Welding Student Spotlight: Junior student, Cameron Cameruci, from Martin High School. Cameron enrolled at the Tech Center as he wanted to learn a skill that he could possibly use after high school, and he chose the Welding program as it "looked cool." He does not regret his decision. He states he is having fun and that TIG welding is his favorite so far. He isn't sure what his plans are after he graduates next year, but does know that it will be the work force for him, most likely a union position, and now he thinks it will be in welding. He states his dad was in the union through the paper mill.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Welding Student Cameron Cameruci, smiling with his welding helmet and safety glasses on.
Building Trades 2 Spotlight: Most of our programs are one-year programs, but for students who meet the requirements, they can return for work-based learning (WBL) placements. Colbey Jones is a Wayland High School senior and this past summer he began working for Kent Companies in Grand Rapids. He continues to work for them as a WBL student and is currently building a parking garage. Colbey states that he enrolled in the Tech Center's Building Trades 1 program as he likes working with his hands. He plans to continue working for Kent Companies after he graduates this spring.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Colbey Jones in a safety harness working high up in Grand Rapids on a parking garage
Many of our districts have a different winter break. Please check with your local high school if they are requiring students to attend on days they are not in session but we are. Thank you.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Announcement: Tech Center Winter Break, Coming! No students Dec. 20-Jan.2. The Office will be open Dec. 20, 21, 22 and 28, 7:30a-3p
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Student Spotlight: Dylan Wheeler is a Plainwell High School senior. Dylan completed our one-year CIS program as a junior and achieved the criteria necessary to return this year for the Cyber Security program that is offered. Dylan has earned nine industry certifications through the CIS program (four this year alone)! He decided to enroll in the Tech Center as he has had an interest in computers since he was in middle school and he felt CIS would be the right fit for him. He has excelled in this area and has worked one day a week with the Plainwell IT Department, which began last year in his first year of the program! Dylan's post-secondary plan is to attend U of M, Michigan State, or Michigan Tech for computer science.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Dylan Wheeler, CIS student, standing in front of wall filled with industry certifications
Engineering, Electronics, and Robotics student, Evan Ruga, is in the spotlight! Evan is in his second year at the Tech Center, focusing more on mechanical engineering this year.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Picture of Even Ruga, Engineering student with the text: Evan Ruga became the first 2023-2024 Engineering, Electronics, and Robotics student to earn the internationally recognized Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) certification. Congratulations!
Building Trades 1 Spotlight...instructor, Andy Bishop, introduces Wayland High School senior, William Klein. William enrolled in the Building Trades 1 class to advance his knowledge and building skills. He hopes to be able to use these after graduation in the US Coast Guard. While in the Coast Guard, his goal is to join the Maritime Enforcement team. Good Luck on the ASVAB test William!
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Building Trades student William Klein  standing in the building trades work area
The morning Pathways to Success students completed their community service at Positive Options located here in Allegan this month. The students rolled up their sleeves and assisted with creating heartfelt cards for clients, crafting informative packets for new clients , creating candy bags, and taking charge of outdoor cleanup. The energy and enthusiasm from our students were contagious, and they're already asking when they can return. It was great to see everyone working to make a positive change together. A huge thanks to Positive Options for welcoming us with open arms and allowing us to serve in such meaningful ways.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Students doing yardwork outside of the Postivie Options building
Two students washing windows
One Student sorting diapers
Student assisting with diapers
Student sitting with client
Three students getting directions from supervisor at Positive Options
The co-taught class of Employability Skills and Pathways to Success program is busy bringing in speakers to address the four different post-secondary career pathways: Military, College, Apprenticship, and Workforce. Recently they had co-owners of the new Biggy in Dorr, Mrs. Meyer and Mr. Wright, speak about entrepreneurship, the importance of financial literacy, and business development.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Photo of Biggby Co-owners talking at the front of the class
Photo from behind of the students, asking questions of the Biggy co-owners
Photo of the Biggby Co-owners and Pathways instructory, Kia Delaney
Student Spotlight for Automotive Technology: Introducing James Butler. James is a Wayland senior. He is currently in his second year of the automotive program and he enrolled as a junior as he knew this was what he wanted to do after graduation. James enjoys the class because he learns a lot about the automotive industry and is always busy and engaged with hands-on tasks.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Student Spotlight for Automotive, introducing James Butler. James is a  Wayland senior. He is currently in his second year of Automotive Technology and he enrolled in the program as a junior as he knew this was what he wanted to do after graduation. James enjoys the class because he learns a  lot about the automotive industry and is always busy and engaged with hands-on tasks.
EMS Student Spotlight...introducing Jaydon Truax.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
EMS Student Spotlight: Jayden truax is a senior at Allegan High School. She knew that she wanted to get into the medical field and chose the EMS class here at the Tech Center to start that process. Jayden has applied to WMU to start her educational journey into nursing. Jayden would ultimately like to be a trauma nurse at Bronson.
Graphic Art and Design Student Spotlight...
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Graphic Art & Design Work-Based Learning: John Cork and Lillian Dunithan (not pictured), Graphic Art & Design students from Plainwell High School, were instrumental in helping Tom Scheidel, Allegan Area ESA Public Information Coordinator, in making the recent program video upgrades for 10th grade visits. They moved equipment, held microphones and lights, and documented video shots. They both work in-house as 2nd year graphic designers, working on many live jobs with client contacts.  They are building their portfolios and creative knowledge as 2nd year students.
Tech Center instructors will be spotlighting different students each trimester. Introducing our first student from the Teacher Education program, Kendall VanWagner.
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Teacher Education Spotlight: Student is Kendall VanWagner. Kendall is a senior at Wayland High School, and the afternoon session president in Teacher Education. She plans to attend Davenport University and pursue a teaching degree in Secondary Science Education.
Exciting News! The amazing students in the new Pathways to Success Program have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to create something truly special. In the afternoon, this new program is combined through co-teaching with the Employability Skills program. They have teamed up to produce a thrilling commercial that showcases our brand-new program addition to our Tech Center. Get ready to be inspired by their creativity and innovation - stay tuned for the big reveal! Pictured here working with Tom Scheidel, Allegan Area ESA's Public Information Coordinator are students Valeria Ramirez (Fennville) and Hayleigh Birdsall (Plainwell).
about 1 year ago, Tech Center
Students two students in Tech Center lobby working with Tom Scheidel to shoot video
Students Hayleigh Birdsall and Valeria Ramirez smile for the camera with the recording equipment
The Tech Center's new pre-apprenticeship program was featured on the 13 On Your Side morning news program. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/allegan-dual-enrollment-program-for-trade-jobs/69-9d7e16d2-9159-4c8b-b6ad-68c29cd24b38
over 1 year ago, Allegan Area ESA
TV cameraman and reporter interviewing student outdoors
The Tech Center is lucky to have these two at the helm!
over 1 year ago, Tech Center
National School Principal Month artwork with a picture of Rich Okoniewski, Director/Principal and Benjamin Bever, Vice Principal
The AIS/Heavy Equipment class traveled last week to visit AIS Construction in Lansing. The students toured the facility and then were able to operate a mini excavator, backhoe, and full size excavator in the operator's class area.
over 1 year ago, Tech Center
Students up close looking into the backhoe
Picture of a backhoe in dirt
Students outside watching a student utilize a small backhoe
We’d like to kick off National Principals Month by saying Thank You to our principals and assistant principals. Rich Okoniewski Ben Bever Amy Tomlinson Madeleine Jackson Jodie Kurtz We appreciate all you do for the students we serve.
over 1 year ago, Allegan Area ESA
national principals month graphic
Hopkins Vet Tech student Jordyn Tehennepee is featured as this week’s Student of the Week on WOOD-TV. https://www.woodtv.com/community/student-of-the-week/tech-program-gives-hopkins-senior-a-leg-up-after-high-school/
over 1 year ago, Allegan Area ESA
TV screen capture
Allegan Area ESA Job Opportunity Position: Instructor-Adult CTE Culinary Arts(Temporary Position) Location: Tech Center Date posted: 9/27/2023 Date available: 10/16/2023 https://www.applitrack.com/aasac/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=5897
over 1 year ago, Allegan Area ESA
Job opening graphic
Allegan Area ESA Job Opportunity Position: Instructor-Adult CTE Machining Technology (Temporary Position) Location: Tech Center Date posted: 9/27/2023 Date available: 10/6/2023 https://www.applitrack.com/aasac/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=5898
over 1 year ago, Allegan Area ESA
job opportunity graphic