Sporting a colorful variety of robes, the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Class of 2023 accepted their diplomas at the school’s convocation ceremony on Wednesday, May 24. Each of the 221 graduates wore the robe that represented their high school.
The theme for the class of 2023 was ASPIRE, which stood for Accountability, Service, Prepared, Innovation, Relationships and Engagement.
Host of Ceremony, Trevor Sandefur, a diesel technology graduate from West Liberty-Salem High School, told the large crowd, “The student speakers tonight are true examples of how to walk and live out our Ohio Hi-Point mission to aspire.”
Three seniors took the podium as this year’s speakers, starting with their Senior of the Year, cosmetology student Ava Blair from Urbana High School.
“I stand here today to tell you that with a whole lifetime of choices, one decision—even a huge decision—does not make or break your life,” Ava Blair, cosmetology, said. “Your time on this earth is ever-changing.”
The third student speaker, Calie McDaniels from Triad High School, knows how altering life can be. In October 2019, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. That 10-minute conversation flipped her “entire life upside-down.”
With chemotherapy and hospital care, McDaniels “rang the bell” and claimed victory over the disease in June 2020. Over a year later, she’d enrolled in the cosmetology program at OHP.
“When I arrived I was still in the process of healing from an experience no kid should have to imagine,” McDaniels said. “I came here for a fresh start.”
The second student speaker, Brooklyn Burris, an automotive academy senior from Kenton High School, reminded her classmates they accomplished something they didn’t think they could and encouraged them to remember that and “see where it takes you in life.”
Tonya Ramey, high school director, shared numerous class successes, including students receiving over 300 industry-recognized credentials and earning 178 college credits, up 41 percent from 2022. In addition, 126 OHP students participated in the work-based learning program, completing almost 22,000 work hours and collectively earning over $111,000.
As for what’s next, Sandefur said he joins 61 percent of his classmates in being employed, adding, “We will work hard to fill the immediate gap in our workforce.”
In addition, around 36 percent OHP graduates have enrolled in college, receiving more than $663,000 in scholarships, a 48 percent increase since last year, while six students have enlisted in the military.
Ramey concluded the ceremony by wishing the graduates a prosperous, healthy and peaceful life.
“You have left an imprint on those gathered around you tonight,” she said. “We are better because you are here.”