June 2009

Northern Neck Technical Center Scholarship Winners

This year, 8 local students were awarded $1,500 renewable scholarships towards their post-secondary education. They were chosen by the Northern Neck Technical Center Education Foundation, Inc. board members under President Kelly Liddington. The scholarships are funded from outside contributions to the Technical Center and proceeds of the JOIST (Joint Opportunity in Student Training) Project house built by students from the Carpentry, Masonry, and Computer Maintenance Technology programs. Currently, their 7th house is available for show and sale at 189 Harris Avenue in the Ichabod Way sub-division in Warsaw.


The scholarship recipients were photographed at the June 3rd Completer Graduation. From left to right: Jaleesa Ashlock (Cosmetology, Essex HS), Aaron Compton (Auto Body, Essex HS), Noel Gleason (Culinary Arts, Colonial Beach HS), Sebastian Harding (Marine Trades Technology, Northumberland HS), Cody Payne (Auto Technology, Northumberland HS), and Rebecca Sisson (Culinary Arts, Washington & Lee HS). Missing are Emory Haynie (Marine Trades Technology, Northumberland HS) and Dana Thomas (2008 graduate of Rappahannock HS, now attending RCC's Culinary Arts program, who re-applied this year). Congratulations to all these outstanding representatives of the school's technical programs!!

Northern Neck Technical Center Awards Cadillac to Graduate

On Wednesday, June 3rd, Northern Neck Technical Center in Warsaw held its Completer Graduation.
According to Principal Randy Long, it was the largest graduation he's seen - 104 students completed one of 10 technical programs and 35 students obtained their GEDs. After each student crossed the stage to receive a framed certificate of completion, everyone in attendance was treated to a tasty reception prepared by students in the Culinary Arts program.
One of the evening's highlights was the awarding of a 1997 Cadillac (which had been donated and restored by students in the two automotive programs) to the Center's Student of the Year, Washington & Lee HS senior Manuel Murillo. Manuel was chosen by the teaching staff from all of their individual Students of the Year. Each of these deserving students was awarded with a handsome plaque and a VISA gift card.

Auto Body --Derek Garner, Washington & Lee HS
Auto Technology --Cody Payne, Northumberland HS
Building Trades/Electricity --Jason Jones, Lancaster HS
Carpentry --Ben France, Rappahannock HS
Computer Maintenance Technology --Manuel Murillo, Washington & Lee HS
Cosmetology --Kate Skelton, Essex HS
Culinary Arts --Rebecca Sisson, Washington & Lee HS
Marine Trades --Zach Sapp, Lancaster HS
Masonry --Stephen Ohree, Lancaster HS
Nursing Assistant --Meagan Berry, Washington & Lee HS


In this photo, Manuel is flanked (left to right) by Assistant Principal Dave Ferguson, Computer Maintenance Technology instructor Justin Hart, and Principal Randy Long. His post-secondary plans are to attend college and obtain industry certification.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

April 2009

2008-2009 GEDs AWARDED
Colonial Beach
Kimberly Dussault
Billy Doss
Derek Thomas
Dennis Hill
Austin Bergmann
John Wagoner
Krystal Chauncey
Adam Rich

RHS
Keith Chainam
Anyero Hernandez
Austin Mahan
Cleon Slater
Sharon Thompson
Michael Bradshaw
Johnny Webb
Josh McKenny
Lauren Koolery

EHS
Brittany Akers
Tamisha Carey
Trevon Stewart

LHS
Tymeisha Williams
Joshua Meador
Jessica Ray
Heather Talley
Shalenday Brooks

WL
Lamtilva Crawley
Juana Espinoza
Elizabeth Sprouse
Daniel Brooks
Megan Hescox

NHS
Janice Veney

3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony - April 9, 2009

Colonial Beach HS
Krystal Chauncey - Most Improved & Perfect Attendance, GED
Noel Gleason - Most Improved Student & Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Alexcie Poisson - Most Outstanding Student, Electricity I
Adam Rich - Most Outstanding Student, GED
Brendan Turner - Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts II
Morgan Vanover - Most Improved Student, Computer Maintenance Tech II
John Wagoner - Most Improved Student, Computer Maintenance Tech I

Essex HS
Amy Beasley - Most Improved Student, Cosmetology II
Jordan Clark - Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I
Ariel Corbin - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Jonathan Douglas - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I
Tyler Dufour - Most Improved Student, Marine Trades I
Leah Hodges - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Shanta Osbourne - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Shanequia Payne - Most Improved Student, Cosmetology I (p.m.)
Karen Robinson - Most Improved Student, Cosmetology I (a.m.)
Travis Scott - Perfect Attendance, Auto Technology I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Kate Skelton - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Chelsey Stewart - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades I
Jasmine Vaughan - Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I (a.m.)

Lancaster HS
Brooks Davis - Perfect Attendance, Auto Technology II
Janel Grant - Most Improved Student, Culinary Arts I
Jason Jones - Most Outstanding Student, Building Trades & Perfect Attendance, Building Trades I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
James Kelly - Most Outstanding Student, Masonry II
Stephanie Merrill - Most Improved Student, ISAEP/GED (a.m.)
Stephen Ohree - Most Improved Student, Masonry I (p.m.)
LaDawn Redmond - Most Outstanding Student, Nursing Aide (a.m.)
Lisa Smith - Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Lamar Williams - Perfect Attendance, Auto Technology & Environmental Science (a.m.)

Northumberland HS
Justin Albrite - Most Outstanding Student, Carpentry II
Cody Payne - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Technology II
Yurilen Cruz - Most Outstanding Student, Environmental Science (p.m.)
Sebastian Harding - Most Outstanding Student, Marine Trades II
Shelby Sena - Most Improved Student, Nursing Aide (a.m.)
Sam Stokes - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Technology I
Janice Veney - Most Improved Student, ISAEP/GED (p.m.)

Rappahannock HS
Stephen Bass - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body II
Mariah Chainam - Perfect Attendance, GED
Michael Lynn - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body II & Most Improved Student, Environmental Science (p.m.)
Joshua McKenney - Perfect Attendance, ISAEP/GED (a.m.)
Keman Robertson - Most Outstanding Student, Masonry I
Dustin Smith - Most Outstanding Student, Computer Maintenance Tech I
Brittney Thomposon - Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I (p.m.)
Trinard Towles - Most Improved Student, Masonry I

Washington & Lee HS
Laine Alles - Most Improved & Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Latisha Brooks - Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aide & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Latiqua Byrd - Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science (a.m.), Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science
Derek Day - Most Improved Student, Electricity II
Amanda Frederick - Most Outstanding Student, Nursing Aide (p.m.)
Derek Garner - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II
Brittany Gray - Perfect Attendance, Environmental Science (p.m.)
Mikeesha Henderson - Most Improved Student, Cosmetology II
Ebony Hudnall - Most Improved Student, ISAEP/GED (a.m.)
Bryan Johnson - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body II
Frank Jones - Perfect Attendance, Auto Technology I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Jason King - Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Shelby Lee - Perfect Attendance, GED
Jazmyne Monroe - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Glenn Morgan - Most Outstanding Student, Computer Maintenance Tech II
Tim Purce - Most Improved Student, Environmental Science (a.m.)
Travis Reed - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I
Rebecca Sisson - Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts II (a.m.)
Sterling Smith - Most Improved Student, ISAEP/GED (p.m.)
Keith Thompson - Most Improved Student, Building Trades I

JOIST PROJECT HOUSE

The following article ran in 3 local weekly newspapers -- Westmoreland News, Northern Neck News, and Rappahannock Record -- to advertise the first public showing of our student-built house.

Radio stations WNNT & WRAR also aired lived interviews with NNTC principal Randy Long to promote this event.

Our thanks go to all the local media folks for spreading the word about our excellent student project!

OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE TECH STUDENTS' NEWEST HOUSE The Northern Neck Technical Center has been in the student success business for 30 years. Since it opened in 1979, the school has provided technical training to 3,000 local high school students. You may be one of them. But did you know that by building residential houses the students themselves have helped raise nearly $85,000 of scholarship funds to help their fellow graduates reach their dreams? The students have recently completed construction of their 7th house and you're invited to see it at an Open House scheduled on Saturday, May 9th from 10:00-2:00. The brick rancher at 178 Harris Avenue is in the Ichabod Way sub-division located behind the YMCA on Rte. 3. Lunch will be provided, with Principal Randy Long manning the grill. Follow the signs and come see the excellent work done by our local youth! Students in different programs have been building single-story stick-built brick and veneer homes in the community since 1995. This consolidated effort is called the JOIST Project, an acronym for Joint Opportunity in Student Training. Masonry students do the foundation and brickwork. Carpentry students are responsible for framing, roofing, and trim work, and the Electricity students wire the house. A Local Area Network (LAN) system was installed by the Computer Maintenance Technology program. This construction process allows the students to have actual experience building a house as well as gaining valuable learning experience in their chosen fields. When the houses are completed, they're put on the market by the Northern Neck Technical Education Foundation - the proceeds go towards the scholarship fund, the cost of certification and State Board exams, and student awards, and seed money for the next JOIST Project house.
The current project, JOIST VII, boasts the following components:
· 2,278 square foot brick rancher on 1.0+ acres
· 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bathrooms
· garage, front porch, and deck
· heat pump, central a/c
· double-hung thermal windows
· ceiling fans
· 25KW generator will support entire home during power outages
· maintenance-free exterior with PVC decking & vinyl railings
· all kitchen appliances, Corian countertops, garbage disposal, washer & dryer
· oak flooring in formal dining room
· ceramic tile in bathrooms, kitchen & foyer
· berber wall-to-wall carpeting in great room & bedroom
The Foundation wants to acknowledge the generous financial support of Kilmarnock-Irvington-White Stone Rotary, Lamberth Building Materials, Inc. (White Stone) and Jim's Custom Cabinets (Kilmarnock). Without their assistance, the Foundation wouldn't have been able to award college scholarships to 85 deserving program completers. Additional work on JOIST VII was subbed out to the following local companies: Ruit's Plumbing, Inc., Austin Curry (hung drywall), E.W. "Buster" Beasley (finished drywall), Thomas Beasley (excavating & footing), Robert Wilburn RMC (mechanical & HVAC), Rivah Flooring (ceramic tile), and Coggin Furniture, Inc. (carpeting).

March 2009

OUR VERY OWN “MECHANIC MAN”

Auto Technology instructor Steve Tatarka has been appearing on local radio station WNNT (“River Country” 100.9 FM) as The Mechanic Man on Tuesday nights from 6-7 p.m. since July 2008. Steve really enjoys his role – he’s able to answer about 4 calls per hour, depending on the complexity of the question. Feel free to call him at 333-4900 or 333-3711 with your automobile-related concerns. You’ll appreciate his technical knowledge and sense of humor.

February 2009

NORTHERN NECK TECHNICAL CENTER HOSTS DISTRICT COMPETITION

On February 20, 2009 over one hundred students, instructors, parents, and spectators attended and participated in the 2009 District 11 Skills USA Contest for Carpentry, Bricklaying, Masonry, Computer Maintenance, and Residential Wiring at the Northern Neck Technical Center in Warsaw. SkillsUSA-Virginia is the student organization for students enrolled in career and technical occupations in Virginia's high schools and community colleges. The winner of the district competition will move on to the state competition in Hampton, VA on March 27 and 28 to try and win a trip to the national competition in Kansas City, MO this June.
King George High School, James Monroe High School, Stafford High School, Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center, and the Northern Neck Technical Center were the teams competing. The Northern Neck Technical Center was comprised of members from Essex High School, Lancaster High School, Northumberland High School, Rappahannock High School, and Washington and Lee High School.
The competitions lasted three hours and the students were to complete an extensive task related to their field of study. During the competition the students were graded by judges who are actively working in that designated field. The judges were volunteers from as far as Richmond as well as local contractors, educators, and businessmen who came in to assist with judging the contests.
The Carpentry contest required the students to floor frame, wall frame with a window, and cut two rafters. The winner of the contest was Kyle Della Puca from Stafford High School, Second Place- Benjamin France of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Rappahannock High School), Third Place-Jonathan Douglas of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Essex High School), and Fourth Place-Jason Lewis of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Northumberland High School).
The Masonry contest was comprised of use of a level, ability to read a blueprint to build a T-Tie Wall with emphasis on neatness, accuracy, ability to square, plumb, and level the wall while following safety procedures. First place went to Zachary Smith of Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center, Second place was Stephon Ohree of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Lancaster High School), and Third place went to Charles Dobbins of Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center.
The Bricklaying contest was comprised of use of a level, ability to read a blueprint to build a garden wall panel with emphasis on neatness, accuracy, ability to square, plumb, and level the wall while following safety procedures. The winner of the contest was Keman Robertson of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Rappahannock High School). Keman will be representing the Northern Neck Technical Center at the state contest in Hampton. Second Place was Josh Williams of Stafford High School, and Third place was Aaron Spurlock of Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center.
The Residential Wiring contest required using a diagram to wire lighting and split receptacle circuits including single pole three and four way switches from the breaker panel. The winner was Ryan Stellard of Stafford High School, Second Place was Jason Jones of the Northern Neck Technical Center (Lancaster High School), and Third place went to Aaron Paxson of Stafford High School.
Computer Maintenance required the students to trouble shoot through a series of issues to restore a computer to a fully functional system. The winner of the contest was Alexander McClanahan of James Monroe High School, William Mitchell of James Monroe High School was Second place, and Third Place went to James Hancock of the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center.
Following the completion of the contests the students were awarded prizes for First, Second, and Third place via the generous donations of American General Contractors of Virginia. Leigh Hubbard led the way in obtaining the donation of materials supplies from members of AGC-VA. Generous Donations were made by Lamberth Building Supply of White Stone, VA, Lawrenceville Brick, AGC-Virginia, and Anna’s Pizza of Warsaw, VA.

January 2009

2nd Quarter Awards Assembly on Thursday, January 29, 2009
Colonial Beach HS
David Arnold - Most Improved Student, Electricity
Krystal Chauncey – Perfect Attendance, ISAEP (a.m.)
Noel Gleason – Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Alexcie Poisson - Most Outstanding Student, Electricity
John Wagoner - Most Improved Student, both Computer Maintenance I & GED
Essex HS
Bradley Bundy - Perfect Attendance, Auto Tech II
Jordan Clarke – Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I
Ariel Corbin - Most Improved Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Kyre Dade - Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Jonathan Douglas – Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I
Tyler Dufour - Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades I
Lakeyah Garnett – Most Improved Student, Culinary Arts II
Jamie Harrison – Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I
Leah Hodges - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
David Ipson – Perfect Attendance, Computer Maintenance II
Kirk Johnson – Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Frank Lee - Most Improved Student, Marine Trades I
Tyler Pistole - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Tech I (won hoody)
Clyde Reynolds – Most Improved Student, Carpentry I
Travis Scott – Most Outstanding Student, Environmental Science (a.m.)
Kate Skelton – Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II (won hoody)
Chelsey Stewart - Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades I & Environmental Science (a.m.)
Arquanette Thomas – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Lancaster HS
Alexys Carter - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science (p.m.)
Raven Davis – Perfect Attendance, Nursing Assistant & Environmental Science (p.m.)
Jerome Gaskins - Perfect Attendance, Masonry II
Renarda Johnson - Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science (p.m.)
Jason Jones - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Building Trades (won hoody)
Chris KuyKendall - Most Outstanding Student, Marine Trades I
Jameka Lucas - Most Outstanding Student, GED & Perfect Attendance, ISAEP (a.m.)
Stephen Ohree - Most Improved Student, Masonry II
Northumberland HS
Yazmin Castro, Perfect Attendance, Nursing Assistant (p.m.) (won WalMart gift card)
Daniel Diehl, Most Improved Student, ISAEP (p.m.)
Dewon Gordon - Perfect Attendance, Masonry I (won WalMart gift card)
Emory Haynie - Most Outstanding Student, Marine Trades II
Thomas Kelly - Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Jason Lewis – Most Outstanding Student, Carpentry II (won WalMart gift card & hoody)
Cody Payne - Most Outstanding Student, Auto Tech II (won hoody)
Latasha Seldon - Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I
Marcus Seldon - Most Outstanding Student, Masonry II
Rappahannock HS
Jessica Ball – Most Outstanding Student, Environmental Science (p.m.) (won hoody)
Stephen Bass – Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body II
Rosha Boyd – Perfect Attendance, Nursing Assistant
Shantel Brooks, Most Improved Student, Culinary Arts I
Lawanda Cockrell – Most Improved Student, Computer Maintenance II
Tyesha Croxton – Most Outstanding Student, Nursing Assistant (a.m.) (won hoody)
Talaya Flowers – Most Improved Student, Cosmetology I
Ben France – Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I (won hoody)
Ben Jenkins - Most Improved Student, Auto Tech I
Latoya Jones – Perfect Attendance, Nursing Assistant
Roger Jones - Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Sam Kilman - Most Improved Student, Marine Trades I
Michael Lynn – Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body II (won hoody)
Austin Mahan, Most Outstanding Student, ISAEP (a.m.) (won hoody)
Keman Robertson - Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Masonry I (won WalMart gift card & hoody)
Dustin Smith – Most Outstanding Student, Computer Maintenance I (won hoody)
Nancy Smith, Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts I (won hoody)
Brittney Thompson – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Trinard Towles - Most Improved Student, Masonry I
Chris Uphold – Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts II
Francesca Volo – Most Improved Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Rossella Volo – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Washington & Lee HS
Laine Alles - Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Brittany Brooks – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Daniel Brooks - Perfect Attendance, GED & ISAEP (p.m.)
Latisha Brooks – Most Improved Student, Nursing Assistant (a.m.), Perfect Attendance, Environmental Science (a.m.)
Latiqua Byrd – Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Env. Science (a.m.) (won hoody)
Amanda Frederick – Most Outstanding Student, Nursing Assistant (p.m.) (won hoody)
Derek Garner – Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II
Brandon Hackett - Perfect Attendance, Auto Tech I
Ebony Hudnall - Most Improved Student, GED
Breonna Jackson – Most Improved Student, both Nursing Assistant & Environmental Science (p.m.),
Tenisha Johnson – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Jazmyne Monroe – Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Glenn Morgan – Most Outstanding Student, Computer Maintenance II (won hoody)
Tim Purce – Most Improved Student, Environmental Science (a.m.)
Travis Reed – Most Outstanding Student, Auto Body I & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I & Env. Science (a.m.)
Terrell Robinson – Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I
Rebecca Sisson – Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Keith Thompson - Most Improved Student, Building Trades

January News

NOVEMBER NEWS

PARENT NIGHT -- On the evening of Monday, November 17th, the Technical Center held its annual Parent Night. Staff and administrators were delighted to welcome nearly 100 parents and families who toured the building and visited classrooms. The highlight of the evening was the delicious appetizer extravaganza prepared by our Culinary Arts students. Thanks to everyone who participated in this event!!

November was NOCTI Certification Pre-Test Month-- Students in all of VA’s technical programs have an opportunity to earn an industry certification and a verified credit toward high school graduation. Most of the programs at the Technical Center prepare students for certification exams offered by NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute), a national leader in student job-readiness assessments which has been selected by the VA Board of Education’s Office of Career & Technical Education. These exams will be given to program completers in May 2009. Those whose scores meet or exceed the national average will receive a certification, which may help them find employment in the career field. During the month of November, students had a chance to take a NOCTI pre-test. This online test, consisting of 150-200 multiple choice questions, helps prepare the students for the final assessment. In addition, teachers have an opportunity to see the results and can tailor their instruction to the students’ strengths and weaknesses. Study guides will be made available early in 2009. For more information about NOCTI and other technical program assessments, please contact counselor Deborah Hughes at 804/333-4940.

October News

Cosmetology students exhibit creativity and compete for top heads awards

Staff treats students to tricky halloween

First Quarter Awards

Colonial Beach HS
Kimberly Dussault, Most Outstanding Student, GED/ISAEP
Essex HS
Brittany Akers, Most Outstanding Student, GED/ISAEP
Jalyssa Blagmon, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Latasha Bowler, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Danna Broache, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Bradley Bundy, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing II
Shawn Bundy, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II
Tanequa Cauthorne, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Aaron Compton, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I
Ariel Corbin, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Kyre Dade, Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Jasmine Finney, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Jamie Harrison, Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I
Leah Hodges, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I (tie)
Kirk Johnson, Perfect Attendance, Environmental Science
Shanta Osbourne, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Shanequa Payne, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Tyler Pistole, Most Outstanding Student, Auto Servicing I
Dashanda Rich, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I
Travis Scott, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing I
Kayla Shelton, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology (won $25 WalMart gift card)
Kate Skelton, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Chris Stevenson, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II
Chelsey Stewart, Most Outstanding Student, Marine Trades I & Environmental Science
Lancaster HS
Nicole Bromley, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Jerome Gaskins, Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Janel Grant, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I & Environmental Science
Isaiah Haskins, Perfect Attendance, Computer Systems Technology I
Tray Love, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Joshua Meador, Most Outstanding Student, GED/ISAEP
Kevin Moore, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance Building Trades & Environmental Science
Zach Sapp, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Lisa Smith, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Quinton Thompson, Perfect Attendance, Building Trades
Vantel Williams, Perfect Attendance, Computer Systems Technology I & Environmental Science
Northumberland HS
Justin Albrite, Most Outstanding Student, Carpentry I
Clara Barreto, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science
Yurilen Cruz, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science
Dewon Gordon, Most Outstanding Student, Masonry II (a.m.)
Sebastian Harding, Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Jessica Morris, Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts II
Cody Payne, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing II
Julio Silva, Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades I
Rapppahannock HS
Rosha Boyd, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aide (p.m.)
Ben France, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Carpentry I
Steve Hibbert, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing I
Courtney Howard, Most Outstanding Student, Culinary Arts I
Latoya Jones, Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aid
Roger Jones, Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Dylan Mahan, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing I
Keman Robertson, Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Cleon Slater, Most Outstanding Student, Masonry II & Perfect Attendance, GED
Dustin Smith, Most Outstanding Student, Computer Systems Technology I
Brittany Thompson, Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I
Trinard Towles, Perfect Attendance, Masonry I
Francesco Volo, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Rossella Volo, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Chris Uphold, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Washington & Lee HS
Laine Alles, Perfect Attendance, Marine Trades II
Meagan Berry, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aide (a.m.) (won $25 WalMart gift card)
Vashon Brown, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I & Environmental Science
Latiqua Byrd, Most Outstanding Student, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science , a.m. & Perfect Attendance (both)
Brittany Day, Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aide
Cierra Day, Perfect Attendance, Nursing Aide
Dante’ Day, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing II (won $25 WalMart gift card)
Kevin English, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I & Environmental Science
Amanda Frederick, Most Outstanding Student, Environmental Science, p.m.
Derek Garner, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II (tie)
Brittany Gray, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & Environmental Science
Brandon Hackett, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing I
Mitchell Hackett, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I & Environmental Science
Mikeesha Henderson, Perfect Attendance, Environmental Science
Bryan Johnson, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Auto Body II
Frank Jones, Perfect Attendance, Auto Servicing I
Jerome Gaskins, Perfect Attendance, Marine Service Technology
Beatriz Manzo-Leon, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts I & Environmental Science
Courtney McDowney, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology II
Glenn Morgan, Most Outstanding Student & Perfect Attendance, Computer Systems II (won $25 WalMart gift card)
Travis Owen, Most Outstanding Student Marine Trades I
Travis Reed, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I & Environmental Science
Juan Reyes, Perfect Attendance, Auto Body I & Environmental Science
Julianna Schuman, Perfect Attendance, Cosmetology I & II (paying adult student)
Rebecca Sisson, Perfect Attendance, Culinary Arts II
Arsenio Smith, Most Outstanding Student, Electricity I
Bria Thompson, Perfect Attendance, Environmental Science
Terrell Thompson, Perfect Attendance, GED/ISAEP

On Friday, October 10, 2008, the Northern Neck Technical Center's Auto Technology students took a field trip to the Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, Virginia, to participate in a Career Day sponsored by the U.S. Army and the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). The students first visited booths operated by several schools, as well as businesses including Carter Caterpillar. The students were also encouraged to participate in any of the physical challenges set up by the Army including a rock wall and a push-up stand. There were prizes and 'freebies' galore, including ear plugs which were absolute necessities when the nitro-burning funny cars and dragsters took center stage. The students were then escorted into a tent for a presentation put on by the NHRA that included talks from NHRA Top Fuel drivers Rod 'Hot Rod' Fuller and 2007 Points Champion Tony Schumacher. Afterwards it was out to the track to witness passes by some of the fastest cars on earth. The highlight of the afternoon was definitely when the nitro cars came out. These cars, capable of achieving speeds of 300-plus miles per hour in less than 4 seconds, stole the show. Their awesome power is not to be believed until they are seen in person, as witnessed by the student's chatter on the way back to the school about how loud and powerful these cars truly are. The students were chaperoned by Principal H. Randy Long, Special Services Coordinator Kirsten Palubinski, and Auto Tech teacher Steve Tatarka, who managed to get a picture with Funny Car driver Ashley Force, who also stars in A&E Television's hit show, Driving Force.

September News

NNTC Goes to the SkillsUSA National Championships

During the week of June 21st, SkillsUSA held its National Championships in Kansas City, MO. A total of 5,200 contestants, all winners from their respective states or participating countries (Canada, Guam, and Puerto Rico) competed at 91 separate events. Another 1,500 judges and contest organizers from labor and industry also participated. The philosophy of the SkillsUSA championships is “to reward students for excellence, to involve industry in directly evaluating student performance and to keep training relevant to employers’ needs”. We are proud that 3 of our students earned the right to attend the Nationals by placing 1st at the VA State Competition earlier in the spring. Attending the Nationals were Principal Randy Long, Auto Body instructor Matt Ingram with VA State champion Oscar Ramirez. Marine Trades instructor Mark Drexler and his wife also attended, accompanying students (and VA State champions at the high school and college levels) David Boyer, and Justin Spring. Expenses for the week-long Championships were paid by NNTC (for the principal and Mr. Ingram) and Rappahannock Community College (for Mr. Drexler’s dual-enrollment program). Student expenses were paid by their home high schools. I had a recent opportunity to interview Mr. Ingram about his experiences at the event. When he was himself a student in the Auto Body program at NNTC in 1996, he placed 7th at the State competition level, but never had the chance to participate at Nationals. He was particularly impressed by the lobby of the Downtown Marriott they stayed at, with its original hardwoods and preserved architecture harkening back to its “grand hotel” days in the 1920s. Right across the street was the Kansas City Convention Center where the championships would take place. The week’s schedule included numerous SkillsUSA activities as well as time off to explore the city and get to know the other participants. Tickets were also provided to a Royals baseball game and The Worlds of Fun Amusement Park (where Mr. Ingram ate what he considered “the best BBQ in Kansas City.”)
The SkillsUSA events were as follows:
Monday: An orientation breakfast was given for the 200+ contestants and their advisors from the State of VA. Afterwards, the contestants were given a written, multiple choice test that would used in case of a tie. Knowledge of the SkillsUSA organization and its goals was an important part of the test.
Tuesday: The Convention Center hosted a huge Expo, which included a Job Fair, vendor demonstrations (and opportunities to try out different tools), a DeWalt Race Car, games, raffles, give-a-ways, and many networking opportunities.
Wednesday: Competition orientations were given to the contestants. Mr. Ingram said that at this time Oscar was also given a written test on estimating and an I-Car refinishing test.
Thursday: In an area the size of seven football fields, all 91 National competitions took place all day. The contestants were garbed in industry-specific uniforms. Just like at the previous day’s orientations, advisors were not allowed to have any interaction with the contestants and could watch only from afar. Mr. Ingram had a chance to watch Carpentry competitors building a house and a truss. He was particularly interested in the contest used for the Criminal Science competitors. Oscar Ramirez and 57 other contestants participated in the Automobile Refinishing contests from 8:30-3:00. They were judged by 20 representatives from the industry, sales, manufacturing, and insurance fields. 2008 is the first year that Auto Refinishing and Collision Repair have had separate competitions, which reflects the different training, skills, and tools necessary for these two occupations.
Friday: In the morning, program-specific debriefing meetings were held for all the contestants. The Awards Ceremony at the massive Kemper Center was the capping event for all the attendees, who were seated by state/country. During the Awards Ceremony, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each competition were announced. In the Auto Refinishing contest, the 1st place winner was presented with a medallion, a Snap-On tool set, and a $750.00 gift card from workwear manufacturer Carhartt. Mr. Ingram was pleased to report that a female competitor placed 2nd, a fact that I’ll use in future recruiting presentations to high school students. Ladies, you can be very successful in non-traditional technical careers!!!
On Friday evening State going-away dinners, competitors learned their individual scores. Mr. Ingram believes that Oscar’s scores would have been higher if information from the State of VA hadn’t been outdated, requiring him to give Oscar a crash course in color theory at the Nationals which negatively impacted his overall score. Even so, Oscar placed a very respectable 20th place out of 58 competitors, including many from community college courses. Congratulations Oscar!!!
It was an exciting, fun, and exhausting week for everyone. We’re so proud of our 2008 State winners.