When graduation season arrives, one question often follows high school seniors wherever they go: "What college are you going to?"

For decades, it has been a well-meaning question, but leaders behind Logan County's 3Es initiative hope that those kind supporters will begin asking something different.

"What's your E?"

Whether a student plans to be Employed, Enlisted, or Enrolled, supporters of the 3Es say all three pathways deserve equal respect, encouragement, and celebration.

The initiative did not appear overnight. It grew from years of collaboration among schools, businesses, and community organizations, led in large part by Mark Butler and Karen Sorreles.

Mark was the former Benjamin Logan High School Principal. He also served as Ohio Academic Supervisor and Career Exploration Coordinator for Ohio High Point JVS. Karen Sorreles was formerly the Educational Service Director for the Midwest Regional ESC. Together, they helped lay the groundwork for what has become one of Logan County's most recognizable career-readiness efforts.

"We wanted to show the kids that we value each one of those Es equally," Sorreles said. "College isn't the right fit for everybody. The military isn't the right fit for everybody. Each E is equally valued, and that was a big thing for us."…READ MORE…