Two high school students were chosen for the honor after being nominated by their instructors for demonstrating great collaboration skills, this month’s core value. An adult education student, who is a BCC high school alumni, was also named for the honor.
Levi Kilpatrick, a senior from Newcomerstown enrolled in the Commercial Truck Technology program, is the male Student of the Month. Levi currently interns and works at MJK Electrical. Levi plays basketball and golf at Newcomerstown and was a member of the 2017 district qualifying golf team. He is a member of UCF and volunteers for the Newcomerstown bitty program. Levi is currently attempting to land a seat in an apprenticeship program with Ohio CAT, which would allow him to work for CAT and continue his schooling after high school graduation.
“Levi has been a great asset to our program. Levi is self-motivated, goal oriented and brings great ideas to our program. He is willing to help the other students at any time,” said instructor Chris Rufenacht. Levi is the son of Tim and Danelle Kilpatrick of Newcomerstown.
Mackenzie Petrie, a senior from Strasburg enrolled in Graphic Arts, is the female Student of the Month. Mackenzie created the winning design for the Buckeye newsletter and won the State Farm/ Safe Communities Coalition safe driving billboard contest.
Mackenzie’s instructors, Patsy Strimbu and John Fisher had this to say about Mackenzie, “Mackenzie is on the list of one of the most talented students to come through the Graphic Arts lab. She is a very reliable student that gets things done and does them well.”
Mackenzie works at McDonald’s and volunteers for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. She enjoys photography, drawing, hiking and working on her car. She is a member of SkillsUSA and wants to possibly attend Pittsburgh Technical Institute and do freelance illustrations. Mackenzie is the daughter of Troy and Lyn Petrie.
November’s Adult Student of the Month is Rett Kleski. Kleski, of Strasburg, is enrolled in the Heavy Equipment/CDL A Operator program. Kleski is a 2017 graduate of Strasburg High School and Buckeye Career Center. Kleski decided to take the adult education course for the experience on equipment and ability to earn a CDL. Eventually, he plans to operate equipment for an operator’s union. He enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Kilpatrick, Petrie and Kleski will be honored at the December Buckeye Career Center Board of Education meeting and will receive photo banners to commemorate the honor. The high school winners and nominees also received a free lunch from Principal Fockler in the Joe Carlisle Café.
Michaela Madison Reporting
