Graduates from the Lycoming Career & Technology Center program line up in the gymnasium for photos during the senior graduation ceremony at Hughesville High School, May 18, 2022.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
HUGHESVILLE — “It is much more than another class in the long school day…rather, it allows us to use our hands, breaking the regular rhythm of learning from behind the desk.”
That is what Kenneth Draper, student of the year at Lycoming Career and Technology Center in Hughesville, told fellow classmates, families, administrators and instructors at the graduation ceremony this week.
Draper, who originally started in the drafting program before it was eliminated, didn’t allow that to set him back. Instead, he enrolled in the construction technology program at the school.
Draper said the hands-on instruction provides students like him with goals and opportunities for today’s workforce.
He considered his teachers and faculty to be amazing and the school environment as a safe place to learn and to grow.
“As we move on to our next stage of our lives, whether it be college, the military or the workforce — we’ll be able to take a little piece of our life through our memories, skills and character,” he said of his time at the school.
“Savor the moment … you earned it,” said Mike Reed, keynote speaker and vice president of Academic Affairs, at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Reed becomes president of the college on July 1.
Reed observed how the students may face character-building
moments.
“It could be a public challenge or something far more personal,” he said. “It could be a dragon that needs to be slain or an opportunity that deserves to be seized. How you respond to these catalysts – good or bad – says a lot about who we are and who we will become.”
He was confident the instruction with its complex situations will serve the students well for future success.
It is a credit to the expert teachers, “who have your best interest at heart,” Reed said.
“You sit here today equipped and prepared to meet in advance your next challenge.”
The school specializes in instruction in automotive technology, computer systems technology, construction technology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, and health careers.
East Lycoming, Loyalsock Township, Muncy, Montoursville and Warrior Run school districts participate.
A professional advisory committee consisting of superintendents from these districts oversees activities and the school administration consists of Nathan Minium, executive director.
Kerri Kime serves as National Technical Honor Society advisor.
Instructors include: Harry Kline, automotive technology, Paul Shimel, automotive technology, Shirley Laird, computer systems technology, William Way, construction technology, Catherine Farr, criminal justice, Brian Anstadt, culinary arts, Kerri Kime, early childhood education, Dawn Shaffer, health careers, Rhaylene Cooley, co-op/diversified occupations and Liz Ann Barlett, contracted career counselor.
