Dr. Marla Peachock, a consultant with the Ohio State Support Team Region 5, was the keynote speaker at the Utica Shale Academy graduation ceremony at Southern Local High School on 31 may. Over 40 seniors graduated while over 200 friends, relatives and school leaders watched. (photo sent)

SALINEVILLE — Utica Shale Academy graduated its largest class yet with more than 40 seniors graduating May 31.

Forty-two new alumni tipped their acorns after earning workplace certifications at a dinner and ceremony at Southern Local High School, which sponsors the academy. Over 250 people attended the event, including family members and school leaders.

U.S. Superintendent Bill Watson said class members impressed him by earning nearly double the credits in just one year, as well as numerous certificates to prepare them for the job.

“We have a group of 15 graduates who have earned 10 or more credits in a year, averaging 21.5 industry degree points instead of the 12 required for graduation, which is almost double” , he said. “It’s also the first senior class to use work-based learning. They get credit to use their skills on the job.

Instructor Nick Woods said graduates earned 250 industry-recognized credentials through the CL3 program, while the academy’s 83 students earned a total of 870 credentials.

“It’s quite an achievement” Woods noted. “They are also eager to participate in Kubota tractor and forklift outdoor operations. I appreciate their hard work and look forward to hearing about their future careers.

Keynote speaker Dr. Marla Peachock, consultant for Region 5 of the Ohio State Support Team, praised the class and highlighted different students who she said exemplified qualities such as perseverance, dedication and integrity.

“Each of you has your own story to celebrate and each of you has the power and the dedication to move forward. The way you do something is the way you do everything. Wake up every day and be the best possible. There will always be challenges, so surround yourself with people who believe in you, are honest and challenge you to be your best self,” she continued. “I want to celebrate you, the class of 2022. You are going to be awesome. Your life has a purpose and the world is waiting for you. What do you think your story is going to be? Go out and make it happen.

Intervention specialist Mike Skrinjar went on to recognize Emily Galchick, one of 16 state recipients of the RA Horn Award for demonstrating significant academic growth. Skrinjar praised Watson and the United States for helping students achieve their goals and prepare for the job market, saying students like Galchick had benefited.

“[We] help students overcome challenges and they see that there are people who really care. Mr. Watson has put the right people on board. These people work tirelessly and work hard and they care about you,” he noted.

Skrinjar said she nominated Galchick because she showed a willingness to overcome adversity and blossomed into a very productive, hardworking and employable person.

“She has the skills to become a highly valued worker. His work ethic and drive will represent America’s mission statement to provide a unique and vigorous learning environment through a specialized academic program that meets the needs and expectations of today’s global workforce and emerging employers and industries through business and school partnerships,” How did he.

Galchick tearfully thanked U.S. officials and everyone else for their support throughout his three-year school career.

Robert Shansky of Southern Local announced the graduates, who received their diplomas from board members from the United States. Recent graduates included Jayden Archer, Mara Bowers, Mackenzie Boyd, Brandan Butts, Reagan Buzzard, Justin Carlisle, Nevaeh Cassinger, Audrey Cazares, Jacob Coffman, Jesse Combs, Tashay Cornell, Emily Crawford, Kadin Cross, Ryan Davis, Dakota Densmore, Alexis Erickson, Joshua Fortunato, Emily Galchick, Kylee Grimwood, Anavrin Hackney, Trinity Harrington, Nathan Henderson, Ethan Hill, Jacob Hollingshead, Dillion Ketchum, Dylan Kriner, Kane Kurpely, Cole Lanza, Allison Lemasters, Ryley Mason, Markus McCallister, Zachery McLaughlin , Valek Menough, Samia Mirto, Mason Patchin, Alexis Petrich, Seth Rawson, Markel Redman, Sara Rexroad, Charles Richmond, Leroy Rickey, Shyann Rogan, Logan Sandy, Damian Show, Montana Thomas, Dylan Thompson, Brian Tinker, Jonell Wade, Austin White and Brianna Zorn.

Finally, Dean Carter Hill closed the ceremony and bade farewell to the class.

Currently in its eighth year, USA combines blended learning and hands-on education to prepare students in grades 9-12 for a variety of industry jobs. The academy has expanded beyond oil and gas and now includes megatronics, programmable logic controls, web-based courses, AC/DC electronics, pneumatics and hydraulics and electrical relays as well as a panel multimeter for electrical monitoring. Students are also learning to operate construction and related vehicles and work has begun on an indoor/outdoor welding lab which will open next year. The United States also collaborates with Youngstown State University to allow students to use the YSU Skills Accelerator program. The United States uses the Virtual Learning Academy through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for online learning and hands-on training that helps students prepare for the job market while still in high school. They acquire industry credentials as well as skills. For more information, contact 330-692-0985 or go online at www.uticashaleschool.com