Pioneer Career and Technology Center (PCTC) hosted a school and countywide service project day on October 17. The school enrolls students from many communities from Richland County and surrounding counties. More than 950 students participated in the service project day, representing 35 PCTC programs and 14 partner schools.
The “Community Service Day” took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The students worked at a variety local churches, public buildings, parks, and residential neighborhoods. One group went to Gorman Nature Center in Lexington to remove invasive plant species from the center’s prairie fields.
“This sort of thing is great for the kids to get a sense of connection with this piece of property. If these kids hadn’t gone out here today, this work might have never been done,” commented Homeland Security Commander for PCTC Eric Winbigler.
Winbigler transported 10 students from an array of PCTC programs and different schools. “Some of them have never met each other until today. It’s funny because they still work together even if they’re from different schools. They could be out here working earlier in the day and then suit up later to play each other on the field later. They get along though,” he said.
“I was skeptical before coming out here today. But I’m happy I did because I like being able to give back to the community. These are great people out here and this work builds character,” said senior Grant Nichols from Lexington in the PCTC IT program.
Winbigler’s group not only got to work with handsaws and chainsaws to remove invasive species, but they were educated during the process. Gorman Nature Center’s Director Jason Larson worked alongside them, while teaching the students on how to distinguish between invasive plants and normal plants.
“We’re mostly removing woody Honeysuckle bush today. They grow in really thick, making it hard for other plant life native to Ohio to thrive. They were brought over from Asia,” explained Larson.
Just down the trail and into the woods, another group worked on a special project. The Mansfield Senior High Construction Tech group worked on completing their fifth wooden bridge that connects the trail systems over small river beds and creeks.
Rondre Brooks, a senior in the program, wants to start a construction company when he graduates from college with Jordan, his best friend who works alongside him in the program.
“I love doing this. It keeps me active and gives me something to do other than sitting inside all day,” said Brooks.
Another group from PCTC worked in Galion restoring landscape, painting, and washing fire engines at the local Galion Fire Department.
Cheri Gill, a PCTC substitute teacher, chaperoned the group at the fire department. She has been involved with the Community Service Day for three years now. She said this day gives the youth an actual real life experience for the community.
“It shows them what they can do for their community, and that’s a good thing,” she said.
Carey Tocash, a Cosmetology Instructor of two years, and Grant Brocwell, the Masonry Program Director, both have two years as teachers in PCTC. However, they both have over 20 years of experience in their fields.
“Pioneer really gives the kids an input from the real world. It’s great,” said Tocash. Brocwell was a graduate of the Masonry Program in 1990 and has worked in that field ever since. Two years ago he was offered his current position of program director.
“It’s nice to pass on your trade to another person, especially after graduating from the school yourself,” shared Brocwell.
For more information on PCTC, visit their website or call 419-347-7744.
