On May 22, 2024, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center celebrated nearly 250 seniors during the Class of 2024 Convocation Ceremony that took place at Bellefontaine High School.
Ohio Hi-Point’s Students of the Month led the procession followed by the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 173 of Bellefontaine. Carly Goodman, a Graphic Media Arts Senior from Triad High School, performed the National Anthem on her electric guitar.
Kaci Houchin and Taylor Pine, both Criminal Justice seniors from Benjamin Logan and Bellefontaine High School, respectively, led the Pledge of Allegiance and led the ceremony.
Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith welcomed the graduates and families and took a moment to recognize the teachers, families, and friends who supported the Class of 2024. He highlighted the rich history of Ohio Hi-Point as the career center prepares to celebrate 50 years of career tech education and announced a commemorative event on October 3, 2024.
Allison Harlan, a Graphic and Media Arts Academy senior from Triad High School, Aly Swinehart, a Cosmetology senior from Marysville High School, and Katrina Penhorwood, a Health Careers Academy senior from Triad High School, were the student speakers for the evening.
“Say yes to every opportunity,” said Harlan “Whether that might be taking adventures, getting your dream job, or going to your dream college, just always try it and say YES!”
“Remember whenever you are having self-doubt think about how proud you are of your younger self. And think about how your younger self would be feeling. Don’t succeed for anyone else, succeed for that little girl or boy that wanted to take over the world,” said Swinehart. “I would like to express how proud I am of every single one of you. We put in the work and proved that we started something that we could finish.”
“Along my Hi-Point journey, I met the most amazing people who have become like my family,” said Penhorwood. “These great friends showed me the amazing possibilities and how I can conquer anything this world throws at me. I became a part of an amazing community, I learned to be a good person to myself and to others. I learned the value and effectiveness of patience. Everyone has told me, Patience! Highschool will be over in the blink of an eye, and boy, were they right.”
Allison Harlan was recognized as Ohio Hi-Point’s Top Senior Student. The Top Senior recognizes a senior who continually demonstrates strong character, grades, attendance, citizenships, and service while attending Ohio Hi-Point. Harlan will continue her education at The University of Alabama majoring in Communications and Marketing.
Lou Vito, president of WPKO/WBLL in Bellefontaine, announced the names of the 241 seniors as they received certificates of completion from the career technical instructors.
Houchin and Pine shared successes of the OHP Class of 2024. Nearly 200 students participated in the Work-Based Learning program, logging over 94,000 work hours and collectively earning an estimated $574,000. In addition, students received over 600 industry-recognized credentials and earned 329 college credits.
The Class of 2024 was also recognized for choosing their “E” – employment, enrollment, or enlistment. Approximately 60 percent of the Class of 2024 is employed, helping to fill the immediate gap in the workforce. Around 35 percent is enrolled and have received an OHP history-making record of $1,076,370 in scholarships.
Finally, 11 seniors enlisted in the military. Cooper Harman (Navy), Byron Gilliam (Army National Guard), Lucas Schaner (Army National Guard), Seth Taylor (Army National Guard), Donoven Quail (Army), Brandon Saam (Army), Orie Hannah (Army), Garrett Towns (Army), Morgan Current (Air Force), MacKenzie Butterfield (Air Force), and Hayley Kitzmiller (Air Force).
Tonya Ramey, Ohio Hi-Point High School Director, closed the ceremony by saying, “Thank you for sharing your final two years of high school at Ohio Hi-Point. Thank you for filling our halls, classrooms and labs with your love and laughter!”
Ohio Hi-Point’s Convocation Ceremony was broadcasted on WPKO and PeakofOhioTV.com.