Bennett McCausland, Air Force Jr. ROTC, Newton Falls High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
I chose TCTC because I like how specific the programs are, and I could learn a lot in this program.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
At my homeschool I was involved in prep bowl and the art club — both were really fun.
Who or what motivated you most during high school?
My dad has always motivated me to improve myself and do better.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at TCTC?
I have really enjoyed the amount of growth that I’ve had from here. I was always a shy student, but I have become a leader here.
Aside from valedictorian, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
In the Air Force Jr. ROTC program, I have held a leadership position as the Logistics Flight Commander.
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
It’s taught me a lot of valuable skills like leadership and confidence. It has always been a place that encouraged me to improve myself. I’ve always liked helping others and with help from the anatomy class I took this year, I’ve realized my dream is to be a paramedic. If it weren’t for my teachers, I might never have realized this.
How does it feel to be awarded, valedictorian?
When I was younger, one of my teachers said that I would become valedictorian. She was right.
What advice do you have for future students?
I would tell them to focus on themselves more than anything. A lot of students get caught up in worrying about grades, and they matter more than a letter grade.
Jamie Rummell, Cosmetology, Lordstown High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
I chose TCTC because I wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology and after talking to cosmetologists I know; they all had recommended the cosmetology program at TCTC so I decided to give it a try and I fell in love with it.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I was always keeping myself busy with my extracurricular activities. I played volleyball 7th-12th grade for my homeschool as well as travel volleyball for a few years. I was also on the bowling team junior and senior year. I am a member of 4H in Mahoning County where I show my horse Izzy as well as a member of the drill team (flag line on horseback). I am also a member of the Christian Life Church worship team and I also volunteer at the food drive at my church.
Who or what motivated you most during high school?
For both my homeschool and TCTC it was definitely my friends and looking forward to doing things in class. I always looked forward to coming to TCTC for my program. But, for both schools, I liked hanging out with my friends a lot and seeing them in school.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at TCTC?
How much I have learned. TCTC has helped me get so far ahead for my future. I am so thankful that I made the decision to come to TCTC to get a head start for my career in cosmetology.
Aside from valedictorian, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
Passing my state board exams. I have never felt so relieved and happy in my life. After I found out I passed, it was the best feeling in the world because it was the first step to beginning my career!
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
In my program especially we learned a lot of people skills to help us once we get into the workforce. I believe this prepared me for my future after graduation as a cosmetologist.
How does it feel to be awarded, valedictorian?
It feels amazing and I feel so blessed to have accomplished so much throughout my high school years. But I can’t take all the credit because that belongs to all my wonderful teachers and family members who helped me get here.
What advice do you have for future students?
Believe in yourself and have confidence, don’t worry about what other people may think. Because if you know you can do it, and you don’t let people’s opinions come against you, you can do anything!
Sarah Schneider, Exercise Science & Sports Medicine, Lordstown High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
I chose TCTC for the Exercise Science & Sports Medicine program. I used to think I wanted to be a sports medicine doctor, but I shifted my interest to be a physical therapist. I knew this program would prepare me well for my future.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am a part of the cross country, soccer, indoor and outdoor track team at Lordstown. I also participate in club soccer and club track. I am a member of the prep bowl team and National Honor Society.
Who or what motivated you most during high school?
I am very self-driven. I am my own worst critic. I hold myself to a very high standard. My family and teachers have always helped keep me going.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at TCTC?
I really like the people that I have been in class with. They have made it a much more enjoyable environment.
Aside from valedictorian, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
I am very proud of all the credentials that I have acquired here. In the Exercise Science & Sports Medicine program, I have earned the 10-hour OSHA for healthcare certification, concussion certification, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, AMCA Physical Therapy Aid, and NASM Personal Trainer Certification. I am pretty proud of my full-tuition scholarship to Washington & Jefferson College. I will be playing soccer and running track there.
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
I received a lot of college credits here. I can knock off a few classes in my freshmen year. By having my PTTC certification, I can have a job that will allow me to work in a physical therapy office while in college and open me up to more job shadowing options and internships.
How does it feel to be awarded, valedictorian?
I decided in elementary school that I wanted to be valedictorian. It’s nice to know that I did what young me wanted to do.
What advice do you have for future students?
Take it seriously.
Alexis Shafer, Exercise Science & Sports Medicine, Bristol High School Valedictorian
Why did you choose TCTC?
I thought the Exercise Science & Sports Medicine program would help prepare me for my future career and provide me a head start in this field.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am in Beta club, NHS, NTHS, HOSA (secretary). I play varsity soccer, softball, and basketball. I also play travel softball.
Who or what motivated you most during high school?
Wanting to be at the top of my class and wanting to get into Ohio State University motivated me the most. I knew I would have to perform well in order to meet those goals.
What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at TCTC?
I enjoyed connecting with my classmates and getting to know them on a deeper level in my lab because of how small we are.
Aside from valedictorian, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
I am excited to be accepted into Ohio State University and their honors program. I will be majoring in exercise science and minoring in sign language.
How has TCTC prepared you for life after graduation?
It gave me a lot of extra college credits that I won’t have to take in college, and it will save me a lot of time.
How does it feel to be awarded, valedictorian?
It feels pretty rewarding just knowing that everything you did in the last four years has paid off and gotten you somewhere.
What advice do you have for future students?
Do your best to find a good balance between school and doing something you enjoy. If you aren’t doing something that you in enjoy in life, what’s the point?