Fred Eberle Technical Center announces April Students of the Month

Fred Eberle Technical Center has announced its April Students of the Month, recognizing four standouts from its cosmetology, welding, HVAC, electrical and CDL programs.

The honorees — Emily Bender, Kaylynn Kelley, Shaun McNemar and Kevin Parrak — were recognized by the school for their work and character across its career-training programs.

Emily Bender, cosmetology

Bender is an Upshur County student who recently graduated from both Buckhannon-Upshur High School and FETC’s secondary cosmetology program. Cosmetology instructors Mary Hull-Perry and Carissa Kerr praised her attitude and work ethic.

“Emily is such a helpful student. You never have to ask her twice to do anything. She not only picks up after herself, but she also never hesitates to help her classmates,” they said. “Emily has a very uplifting attitude and the best manners. She shows up every day with the willingness to work hard and learn. Emily is an outstanding student with great grades and attendance.”

Kaylynn Kelley, welding

Kelley, a rising senior at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, has completed her first year in FETC’s welding program and served as the shop’s 6S manager for the entire school year.

“Kaylynn is being recommended for Student of the Month because she is realistic, stays on task, has good leadership skills, follows directions, is a team player, is very outgoing, and makes a good effort at everything she works on,” welding instructor Billy Poling said. “Kaylynn has used this management position to become more self-confident, outgoing, efficient, and more accomplished. She has a great attitude and is always willing to help others.”

Shaun McNemar, HVAC and electrical

McNemar is an adult graduate of FETC’s HVAC and post-secondary electrical technician programs. He carried three classes at once — AM HVACR, PM HVACR and the evening electrical class — while also serving as AM foreman and PM quality control officer for the HVAC program.

“He takes a personal interest in anybody who requires assistance. Shaun helps any student who is having issues with schoolwork and helps diffuse any conflict that may arise during the school day,” HVAC instructor Brad Lewis said. “He has a large family, which I am sure takes up a lot of his spare time, but he always has time for anybody else who needs assistance. I believe Shaun is a good representative at FETC for Student of the Month.”

Kevin Parrak, CDL

Parrak is an adult graduate of FETC’s CDL program who recently earned his professional driver’s license.

“He has come a long way since starting class. He has been constantly improving his skills and is always the first one in the truck at the beginning of class and usually the last to leave each day,” CDL instructor Joey Slaughter said. “He has a goal in sight, and he is working hard to achieve it.”