The Technician in Surgery 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 began with 黑料科鈥檚 Rebecca Polinsky, M.Ed, CST, welcoming all in attendance and addressing the Technician in Surgery students.

Student Katie Morris then shared a speech with her fellow classmates and audience. Program staff and special guests in attendance were then introduced: Jessica Blevins, Lead Instructor; Erin Cales, lab instructor; Jennifer Spetnagel, instructor; Tyler Schweickart, Dean of Postsecondary Instruction; and Patrick McDonald, Board Member.

The following awards were then presented: Highest GPA Award 鈥� Emma Autenrieth; 1^st Semester Clinical Award 鈥� Breanna Rapp; 2^nd Semester Clinical Award 鈥� Kassidy Sickles; Buckeye Award 鈥� Kassidy Sickles; Leadership Award 鈥� Kassidy Sickles; Most Clinical Cases 鈥� Katie Morris.

The ceremony concluded with the pinning ceremony and presentation of certificates followed by the Surgical Technologists Pledge led by student Kaylee Potts. Students that received pins included Emma Autenrieth, Trinity Jones, Katie Morris, Kaylee Potts, Breanna Rapp, and Kassidy Sickles.

The students are now eligible to take the .

View the full photo gallery from the Pinning Ceremony

The will begin in August 2026 and . For more information about the Technician in Surgery program at 黑料科r, please visit.

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Superintendent Jamie Nash welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a day of celebration and recognition, and Justy Burleson, 黑料科鈥檚 Job Placement Coordinator and Apprenticeship Instructor, shared data about job placed students and expressed gratitude to industry partners.

The ceremony brought together numerous industry partners, demonstrating their support and commitment to these emerging professionals. Employers from across the region, including , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and were in attendance to welcome the students into their respective fields.

At the time of the ceremony, an impressive 55% of seniors in the class of 2026 had already secured job placements through the student placement program. Currently, 154 Buckeye Hills students are employed across various sectors, including healthcare, cosmetology, and construction. The center also proudly employs five student interns that work in various departments on campus including IT, food service, and at Little Buckeyes Early Learning Center. Additionally the senior class generated and impressive total new income of $1,140,187.22 million during the school year.

The event was a testament to the strength of career-technical education and the invaluable partnerships between 黑料科r and the local workforce.

鈥淚t is always an honor to celebrate our students’ and employers’ successes,鈥� shared 黑料科 Superintendent Jamie Nash. 鈥淲e are proud of our students who made the decision to jump-start their careers before graduation!鈥�

Congratulations to all participating students, and a heartfelt thank you to our industry partners for providing opportunities that allow these students to make an impact in our region.

View the full photo gallery from the event

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The LPN to RN Diploma program is a one-year program designed to help licensed practical nurses transition to registered nurses. This program includes a total of 1,298 hours of training, structured as two days of classroom instruction and one day of clinical practice each week. This schedule enables students to maintain their roles as LPNs while pursuing their studies.

During their clinical experience, students exercise the skills they learn in a variety of hospital settings including medical-surgical, intensive care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics units.

The ceremony opened with the student processional and the recitation of the Nurse鈥檚 Prayer. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, 黑料科 Program Lead Instructor & Coordinator, then welcomed all in attendance, and Ashton Vance, Class President, delivered a speech to her fellow classmates and all in attendance with the presentation of awards following.

Katlyn Crabtree was announced as the class Valedictorian, and Gavyn Buskirk was recognized as the class Salutatorian. The Spirit of Nursing Award was then presented to Jessica Waugh by the Nurse Honor Guard of the Ohio Valley.

Diplomas were then presented by program instructors, and students were pinned by their friends and family.

Students that received pins included Faith Lynn Brumfield, Gavyn Page Buskirk, Courtney Nicole Carter, Katlyn Jade Crabtree, Jacquelyn Marie Harrison, Lillian Mae Heighton, Lindsey Alexis Marie Mount, Istaree 鈥淛amie鈥� Myers, Trinity Danielle Neal, Chelsea Sierra Nolan, Ashton Mackenzie Lynn Vance, Hannah Marie Waugh, and Jessica Lou Waugh.

Program instructors included Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN; Mary Shamblin, MSN Ed., RN; Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; and Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN.

The students are now eligible to take the for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) from the (NCSBN). Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, students earn their license and their RN credential.

Additionally, through 黑料科r鈥檚 partnership with in New Concord, Ohio, these students have the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in the Science of Nursing (BSN) 100% online and at a discounted rate. Muskingum鈥檚 RN to BSN program is ranked the #1 RN to BSN Nursing Program in Ohio by RN Careers and provides Buckeye Hills graduates with the option to take classes in five 8-week terms 鈥� allowing students to complete the program in one year.

The LPN to RN Diploma program at 黑料科r is offered once a year, featuring 49-week cohorts that kick off each spring. View more information about available Nursing programs at 黑料科r here.

View the full photo gallery from the event

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Congratulations to all the new members of the 黑料科r Chapters of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society as they embark on their journey of academic and professional excellence. 黑料科r is proud to support and celebrate these outstanding students.

View the full photo gallery from the ceremony

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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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

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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 , , , , , , , and .

The ceremony opened with the student processional. Catherine Abell then led her fellow students in reciting the Nurse鈥檚 Prayer. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, PN Program Coordinator welcomed all in attendance, and Miranda Cox, 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 Holzer Health Systems to Ty Smittle and presented by Lisa Detty, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer. The Best-in-Class Performance Award was given by Rivers Health to Miranda Cox and presented by Lori McFarland, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CLSSGB, Chief Nursing Officer, and Jarod Zelaska, Executive Director of Human Resources. The Spirit of Nursing Award was given by the Nurse Honor Guard of the Ohio Valley to Mary Lamb and presented by Candace Moore, Cindy Harrison, and Connie McGlothlin.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of pins by program instructors. Students that received pins included Catherine Abell, Ashton Bauer, Miranda Cox, Mary Lamb, Rhainee Lowe, Kylie Moore, Keely Myers, and Ty Smittle. 聽Program lead instructors included Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN; and Rebecca Blevins, BSN, RN. Program clinical instructors included Fawn Hill, ADN, RN.

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 is open now until October 30, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit BuckeyeHills.net/apply.

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The pumpkins were judged on originality, creativity, use of program-related themes, and overall presentation. After much excitement and a very close competition, the top three winners in no particular order are:

• Caramel Apple Pumpkin – Emily Hunt, Laney Horvath, and Caroline Sowers
• Splish Splash Pumpkin – Marybeth Eyler, Matison Detty, and Chloe St.Clair
• Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin – Makenzie Chenoweth

The contest not only highlighted artistic skills but also reflected the SkillsUSA Framework, encouraging students to demonstrate personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills through a lighthearted seasonal project.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and creativity, and a special round of applause for this year鈥檚 winners! The event truly showed that when students work together and bring their skills to the table, they can create something unforgettable.

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