Upshur County Schools standouts in career, technical education saluted as Upshur Stars at Fred Eberle Technical Center

Beth Christian Broschart
May 21, 2019

BUCKHANNON – Upshur County Board of Education members on Tuesday, May 14, were welcomed to the Fred Eberle Technical Center, where instructors, students and parents packed the room as many accomplishments and accolades were celebrated.

Superintendent Dr. Sara Lewis Stankus told those gathered how happy she was to be at the center under the advisement of the BOE.

“It is very appropriate tonight, and we wanted this night to be about what we are doing with career and technical education in Upshur County,” Stankus said. “We are very proud of that, and we have great plans to make it stronger and better with more options in the future. I just could not be prouder of the accomplishments of this group.”

Stankus congratulates senior Caroline Fluke, who won the State Skills Competition in cosmetology. Last year, Caroline placed second and will represent West Virginia and Fred Eberle at the National Skills Competition. Caroline received an Upshur Stars Award during Tuesday night’s BOE meeting.

Fred Eberle Technical Center Instructor Tim Turner introduces John Kahl, the West Virginia State Skills winner in post-secondary Automotive Service Technology. Kahl will compete at the National Skills Competition.

Anthony Dahman will compete at the National Skills Competition in diesel equipment technology. Charles Smith, a new instructor at Fred Eberle Technical Center, introduces his winner to BOE members, Upshur County School administrators and students and parents gathered at Tuesday’s meeting. Stankus said those working at the Upshur County Schools bus garage are already bragging about Anthony’s abilities. “You are shadowing one of our mechanics,” Stankus said. “Those working there have already said Anthony is someone they would love to hire in the future.”

Virginia Lyons is recognized as a SkillsUSA Officer. Virginia will be traveling all over the state during the 2019-2020 school year representing the Fred Eberle Technical Center.

Taylor Chapman is the first-place winner in Medical Math. She receives one of the Upshur Stars Awards during Tuesday’s BOE meeting.

Tiffany Claypool is acknowledged as the first-place winner in internet working.

Members of the Upshur County BOE, Stankus, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Debra Harrison, Fred Eberle Technical Center administrators and instructors pose with SkillsUSA winners during Tuesday’s BOE meeting held at the Center.

Carla Rogers, CTE Coordinator at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, also recognized students who excelled during the school year. Rogers acknowledged those students who participated in the Hospitality Cup, who were second in the state in the PROStart Program and included Abigail Curtis, Tarani Day, Hailey Hinchman and Alissa Lawrence.

Jenna Ramirez is a State Officer and is one of the Educator’s Rising members. Jenna will travel to Germany next school year as an International Exchange Student. Jenna and Kaitlyn Williams also secured third place in the Children’s Literature PK.

Hope Donahue is recognized Tuesday at the BOE meeting for her first-place win in Educator’s Rising job interview category.

The Educator’s Rising third-place team includes Steven Harris. Not pictured are Cameron Simmons and Hunter Posey.

Winners of the Business Plan Competition are recognized. Carter Glover and Zachary Wellman won $10,000 to start a business going on to college. The competition was a tie in the state, and both teams were awarded the $10,000 grand prize.

Winner in the FBLA Top 100 students for career readiness is Jayme Lantz and Simon Hepburn took second place in Accounting II. Zachary Wellman was the first- place winner in the Database Design and Application contest.

In FFA, the state Agribusiness Plan and Pitch Contest winners include first place Breanna Morgan and third place Caleb Hamner. The National Livestock Evaluation Contest Bronze Emblem Team members were Kassidy Kimble, Laikelyan Leggett, Maggie Queen and Haylee Rice.

The State Agriculture Technology and Innovation Challenge Division Winners were Caleb Hamner and Spencer Vaught.

FFA Students recognized for earning their state degree include Nathaniel Bailey, Brian Carson, Caleb Hamner, Nathaniel Hanifan, Brie Hoffman, Autumn McCartney, Kylie Messenger and Zachary Vaught.