TCTC gathers community for showcase
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CHAMPION -- Trumbull Career & Technical Center, which typically serves high school students, opened its doors Thursday to families with children of all ages as part of its community night.
There was something for just about everyone -- whether it was throwing pies at teachers, painting rocks, sitting inside a safety vehicle, taking part in a podcast, riding a horse or experiencing engineering activities.
Morgan Cretella, community engagement coordinator, said the event is a way the center can thank the community for its support over the past 45-plus years.
"There is so much for people to see here. We wanted to open our doors to show people what we have available for our students, and to help them with careers," Cretella said.
She said more than 40 organizations and five food trucks participated, with 1,000 people expected during the two-hour event.
Cretella said visitors learned to make lotion in a pharmacy class, or had a hand or arm massage in cosmetology, or threw a pie for a donation to be used for the CARES Cupboard that provides nonperishable and hygiene items for students in need.
Jeana Carpenter of Mineral Ridge brought her daughter, Avianna, 5, to the event.
"We wanted to see what TCTC is all about and see what programs are offered here," Carpenter said as she watched Avianna braze a copper metal line with help of instructor David White.
Jack Libeg, 9, of Hubbard, was looking at engineering projects displayed in Terri Fleming's classroom.
"I like going to the book fair and getting new books. I liked getting to see all the animals," Libeg said of the media center's book fair and the animal veterinary science program display of smaller animals and birds.
He was there with his father, Nick Libeg, a teacher at the center, and his sister, Lucy, 7.
SHOWCASING ANIMALS
Lisa Street, equestrian studies instructor, said the event was an opportunity to showcase the horses and the students who will be holding an open horse show May 6 at the center. People can bring their horse and compete for prize money.
She said there will be $3,000 in donated prizes presented for the show.
"We are looking for people to enter our horse show and support us while receiving prizes," Street said.
Iliana Smith, show manager and a junior in the equestrian studies program, said the community night was a great opportunity to promote the show.
"This allows us to show people what we do here and what we will have for the show," she said.
Officials said the center's horse stable is more than 40 years old. The school plans to build a new equestrian center this year. Conceptual drawings have been completed and land surveys are underway.
The upcoming horse show fundraiser has been organized by the equestrian students and all of the proceeds will help offset the cost of new equipment for the program.
Among the organizations showcasing what they offer was Trumbull County Animal Welfare League, which had dogs available for adoption -- including puppies.
"This is a great event that helps showcase all that Trumbull County has to offer. We are always glad to be able to get here and show people what we have to offer," Emily Greve, engagement director for AWL, said.