Vantage names Alumni Hall of Fame class

VW independent/submitted information

During its 40th year, Vantage Career Center will begin a new tradition by inducting the first class ino the Vantage Alumni Hall of Fame.

The purpose of the Alumni Hall of Fame is to recognize graduates who have, through their performance and achievement, brought credit and honor to themselves and to Vantage Career Center after their graduation. Their exemplary public, personal, and career achievements will serve to inspire and provide leadership to future graduates to achieve and serve in the same distinguished manner.

Vantage announces the charter members of the Alumni Hall of Fame: Faith (Ebel) Fabian, Early Childhood Education (1979), director of Wee Care Learning Center; Bill Gordon, Machine Tool Technology (1979), president and co-owner of Gordon Tools; Mindy (Miller) Fairbanks, Cosmetology (1991), owner of Fairbanks Solutions LLC; and Rick Turner, Machine Tool Technology (1979), director of Adult Education at Apollo Career Center.

The presentation of awards will be held in the Vantage Commons just after 5:30 p.m. on February 22, as part of the open house and 40th anniversary celebration.

The open house will highlight both the high school and adult education programs and is open to the public. “Vantage is opening up the building so everyone can see and experience what our students learn every day” according to Community Relations Coordinator MaryJo Wilhelm. “This is a chance for prospective high school students and their parents, along with current students and parents, community members, alumni, and interested adult learners to see what opportunities are available at Vantage.”

Vantage instructors and students will demonstrate their skills to the public in each of the 17 career technical labs. This event also allows Vantage graduates to visit and reconnect with their academic teachers, career tech instructors and classmates.

Career technical education is a strong force that contributes to the support of the local economy. It allows high school students an opportunity to be work and college ready, graduating with industry certifications and credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience in their field. For adults, who are unemployed or looking for a career change, Vantage Workforce Education provides an opportunity to change a career path in a short amount of time, for a nominal amount of money.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, guests will receive three complimentary door prize tickets upon arrival. There are 17 door prizes in various labs throughout the building. Additionally, there will be two special items in a $1 per ticket raffle in the Commons — a Vantage t-shirt quilt handmade by Diane Mercer, Vantage high school secretary, and an aluminum and Plexiglas Vantage clock made by students in the Precision Machining, Carpentry, and Electricity programs.

The second annual “Taste of Vantage” will be held in conjunction with open house. Seven area restaurants and the Vantage Culinary Arts program will be offering a delicious sampling of some of their most popular cuisine.

Just $5 at the door purchases a strip of six tickets: one ticket for each food sample. All proceeds support the Vantage school-wide Student Activity Fund. The Vantage Culinary Arts program will offer homemade chips and Mexican salsa. Try some pub pretzels with queso dipping sauce from The Fort Restaurant in Fort Jennings, or enjoy boneless chicken wings from Van Wert’s Fricker’s. Pizza is on the menu from Ottoville’s Main Street Market, taste a pork slider from Gibson’s BBQ in Convoy, or warm up with a cup of delicious soup from Van Wert newcomer Schlotzsky’s catering.

For dessert, try a mini ice cream sundae from the Paulding Dairy Queen or coffee (regular and flavored) and an assortment of 40th anniversary sweet treats from Baked to Perfection in Delphos.

DJ Ron Burt from Magic Moment Entertainment will be the emcee for the evening and will announce the special demonstrations and activities going on throughout the building.

The open house will run from 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, February 22, at Vantage Career Center.

Learn more about the open house and see sponsors at Vantage’s website, www.vantagecareercenter.com, or go to the Vantage Career Center Facebook page.