AMBASSADORS AND TOURS AT ICTC

(December 7, 2007) . . Have you noticed the students sporting attractive black polo shirts with interesting “Ambassador” logos, or that the Indiana County Technology Center’s (ICTC) lobby was filled with bright new faces? Well, then, it must be time for the annual tour of ICTC of all Indiana County nint-h-grade students. But what about the students wearing the sharp polo shirts? They are the new ICTC Ambassadors who are a new, elite group of students that have been organized by an ICTC guidance counselor, Mrs. Kelly Fox. Mrs. Fox has been extra busy lately because she not only is the advisor of the newly organized ICTC Ambassadors, she coordinates the annual ninth-grade tours.

The annual ninth-grade tours event at the ICTC just wrapped up this week and was a tremendous success! From November 28 th to December 4 th freshmen students from all schools in Indiana County received an overview of thirteen program areas offered at the ICTC. Blairsville, Homer-Center, Indiana, Marion Center, Penns Manor, Purchase Line, Saltsburg and United students were introduced to the many exciting career options that the ICTC has to offer.

At the ICTC, students realize that learning in today’s society is complex. The millions of new jobs that are, and will be created, will require multi-disciplinary skills. According to human resource directors nationwide, having more than one skill is not only highly desirable, it is essential in the workplace. Starting your career at ICTC with a technical skill will provide employability and security.

The visiting students were informed by the program instructors about the career options, aptitudes, and academics needed for success in each field. Once again, the visiting students received an introduction to a new proposed program, HVAC-R, (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration). The tours help students become acquainted with ICTC and see first hand what it has to offer to them if they decide to enroll.

Visiting students learn that besides preparing for a career that carries an industry-level certification, students at ICTC have the opportunity to earn valuable college credits through a program called “Dual Enrollment”. The students in many ICTC program areas have the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment though Penn Highlands Community College. In addition, through articulation agreements with many post-secondary schools, students are offered advanced standing (credits) upon completion of required competencies.

The freshmen students that express an interest in attending the ICTC have the opportunity to return to the ICTC for a half day in February to shadow in a particular program area. Each student has the chance to shadow in two program areas. This half day at the ICTC allows students to explore their options and work with the current students to get a better understanding of the curriculum. The tours and the shadowing learning experiences will help ninth grade students in their decision on what program area best fits them and their interests. We hope to see many ninth grade students return in February.

Identified by the sharp, black polo shirts, the ICTC Student Ambassadors are a group new to the Indiana County Technology Center. Students involved in the Ambassadors program represent outstanding students who demonstrate leadership abilities and are chosen to represent the ICTC during various school events.

The ICTC Student Ambassadors are an elite group and it’s not that easy to become an ambassador. These select students are chosen by rigorous criteria. Students must be recommended by an instructor, maintain above average grades, and good attendance. The ICTC principal, Mr. Jim Thimons, and guidance counselor, Mrs. Kelly Fox, then approve the students for membership. The following students were chosen to represent the ICTC for the 2007-2008 school year:

Tiffany Stiffler, Tiffany Didlott, Phil Conway, Andrew Patterson, Jeff Gromley, Keshia Vallies, Andy Jewart, Philip Mardis, Mark Himes, Alaina Rearick, Leonard Lewis, Britany Bekina, Ashley Marshall, Alyssa Poole, Amanda Gearhart, Mason Griffith, Edward Kowalesky, Whitney Shearer, Heather Buffone, Katelyn Beatty, Ryan Rodkey, Adrionna Gardner, John McKee, Shauni McDowell, Ashley Stuckich, Jacob Scott, Jacob Adams, Jennifer Harvey, Rachel Knapic, Jessica Brown, Melissa Vindish, Chris Fry, and Tamera McKendrick.

 These students have met these criteria and continue to excel. The student ambassadors were first selected and then they voluntarily participated. In a recent interview with Mrs. Kelly Fox, she commented on the ambassador program. “It is exciting to know that we are beginning to embrace leadership training in a more formalized fashion. Leadership skills are an essential part of technical education. Creating the Leadership Ambassador group for the ICTC has now put a label on what we have already been doing for years. It has been great working with these students who are demonstrating a high level of excellence. It feels good to offer them opportunities to learn about themselves and others and to represent the school in the process.”

The ambassadors have participated in sending school open house displays, parent teacher conferences, a leadership workshop, the ninth-grade tour preparation, and other tasks as needed. In addition, Ambassadors participated in a self-esteem conference, “Our Personal and Interpersonal Key”, which was both an educational and enlightening experience. Everything from self-esteem and strategies for building self-esteem was discussed. The Ambassadors learned a great deal of information that will help develop their leadership abilities and their ability to help themselves. “I can help others but I can help myself,” was one of the many building blocks they learned by attending this leadership conference.

The goal for the students is to help them develop interpersonal, public speaking and leadership abilities. These students have and continue to demonstrate above average grades, good behavioral records, and good leadership abilities. Mrs. Kelly Fox has continued to remark how proud she is of this dedicated group of ambassadors.

For more information on the ICTC, click here.

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