dawn of a new day · the lima news apollo grand opening sunday, september 25, 2016 5g...

Dawn of a new day

Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016Section g

Apollo Career Center’s $53 million renovation, expansionready to prepare next generation of region’s workers

Commemorative Edition

APOLLO GRAND OPENING The Lima News2G Sunday, September 25, 2016

Forty years ago, the fi rst students entered the doors of the Apollo Joint Vocational School, marking a new era for educational partnerships with area business and indus-try.

Presiding over the dedication ceremony in October 1976, fi rst Apollo Superintendent Fred D. Goare shared his vision and the vision of Apollo’s 15-member board of education, stating, “We take time today to dedi-cate these facilities to the purpose of providing expanded educational opportunities for the youth and adults of this community.”

Apollo’s fi rst group of students walked into a state-of-the-art building equipped with electric typewriters and comput-ers that were the size of small cars.

On Sept. 29, 2016, Apollo Career Center, along with the 11-mem-ber board of education and business and indus-try partners, will dedicate the newly renovated facilities. We hope you will join us at 4 p.m.

The students attending Apollo this year will be the fi rst to take advan-tage of state-of-the-art facilities and training on equipment, such as robotics, programming

and 3D simulators in health science and STEM programs. Credentials earned in Apollo’s high-tech programs are mar-ketable, portable and transferable within career sectors of employment.

The original 1976 facility consisted of two buildings: the main build-ing, which was 128,000 square feet, plus the 22,000-square foot auto building. The total cost of the project was $5.6 million; 50 percent was funded by local taxpay-ers, and 50 percent was state funded.

The new facilities double the square foot-

age and include the main building, the construc-tion/truck driving acad-emy and the renovated auto building (housing adult education public safety programs and other offerings). The total cost of the project was $53 million. The Ohio Facilities Construc-tion Commission funded $23 million of the project, and taxpayers from Apol-lo’s 11-member Career Technical Planning District passed a three-part, 1-mill bond levy on May 7, 2013, to fund the remaining $30 million.

“Choose Apollo/Change the Future” ini-

tially started as the levy campaign slogan in 2012 but has continued on as our mission statement. We have never strayed from our original purpose – the purpose of chang-ing lives and providing hope.

The Apollo Career Center vision is three words: Refl ect, Trans-form, Lead. We refl ect on the past 40 years and the original purpose, trans-form ourselves to meet the needs of in-demand high-tech economic sec-tors of employment, and continue to lead the way providing skilled workers in a competitive market.

To quote Gene Heit-meyer, general manager of Diamond Manufactur-ing and co-chair of the 2012 levy steering com-mittee: “For decades, companies have relied on Apollo graduates to meet their hiring needs. Our economy is stronger because of community partners like Apollo, ensuring we have a strong and qualifi ed workforce.”

Please join us on Sept. 29th to celebrate our 40-year history and see what the future holds.

Judy Wells has served as superintendent at Apollo Career Center since 2009.

Celebrating a new era at Apollo

Amanda Wilson | The Lima News The new main entrance to Apollo Career Center on Shawnee road includes a memorial area honoring people who served in the different branches of the u.S. Armed forces.

JudyWellsSuperintendent, Apollo Career Center

ON ThE COVErThe new main front entrance at Apollo Career Center off ers a striking view from Shawnee Road. (Photo by Amanda Wilson, The Lima News)

ABOuT ThiS SECTiONThis special section highlights the $53 million expansion and renovation project at Apollo Career Center and how it fi ts with local business needs.It was produced by The Lima News’ news and photography staff s, with reporting by John Bush, Amy Eddings, Merri Hanjora, Craig Kelly, Lance Mihm, Greg Sowinski and David Trinko and photos by Craig J. Orosz and Amanda Wilson. David Trinko edited the section.

iNDEXLetter from the superintendent ............. 2G

Overview of theproject ........................... 3G

Schedule foropen house ................... 3G

Map ............................... 5G

Project by thenumbers ....................... 5G

Profi les of high school programs....................... 6G

Photos from project ...8-9G

Profi les of adult programs......................12G

ON ThE COVEr

Dawn of a new day

Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016Section G

Apollo Career Center’s $53 million renovation, expansionready to prepare next generation of region’s workers

Commemorative Edition

APOLLO GRAND OPENINGThe Lima News Sunday, September 25, 2016 3G

By Amy [email protected]

LIMA — Its $53 million renovation and expansion project now complete, the Apollo Career Center will open its doors to the public on Thursday with events meant to highlight the cam-pus upgrades and reflect on 40 years of serving Limaland with high school and adult vocational education.

Among the changes that debuted this fall as part of the last phase of the nearly three-year construction proj-ect were a third commercial kitchen for the school’s high school and adult culinary arts program, a student com-mons, a café, a new garden and a state-of-the-art security system.

“We wanted it to be a show-place for the community,” said superintendent Judy Wells. Beyond the eye-pleas-ing aesthetics, Wells said the renovations will better posi-tion Apollo’s graduates for today’s jobs.

“Take any employment sector of 40 years ago, and it’s either disappeared or completely reinvented itself,” Wells said. “For us to be able to produce the type of employee that’s needed for all of our industry sectors, we had to reinvent ourselves, too.”New technology

Administrators said every aspect of Apollo’s existing, 117,583-square foot campus was overhauled, with the high school and adult education

building size nearly doubled to 224,015 square feet. And that’s just the brick-and-mortar aspect of the school. There were technological enhancements, as well, from computer-assisted tools to virtual reality learning platforms such as zSpace, which some staff are using to enhance health and science classwork.

Paul Crow, a 1979 gradu-ate of Apollo’s carpentry program, is the president and CEO of Tuttle Services, Inc., the company that oversaw the expansion and renovation. He said there have been “unreal” technological advancements in his trade that he could not have imagined when he was a student.

“The old days of using string and tape measurer to lay things out,” he said, are gone.

Crow said he’s proud to have been a part of improving his alma mater.

“I truly wanted to give back to the school,” he said. Crow said he did that by keeping the project on schedule and on budget.Lima’s future employees

Jeff Sprague, president and CEO of Allen Economic Development Group, said the timing of Apollo’s upgrades “couldn’t be any better.”

He said the region is facing a skill shortage.

“By 2024, there’s going to be 21,000 additional jobs available at our companies,” he said, but not enough people with the skills and education necessary to tackle those jobs.

Sprague said Apollo Career Center will play a big role in halting this opportunity exodus.

“The first thing is, retain our youth, engage them in the economic development process by allowing them to see the great career opportu-nities in our community and the pathway to get there,” he said.

Sprague pointed to Dia-mond Manufacturing in Bluff-ton as one of those pathways. The company makes mate-rial handling racks for the automotive industry and has grown from five employees in 2010 to nearly 100.

“During that time we got affiliated with Apollo,” said general manager Gene Heit-

meyer. “We’ve really turned to them to help us grow with the educated and talented welders that they’ve pro-duced. We probably have six or seven of them right now.”

According to its 2014-2015 report card, 89.6 percent of Apollo’s graduates had jobs or were enrolled in postsecond-ary education or additional training in the six months after they left school, earning an “A” from the Ohio Depart-ment of Education, while 23.4 percent received industry cre-dentials or certification.Promising time

Apollo’s expansion comes at a promising time for voca-tional education, which is get-ting renewed attention after years of being seen as second rate to a college degree. President Barack Obama has called for more career train-ing at the high school and college levels. Ohio state law-makers approved legislation in 2014 expanding career and technical education into the seventh and eighth grades.

Ready for what’s next“Take any employment sector of 40 years ago, and it’s either disappeared or completely reinvented itself. We had to reinvent ourselves, too.”

— Judy WellsSuperintendent,

Apollo Career Center

Apollo celebrates 40 years, end of three-year renovation

Amanda Wilson | The Lima News Audria Durham, 16, and Sarrissa Ojeda, 16, talk in the new foyer of Apollo Career Center. A spacious opening and commons area are among the highlights of a $53 million renovation and expansion of the career educational center.

SChEDuLE fOr grAND OPENiNg

Thursday, Sept. 294 p.m., outside in front of main building, surrounding Memorial gardenWelcome from Superintendent Judy Wells, flag-raising, “Star Spangled Banner” played by band made up of 11 associate school bands in uniform, ribbon-cutting at main entrance with Wells and Apollo board of education.

4:30 p.m., Commons areaInformation from Jon Rockhold, former Apollo superintendent and Apollo Educational Foundation chair, introduction of partners.

4:40 p.m. Partner wallUnveiling of partner wall by Paul Crow, Apollo carpentry graduate and president and CEO of Tuttle Services, Inc. Contractors, partnered with instructors, lead groups of guests to labs for simultaneous ribbon-cuttings.

4:50-7 p.m. Self-guided toursLabs will have students performing demonstrations throughout the open house.

“There will always be people, and I have been one of them, that say too many people go to col-lege,” said Jon Rockford, who was an early superintendent of Apollo and is now the dean of its board

See READy | 4


Congratulations, Apollo!from your friends at:

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ABOuT APOLLO CArEEr CENTEr• Career-technical education district

for juniors and seniors from 11 high schools. The district covers 610 square miles and includes all or parts of six counties.

• Member districts are Ada, Allen East, Bath, Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Elida, Hardin Northern, Perry, Shawnee, Spencerville and Wapakoneta.

• High school programs offer college academics and career training to prepare students for college or career.

• High school career -technical programs prepare students for entry level positions in hundreds of occupational fields or post -secondary educational programs.

• Enrollment for the 2015 -16 school year was more than 600.

• High school students are members of BPA, FFA, FCCLA, HOSA or Skills USA. Those who achieve the highest standards qualify for membership in National Career Technical Honor Society.

• Offers its high school students services such as school -to-career, early placement and co -ops to ease the transition from high school to career.

• Surveyed the Class of 2015 and found that 88 percent were employed, in the military, and/or enrolled in full or part time post -secondary educational programs.

• High school career -technical programs are based on labor market needs and developed with input from advisory committees made up of individuals from business and industry.

• Students receive college credit through dual enrollment and post -secondary option.

• Students can also earn industry standard certifications. These certifications save Apollo students time and money in postgraduate training.

• Opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills by participating in student organizations. Through school -wide activities and community service projects, students are able to learn project management and how to work cooperatively.

• Students pursuing a college degree are eligible to receive all scholarships for which they qualify at their home schools in addition to career tech specific scholarships.

of trustees. “People can become very productive by learning a skill or a trade, and that’s what Apollo’s all about.”

Rockford hopes the public takes advan-

tage of the open house to better under-stand that.

“We will never, ever be able to explain all the good things of Apollo,” said Rockford. “This is just a continuation of the process of telling the people what a resource they have available to them.”Reach Amy Eddings at 567-242-0379 or Twitter @lima_eddings.

From page 3

ready

Austin Ball, 17, practices in his welding fabrication class. Many program areas saw their working space double as part of the construction project.

Amanda Wilson | The Lima News


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BY ThE NuMBErS ON ThE APOLLO CArEEr CENTEr EXPANSiON AND rENOVATiON1,056,000Feet of wire for power, sound and phones at the Apollo Career Center expansion and renovation project, equalling 200-plus miles of wire

224,015Total square footage of the facility, nearly twice its old footprint

198,803Blocks used in the project

158,400Feet of conduit, equalling 30-plus miles

156,000Bricks outside the school

810Square footage average of academic classrooms

504Seating in the new commons area

342New plumbing fi xtures

122New fl oor drains

21New air handling units, which include 312 air fi lters

5 Miles of potable and non-potable water piping in the building

4Miles of heating and cooling piping


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PrOfiLES Of high SChOOL PrOgrAMS AT APOLLO CArEEr CENTEr

Administrative and Medical Office TechnologyWhat they teach: Medical terminology and business, computer and office skills to work in front offices of private medicla offices or hospitalsNumber of students: 29impact of construction: “With the new construction, it has really made our technology more up to date,” instructor Diana Malone said. “The storage facilities for us are bigger now. With each teacher, we need a place to store classroom books, and so this gives us more room for our files and supplies. With all the new furniture, projector and computers, it’s just nicer all the way around, more up to date for us so we can bring our students more up to date on the skills they need.”

Apollo Career Center students study in the administrative and medical office technology classrooms.

Dylan Johnson, 18, and hunter Longbrake, 17, prepare a car for painting in the auto collision technology lab at Apollo.

Automotive Manufacturing TechnologyWhat they teach: Practical experience with manufacturing technology (mills and lathes) and Computer Numeric Control technologyNumber of students: 39impact of construction: “The setup of the shop alone has helped,” instructor Toby Prinsen said. “Just being able to physically move things to where you need them to be has helped, whereas before, when we got a new piece of equipment, we had to find room for it. Things are laid out much better here. We have our classroom integrated in our lab setting, so I don’t have to worry about them being in a separate space.”

Automotive Collision TechnologyWhat they teach: Learn to assess and repair damage to vehicles at automotive body shops, including part replacement and paint jobsNumber of students: 36impact of construction: “We have a new downdraft paint booth and a dual-bay prep station,” instructor Mark Sweigart said. “The prep station has a controlled environment, which includes heat and exhaust. We are using the exact same technology of what is needed to enter the workforce. We also have a new paint simulator where students can actually practice spray painting without using any chemicals. We can test the student to see how well that student is painting. Is it going too slow? Too fast? Are there runs? And our color matching has been working very well.”

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima NewsJohn rumer works with a machine in his automotive manufacturing technology class at Apollo.

Automotive TechnologyWhat they teach: Prepares for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification, including enginers, transmissions, brakes, electrionic systems and heating and air conditioningNumber of students: 33impact of construction: “I’ve been here 18 years, and we used to be in a separate building,” instructor Mike Fiedler said. “The biggest thing I felt we were lacking was having a classroom right off the lab. Now we have one, and I can cover material in the room and then go out and show them in the lab. If I talk about something in the classroom, I can then take them right out to the car and show them.”

Jordan Berens, 17, and Dan huber, 17, look at diagnostic information for Apollo’s automotive technology class.


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Congratulations!Apollo Career Center

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Building Maintenance and renovationWhat they teach: Skills to work in the trade area for building maintenance and renovationNumber of students: 28impact of construction: Doubling the space means more room to do community projects for practice, such as a barbecue pit for the Kiwanis or restrooms for a park in Wapakoneta. “We were in only in a 1,200-square foot lab, which was very small for the wide variety of things we do with buildings and renovations, which take some space,” said Rodney Wise, an instructor for the past 34 years. “Now, with 2,400 square feet, we can do more projects and still have room to work and move around.”

Apollo building maintenance students Brice Pitney, 18, left, and Brandon Bender, 18, investigate a wall panel during classes.

Carpentary students richard Carroll, 17, and Sage Short, 17, carry lumber to machines to begin a project.

CarpentryWhat they teach: Learn basics of carpentry, including sanding and paintingNumber of students: 36impact of construction: The facility was designed during the reconstruction includes a wide belt sander, CNC router and various other woodworking machines students can learn to operate, said Mike Sebenoler, the carpentry I and carpentry II instructor. “We have a brand new state-of-the-art facility that includes a paint booth we never had before,” he said. The program still builds a house every year and uses a woodworking shop in the winter months.

Computer information SupportWhat they teach: Network security, website design and computer application design so students can be information support specialistsNumber of students: 38impact of construction: With each class now having its own lab space, students can focus on in-depth projects without spending as much time setting up and tearing down. “Whatever project we were doing before, it had to be completed in a short time from now so another group could utilize the equipment,” said Darin Grimm, a 25-year instructor. “With the bigger space, we can set stuff up and keep working on it for the duration of the year.”

Construction and Equipment TechnologyWhat they teach: How to operate heavy equipment such as bulldozers, Bobcats and dump trucks they’ll use on a job siteNumber of students: 80impact of construction: A large arena makes the weather a non-factor in learning how to deal with these tools in one of Apollo’s most popular classes. “Students can keep operating equipment when the weather is rainy or bad,” said Brad Webb, instructor of the program, who would like to add an excavator simulator from Caterpillar. When students complete the program, they will have a certificate and be ready to operate heavy equipment. Some also will have a commercial driver license that allows them to drive a dump truck, Webb said.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima NewsApollo’s computer information support students focus on their work on computers in the classroom.

See HIGH SCHOOL | 10

Apollo Career Center | Submitted photoStudents work with heavy equipment for their construction and equipment technology class at Apollo.


The hallways at Apollo are wide with plenty of access to the lockers on either side.

Apollo Career Center | Submitted photos Most of the classroom spaces at Apollo include whiteboards and “smartboard” technology.

Spacious hallways with visually appealing flooring patterns are a common sight throughout the renovated Apollo Career Center.

The automotive repair areas at Apollo have many of the same features graduates of the program might use in a modern facility in the working world.

TiMELiNE Of APOLLO CArEEr CENTEr

1963The U.S. Congress and Ohio General Assembly passed The Vocational Educational Act of 1963. Gov. James A. Rhodes, called the “father of vocational education in Ohio,” was often quoted as saying high school graduates should have a diploma in one hand and a job in the other.1970Ohio General Assembly deadline that all local, city and exempted village school districts must submit plans for providing vocational education, setting up jointures.1970The Allen County Joint Vocational School formed, including Ada, Allen East, Bath, Bluffton, Elida, Perry, Shawnee, Spencerville and Wapakoneta, for nine schools. First vote was to name it The Neil A. Armstrong Joint Vocational School District in October 1970.1971-1972Failed levies three times. Jointure was dissolved.1973Newly formed jointure voted to name the district Apollo Joint Vocational School, place a 2.25 mill levy on the ballot for construction and operations, find a suitable location and have it ready for use by 1975.1973On April 3, levy passed by 1,017 votes in four districts, Bath, Elida, Shawnee and Wapakoneta. Total cost for project was $5.6 million, with a 50-percent state share and 50-percent local share. In April 1973, the board passed resolutions accepting Ada, Allen East, Bluffton, Perry and Spencerville into the Apollo JVSD. Added Columbus Grove in 1981 and Hardin Northern in 1982.1974Construction began on the 52-acre site located on the corner of Shawnee and Reed Roads, purchased for $130,000 from an estate.1976Apollo opened its doors in September 1976, a year later than projected due to delays in state matching grants. On opening day, there were 51 staff members, including administration, vocational (21 training programs) and academic staff (offering English, government and math), classified staff and maintenance.1977Apollo’s second year housed 574 students in junior and senior programs.Classrooms and laboratories are outfitted with

what instructors need at Apollo Career Center.


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T.J. Slusher, 16, arranges flowers around a fireplace in the flower design and exteriors class at Apollo Career Center.

Students pack into the larger cafeteria space at Apollo.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima NewsThe reception area is more spacious and modern looking inside the adult education building at Apollo Career Center.

from left, instructor Carrie hamilton, Melissa Donnal, 18, and Julia horner, 18, use the new kitchen in the culinary arts class at Apollo.

Logan Bermosk, 17, works on classwork during his multimedia technology class at Apollo.

2009Taking a deep dive into the Great Recession, declining enrollments in high school program offerings forced closing of some programs and the first detailed look at options for renovating aging infrastructure, technology upgrades, obsolete electrical, HVAC, plumbing and water lines.2010Apollo moved to No. 1 position for state funding through Ohio School Facilities Commission, provided the district could get taxpayer approval for a local match. Decision to commit to OSFC project requirements postponed until input from business advisory committee members and various corporate leaders gathered.2011After consulting with community leaders and business/industry groups, the decision was made to pursue a renovation and construction project to use state money from OSFC. Pre-planning and design phase, study of population growth in the next decade and current/future workforce needs were a year-long process. The end result was an offer of $23 million from OSFC, but the local share of the project (since none of the state dollars could be used for adult education facilities) needed to meet the needs of the community was $30 million. Total project costs $53 million.2011-12Levy campaign and strategies planned, including selection of co-chairs and steering committee members. First attempt for a 1-mill bond and permanent improvement levy to generate the $30 million went with two strategies: Choose Apollo/Change the Future campaign slogan, and a 30-30-30 tag line ($30 million will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $30 a year for 30 years).November 2012 levy failed in first attempt, with approximately 55 percent against/45 percent for in six county precincts/region.2012-2013Refined levy strategies and ran essentially 11 small mini campaigns in 11 school districts, headed by board members and employees who lived in each district. Levy passed in second attempt in May 2013, at 58 percent for and 42 percent against.2013Began design phase, selecting architects Garmann/Miller and Construction Manager Shook-Touchstone. Peterson selected as general contractor.June 2, 2014Groundbreaking, and construction begins.

Sept. 29, 2016 grand opening to the community.

The adult education program at Apollo Career Center also expanded as a result of the $53 million construction and renovation project.


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CosmetologyWhat they teach: Trains students in professional hair styling and make-up techniques, with many students becoming licensed cosmetologists by the time they graduateimpact of construction: A 3D learning platform called zSpace has been added to the lab. “Instead of actually dissecting something, they’ll be able to virtually dissect it,” instructor Tasha Sheipline said. “That’s certainly a lot better.” The brick-and-mortar reality is also more pleasurable since the opening last year of the new salon, with more work stations, gleaming black sinks and pedicure basins and plenty of storage space.

Allie hamilton, 16, practices working with hair in her cosmetology class at Apollo.

Culinary ArtsWhat they teach: Skills for life, cooking, managing money and working with peopleNumber of students: 35impact of construction: “We have two kitchens, a classroom, dining room and a multi-purpose room. We have gained three additional rooms as well as square footage,” said Carrie Hamilton, an instructor for 23 years. That includes Apollo’s Garden Cafe, which opens starting Oct. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $7 for an all you can eat buffet. “The food is totally prepared by the high school students. They are running a business, as they are ordering the food and planning the menu,” Hamilton said.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima Newsinstructor Carrie hamilton, Melissa Donnal, 18, and Julia horner, 18, use a new kitchen at Apollo in a culinary arts class.

Students and a teacher at Apollo discuss the ways to handle children during an early childhood class at Apollo.

Early Childhood EducationWhat they teach: Safety and health issues, nutrition, CPR and child abuse awareness along with real-world experience at local daycare centers and schoolsNumber of students: 29impact of construction: Instructor Courtnee Morris said the expansion at Apollo provided his students with a larger classroom that allowed more room for “motor activities.” “It also allows me the space needed to set up centers within the classroom, so we can practice the skills needed to be successful teachers,” Morris said.

floral DesignWhat they teach: Learning horticulture, design process and maintaining a storefront to teach students to run a greenhouse or flower shopNumber of students: 27impact of construction: “I have a lot more space, and we’ve been able to do more things as far as in-depth training, since we’re not on top of each other,” instructor Joe Warnement said. “Our shop is probably four times the size it was originally. We also have a completely automated greenhouse set for daytime and nighttime temperatures, as well as automatic shade cloths that keep the temperature at an optimum growing environment.” The program also grows vegetables for use in the culinary program.

Ashley hahn, 16, arranges a fireplace in the flower design and exteriors class at Apollo.

From page 7

high School


Congratulations Apollo Career Center!“We’re building the future together.”

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health SciencesWhat they teach: Prepare students to become future nurses, emergency medical technicians, dental hygienists and others in the health care industryimpact of construction: “We have our own lab now. Prior to this we had to change rooms several times each day,” health sciences instructor Sheryl Diglia said. Students spend half their day in the classroom for health science and the other half taking required high school academic classes, she said. The students learn new technology, such as the use of smart watches and various technologies that monitor functions of the human body such as heart rate, Diglia said.

Multimedia TechnologyWhat they teach: Students learn web design, graphic arts, photography, videography and sound designNumber of students: 34impact of construction: “We now have a photo room that has a nice green screen, and we also have a storage area to keep all our lighting equipment,” said Rick Mack, the instructor. “We’re set up with dual monitors and the latest software that companies in the area use.” With an updated lab, students can take better photographs and learn more accurately about lighting in a studio setting, as opposed to working in the closet or the corner of a classroom as they did before the expansion.

Print and graphicsWhat they teach: Entry-level skills for printing and graphics, including experience with off set, silk screening, banners and signsNumber of students: 85impact of construction: “I am in my original spot, but it’s all new. Everything in there is updated and new. New kinds of equipment, new computers, MACs and PCs,” said Mike Diglia, the instructor. “It’s a nice teaching and learning environment.” It’s an in-demand fi eld, he said. “Graphic design is one of the top fi ve occupations in the U.S.,” Diglia said, noting the jobs are available in bigger cities.

Spa and EstheticsWhat they teach: Teaches manicure, pedicure, skin care and relazation massage skillsimpact of construction: Cindy Bowsher, instructor and program developer for the only program of its type in Ohio, said improvements such as the new spa and salon and the student commons have added a professional feeling to the classroom. “It’s almost like they’ve left high school already and this is their career,” she said. “We have a campus setting.” Students can leave Apollo with both a nail technician and an esthetician license from the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology.

Apollo health science teacher Megan Conner, left, practices lab activities with Courtney rediger, 17, Olivia Pulfer, 17, and Autumn Ordonez-Spencer, 17.

riley gough, 18, Ashley Cox, 17, Collin Smith, 17, and Brandon griffith, 17, set up a shot in the new greenscreen room during multimedia technology class at Apollo.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima NewsMike Diglia discusses basics during an early print and graphics class at Apollo this year.

Carly gronas, 17, left, practices painting nails in the spa and esthetics technology class at Apollo.

See HIGH SCHOOL | 12


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PrOfiLES Of ADuLT PrOgrAMS AT APOLLO CArEEr CENTEr

Sports fitness and Exercise ScienceWhat they teach: Prepare students for entry-level positions in clinical, commercial, community and corporate health-fitness settingsNumber of students: 32impact of construction: “We have a brand new fitness lab that we never had before, and it has all new equipment,” said instructor Jody Benda. “I think it’s been a breath of fresh air for our kids.” The fitness lab was limited before the construction, and students had to travel outside the building for hands-on activities. While she said they will still hold lab once a week at an outside facility, they can perform the majority of their hands-on work at Apollo.

WeldingWhat they teach: Various methods of welding with different types of metalNumber of students: 46impact of construction: “The biggest thing for me was the room; I doubled my size. Students had no workroom to work on their projects,” said Steve Conner, the instructor. Not only do students have more workroom, but they can leave their projects sit where they left off at the end of class instead of taking some of the class time to clean up and then more class time to set up the next day, Conner said. They work on projects that include work for people in the community, such as welding on lawnmowers, trailers and trucks.Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima News

James hilty, 18, and Allyssa Vore, 18, take turns spotting on a lift during a sports fitness and excercise tecnology class at Apollo.

Austin Ball, 17, works on a project in his welding fabrication class at Apollo.

See full stories about Apollo’s programs on LimaOhio.com/apollo.

From page 11

high School

Culinary ArtsWhat they teach: Cooking techniques, sanitation and safety, cost control, kitchen management, guest relations and moreimpact of construction: Instructor Carrie Hamilton said the expansion at Apollo afforded her program a new kitchen and state-of-the-art equipment. “We’ve got new convection ovens, steamers, a blast chiller and new combo ovens,” Hamilton said. “There’s also more space, which allows us to have more students in both the adult and high school programs.” Hamilton added that with the latest equipment, her students can stay on the “cutting edge of culinary arts.”

Courtesy of Apollo Career CenterStudents from the adult culinary arts program at Apollo Career Center get familiar with their renovated kitchen.

See full stories about Apollo’s programs on LimaOhio.com/apollo.


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CDL-A Truck driver positions: • 48 State Dry Van Truckload Carrier• Serve Mid-West, South and South-East Regions• Regional & Local Drivers• No Touch Dry Van Freight

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Early Childhood EducationWhat they teach: Prepares students to test for the Childhood Development Associate credential with hands-on trainingimpact of construction: The 600-hour program places students at local daycare sites for on the job training as they work their way through the program. The added bonus is that the students are giving potential employers a fi rsthand look at what they can do on the job. As a result, many of the students stay at local centers as employees. Instructor Wendy Fannin said they are excited with more classroom space now available due to the construction. The class is pro-secondary accredited, so the credits transfer to universities for those wishing to go further.

industrial Certifi catesWhat they teach: Customized training to teach the skills needed at area employers, ranging from four months to 15 monthsimpact of construction: “The building project also allowed us to go down some avenues that we haven’t before. We have short term certifi cates anywhere from 4 months to 9 months in length and those are certifi cates that are very concentrated in one form or another,” said Ann Benfi eld, industrial training manager at Apollo. “We have long term certifi cates which are more diverse and have multiple skills ingrained in them. Those are usually around 15 months. When you think 4 months to 15 months, that’s not very long to get skills for a good paying job. There is something here for everyone in the community.”

Photos courtesy of Apollo Career CenterAn early childhood education student works with children during a lab at Apollo.

Licensed Practical NurseWhat they teach: 11-month program to enter entry-level nursing jobsimpact of construction: Students can work in any medical setting, such as hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offi ces and home health care after completion of the program, head of LPN program Lisa Brackney said. “It is an average of $18, so it is a really good wage,” Brackney said. “They can gain confi dence and contribute to the community while they continue to learn.”

instructor Kim Meyer leads first-quarter licensped practical nursing students in a skills lab at Apollo.

Light Commercial and residential MaintenanceWhat they teach: Electrical, carpentry, plumbing, masonry and othersNumber of students: 12impact of construction: “We have doubled the dedicated space,” said Rick Turner, the director of adult education at Apollo. “We now have double the capabilities we used to have.” It gives students and teachers bigger classrooms and accommodates for around-the-clock teaching should there be a demand, Turner said. “We are not limited by the facility anymore,” Turner said.

Students learn the finer points of light commercial and residential maintenance at Apollo Career Center.

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Amanda Wilson | The Lima News


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Manufacturing Engineering TechnologyWhat they teach: Machining-base programs for both manual and Computer Numerical Control operationsimpact of construction: With doubled the space, each class gets its own dedicated workspace to help meet the skill needs of employers, including an increased focus on robotics, said Ann Benfield, an instructor for the past nine years. “We do a lot of communication and visitation with business and industry to let them know what we have to provide for them, either here at Apollo or in customized training, where we’ll actually go to them or customize our curriculum here at Apollo for them.”

Medical AssistantWhat they teach: Real-world work in doctor’s offices, including reception desk, physician exam rooms and a labNumber of students: 24impact of construction: “One of the things we are doing with the expansion, we are able to increase course offerings. Before the expansion we had one start date a year and now we can increase that as the community and physician employers put more demand on the use of the (certified medical assistant) we will be able to increase offerings to meet those needs,” said Tara Shepherd, Allied Health Director. The program is Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program certified, making people eligible to take the CMA exam.

Medical insurance SpecialistWhat they teach: Electronic health record and chartingNumber of students: 6impact of construction: “There is an ongoing need to meet the demand of the changing technology in the medical field, especially with the implementation of what we call HIPPA Hi Tech, which is the implementation of the electronic health record and charting,” said Tara Shepherd, Allied Health Director at Apollo. “You have to have credentialed folks entering in the information, as it is federally regulated.” The program, which takes 10 to 11 months to complete, is in its fourth year as a full-time program.

Multicraft industrial TechnologyWhat they teach: Skills needed for jobs in the area, including CNC machining, manufacture and engineering and welding and fabricationNumber of students: 12-20impact of construction: “We offer customized training and that’s really to meet the need of industries in the surrounding community,” said Ann Benfield, diversified industrial manager at Apollo. The remodel at Apollo also has left room to grow for the program, Benfield said. “We have plenty of space. I want more people to come out. Get skills training, even if you have a job, be prepared for the future,” she said.

Network Systems SpecialistWhat they teach: Hands-on experience for entry-level positions such as network technicians, tech support, server administration or installation techsimpact of construction: “The way I arrange it, the get plenty of hands-on experience,” instructor Dave Simons said. “The instructors are people that work in the field and they know what skills are needed in the workforce.” A job shadowing program gives employers a chance to look at potential employees. “The students try many different things and are able to get comfortable doing things,” Simon said. “They aren’t afraid to troubleshoot.”

instructor of Manufactoring Engineering Technology Steve Downey does a demonstration in his class at Apollo.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima NewsAdult medical assistant student Martha Arrick, 24, measures pulse on fellow student Ciera Cunningham, 24.

Amber Deloshmott, 34, performs medical coding as part of a medical insurance specialist class at Apollo Career Center.

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Committed to exCellenCe!

Nurse AidWhat they teach: Classroom instruction and lab demonstration with experience in a clinical setting where students provide personal care for nursing home residentsNumber of students: 75impact of construction: Instructor Ruth Nichols said the expansion at Apollo has allowed her to offer more classes at the same time, as she now has a dedicated lab for her adult students. “In the month of August, I ran three classes instead of one,” Nichols said. “I couldn’t have done that before.” She said the extra space has also provided more room for equipment, including four new mannequins and eight beds for hands-on activities.

Public SafetyWhat they teach: Emergency medical services training, fire training, CPR, first aid, AED training and customized trainingNumber of students: 21impact of construction: The program moved into the former automotive technology building, giving it more space for realistic scenarios. The class has the back portion of an ambulance to practice skill testing. “We try to make it as real as possible with skill stations,” said program director Doug Corwin. “We have lots of inside storage, and the training tower outside.” The EMT class is 150 hours, and the EMR class is a 48-hour course. The fire class is 36 hours, with online state testing to get certified.

Truck Driving What they teach: Knowledge and skills needed to pass the Commercial Driver License testsimpact of construction: The program had its own upgrade in 2007, but it did get old asphalt from resurfaced roads and parking lots ground up to cover the four-acre lot where students practice maneuvering their rigs, transportation training manager Jim Rosen said. “We were able to continue without losing any students or classes,” he said. “We didn’t miss a lick. And that’s a tribute to the maintenance staff, the administration and the construction managers.”

John Owens, a student in the adult truck driving class at Apollo, checks his rear-view mirror.

Photos by Amanda Wilson | The Lima News

instructor of adult welding Ken gray does a demon-stration at Apollo.

Welding and fabricationWhat they teach: Wire, stick metal and tungsten insert gas welding, along with blueprint reading and cutting skillsNumber of students: 15impact of construction: Instructor Ann Benfield said that, as a result of Apollo’s expansion project, the adult welding program has all new equipment and its own lab that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Before the construction we used the same lab as the high school students, so we couldn’t use it in the morning to late afternoon,” Benfield said. “Now, we can provide training to individuals any time of the day.” Students work toward earning industry-required certifications.


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