Walt Celley, an attorney with Celley and Sanderson, LLP, is a member of the Rotary Club of Perrysburg. As such, Walt serves as chairperson for the organization’s Strive program,  a program that provides academic and career assistance to students at Penta Career Center. As chairperson for Strive, Walt volunteers numerous hours to organizing meetings, planning events, and providing mentoring opportunities for students. Now in its ninth year of existence, all nine of which have been under the direction of Walt, the strive program has resulted in community partnerships, positive media coverage for Penta, scholarship opportunities for students, and, most importantly, 172 students graduating from the program.

Dr. Christina Dinklocker, deputy superintendent of Parma City Schools, has gone beyond her job duties and has actively pursued recognition for the district, its schools, and its employees by participating in awards programs, creating celebration events, providing articles and photos to educational publications and local papers, and presenting district best practices at state and local conferences. In addition, Christina has created events and opportunities that foster collaboration and increase communication between city leaders, local businesses, neighboring school districts, and parents. These efforts have made Parma City Schools visible at local, state, and national levels, as well as building the trust and confidence of the community in their local school system. 

Lynette Dotson has distinguished herself as a loyal supporter of career-technical education. As the owner of Dotson Designs, Lynette publishes and serves as editor in chief of You-nique, a magazine that focuses on the accomplishments, challenges and triumphs of local youth, in particular, students at Coshocton County Career Center.   In addition to the positive press she affords the district, Lynette herself is a proud graduate of the career center--a fact she often shares with her readers. As such, she volunteers her time to share her experiences with current students, serves on the advisory committee to the business career program, and supports the district’s public relations and marketing efforts by offering her perspective as a former student.

Jim Frazer, a member of the Cleveland Photographic Society, contacted Cleveland Metropolitan Schools and offered them the services of his organization. Now, on a moment’s notice, volunteer photographers are available to capture captivating images for Cleveland Metro’s news articles and publications, traveling to schools at their own expense and wanting nothing in return but the gratification of knowing they helped create a positive image of inner-city schools.

Mike and Karen Geygan, the owners of Minuteman Press, are aware of the budgetary constraints of local schools, and offer printing services at an affordable cost. As an active member of the area progress council of Warren County, Mike has worked with the Project Excellence program, an annual teacher recognition program, in addition to serving on the Career Center’s Business Advisory Committee and the District Business Advisory Council. And as a member of the Career Center’s levy committee, Karen has organized door to door flier distribution, assisted in the production of printed levy materials, and shared her previous levy experience with the district. These efforts have enabled districts to increase communication with local businesses and residents, educate community members on district needs, and publicly recognize the efforts of teachers.

Caryn Golden, managing editor and report at WHIO News Center 7, donates station equipment to Warren County Career Center’s digital design program to help students have a hands-on education. In addition, Caryn has provided internships for seniors, allowing them to gain real-life experience as they edit video and create graphics, as well as develop their portfolios. These opportunities prepare students for success as they pursue design careers, as well as create success stories for Warren County Career Center.