Discovering something that inspires students to want to go to school is like finding a four-leaf clover — you have to look for it. Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP) has found at least one way to do that with their Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSO). 

The end of the school year presented a good opportunity for students and advisors to share their CTSO successes with the OHP board of education on Wednesday, June 17.

To start the presentation, the board heard a recording from Allison Koch, career tech supervisor, who couldn’t be there because she was at the HOSA (future health professionals) International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis.

Speaking about these competitions, Koch said, “It’s a really big deal and [the students] are very excited.” 

Koch emphasized the importance of these events in providing opportunities for students to visit other cities, network with their peers and demonstrate the technical and professional skills they’ve developed at OHP.

The standout this year was Richiona Burnell, who won gold in the prepared speech contest at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, the first week in June. Attending OHP from partner district Bellefontaine High School, Burnell graduated from the cosmetology program in May.

After Koch’s introduction, Burnell and two other OHP students shared their experiences with the board. 

“Last year in the CTSO program, I made a poor decision and had to learn from it,” Burnell admitted. “But I proved I can come back stronger and learn from the mistakes I made.” 

She emphasized how participating in SkillsUSA gave her more “courage and motivation.”

“CTSO programs — period — are great for students. It’s something we’re excited to go to school for.”