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PIQUA — Rod Schmidt has watched the Upper Valley JVS, its Willowbrook Environmental Education Center and hundreds of students grow up.
Schmidt, in his 34th year, joined the JVS instructional staff as its environmental occupations instructor in 1976, the school’s second year of operations.
In those days, typing, key punch machine operations and small appliance repair were among the course offerings. Today, they’ve been replaced with instruction in areas such as interactive media, computer hairstyle design and green technologies.
Education of the past, today and the future will be celebrated from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, during the JVS’ 35th anniversary celebration with a car show, lab demonstrations, tours, a picnic lunch and alumni activities, among others.
“Over the past 35 years, programs have become more technology driven,” said Nancy Luce, JVS superintendent. “New programs such as interactive media, pre-engineering and sustainable energy have been added. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to preparing students to meet the needs of the workplace and our strong ties to the communities of Miami and Shelby counties.”
Luce said math and reading skill requirements have increased for even entry level positions. And, more students are including post-secondary training in their plans for the future, she said.
Schmidt, teaching partner Jim Metz and lab para-professional Michaella Quinter oversee the environmental occupations program for students from the 14 districts at the JVS on Looney Road, next to Edison Community College. Students pursue careers as park rangers, in tree and landscaping services and at golf courses, among others.
The students get hands-on experience in operating equipment such as mowers from Willowbrook, located on land south of the JVS and donated by the J. Scott Garbry family. An initial donation of 40 acres has grown to 181 acres stretching from Looney Road to Troy- Sidney Road. Trails, prairies and other features offer students unique experiences.
“Jim and I try to approach it as the kids are working in a living, breathing park. They maintain it, take care of leading (tour) groups through, all the while learning how to operate equipment,” Schmidt said. “We think we have a pretty neat program for kids interested in the outdoors.”
More information on the Upper Valley JVS is available at www.uvjvs.com.
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