭hese projects are a testament to what鈥檚 possible when educators, employers, policymakers, and communities come together in service of a shared vision.鈥�

Classes are expected to begin in the new facilities in August 2025.

The post Unveiling Opportunity: 黑料科 Celebrates New Facilities Transforming Workforce Education in Southeastern Ohio first appeared on 黑料科r.

The Surgical Technology program consists of 1,342 hours of training including lab and clinical experience. During their clinical experience, students exercise the skills they learn in a variety of hospital settings including the operating room, obstetrics, and central supply.

The ceremony opened with Rebecca Polinsky, M.Ed., CST, 黑料科鈥檚 Director of Surgical Technology program, welcoming all in attendance.

The Surgical Technology program staff was then introduced: Jessica Blevins, clinical coordinator and instructor; Erin Kern, clinical and classroom instructor; and Jennifer Spetnagel, clinical and classroom instructor.

Student Sally Daniels then shared a speech with her fellow classmates and audience, 鈥淵our definition of success will change every day of your life,鈥� Sally shared. 鈥淲e find our success through growth, failures, and compassion.鈥�

Numerous awards were then presented with the pinning ceremony and presentation of certificates following.

Students that received pins included Kenzie Baker, Mallory Bentley, Hailey Clifton, Sally Daniels, Breanna Ellis, Madisyn Friend, Sydney Hollingshead, Gabrielle Hutchinson, Holly Jackson, Kayle Joslin, Jadyn Mace, Lakota Mace, Jayetta Newsome, and Kylie Reagor.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Surgical Technologist Pledge.

The students are now eligible to take the

The Surgical Technology/Technician in Surgery program is held twice annually with 45-week cohorts beginning in January and July. Enrollment for the January 2026 cohort will open in Fall 2025 at BuckeyeHills.net/apply.

Photos from the event can be found

The post June 2025 Surgical Technology Pinning Ceremony first appeared on 黑料科r.