Pre-Engineering Students Put Their Skills to the Test in Egg Drop Challenge

Students in MVCTC’s Pre-Engineering program put their problem-solving skills to the test with an Egg Drop Challenge. Taught by instructor Josh Rarick, students designed and built protective devices to keep eggs intact during drops from 6 to 100 feet—including tests using the Firefighter/EMS ladder truck. With eggs from the Culinary Arts program, the project became a cross-program collaboration showcasing creativity, teamwork, and hands-on innovation. “Innovation is built on persistence,” said Rarick. Read the full story at MVCTC.com.

Picture Perfect: Graphic Commercial Photography Students Turn Creativity Into Career Skills

Students in MVCTC’s Graphic Commercial Photography program are mastering the art and science of visual storytelling. Guided by instructor Troy Baker, they’re learning everything from traditional 35mm film and darkroom techniques to professional digital editing. This fall, students are developing entries for the Woodland Cemetery Photography Contest and preparing for the Senior Portfolio Show, where seniors will display their best work. With real client projects, SkillsUSA leadership opportunities, and college credit through Columbus State Community College, MVCTC photography students are turning creativity into career-ready skills. Read the full article.

Strength Under Pressure: MVCTC Criminal Justice Seniors Conquer Pepper Spray Certification

Seniors in MVCTC’s Criminal Justice program recently faced one of their most demanding training milestones—the Pepper Spray Certification challenge. Students were sprayed with oleoresin capsicum (OC) and immediately completed a fight-out drill, demonstrating composure, discipline, and defensive tactics under intense stress. This certification isn’t just about toughness; it’s essential preparation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and private security. Along with daily physical training, Ohio criminal law instruction, and multiple industry credentials, the experience builds the confidence and resilience future public safety professionals need to serve and protect. Read more on MVCTC.com.

Lights, Camera, Experience: MVCTC Media Students Visit Tom Hanks Film School

Senior Media & Video Production students at MVCTC took their creativity to new heights during a visit to Wright State University’s Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures. They toured professional studios, green screen labs, and production facilities while learning about college programs and career paths in film and digital media. Guided by instructor Pat Carlisle, students connected with film professors to discuss storytelling, editing, and production. The trip offered a firsthand look at how classroom skills translate to college and beyond. Read the full article.

Shaping the Next Generation of Legal Minds: Pre-Law & Legal Studies

MVCTC’s Pre-Law & Legal Studies program is preparing the next generation of legal professionals through immersive, hands-on learning. Led by licensed attorney Jessica Savage, students gain experience in a real courtroom environment—drafting legal documents, analyzing cases, and participating in mock trials. Now in its third year, this unique program blends academic rigor with practical skills, offering college credit through Sinclair College and Microsoft Office certifications. Many seniors also work in regional law offices, building real-world experience. Through Business Professionals of America (BPA), students strengthen leadership and communication skills. Read the full article.

Wired for Success: MVCTC Electrical Trades Students Build Bright Futures

Seniors in MVCTC’s Electrical Trades program are gaining real-world experience and career-ready skills through hands-on learning and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. Guided by instructor Thomas Wicker, 23 of 26 seniors are employed with companies such as Garber Electric, Carey Electric, and Chapel through the MVCTC School-to-Work program. On campus, students master wiring techniques and build CAT 5 cables in the school’s updated lab, designed to replicate both residential and commercial worksites. With credentials like NCCER Core and OSHA 10-Hour Safety, plus college credit through Sinclair College, these students are wired for success. Read the full article.

Designing the Future: MVCTC Graphic Commercial Art Students Bring Creativity to Life

In MVCTC’s Graphic Commercial Art program, creativity meets career preparation as students turn ideas into visual masterpieces. During a recent visit to Mrs. Thompson’s junior class, students were immersed in their first digital design project of the year—creating original plants, pots, and stands using Adobe Illustrator. With guidance from Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Roeth, students embraced the challenge of learning new digital tools, celebrating their progress as their artistic concepts bloomed into professional-quality designs. The program’s blend of traditional sketching and modern digital techniques gives students a strong foundation in visual communication, preparing them for college and future careers in graphic design, illustration, and visual media. Read more on MVCTC.com.

Bright Smiles Ahead: Dental Assisting Senior Karissa King Accepted to Ohio Northern University

MVCTC is proud to celebrate Karissa King, a Covington High School senior in the Dental Assisting program, for officially being accepted to Ohio Northern University, where she’ll major in Pre-Dental and minor in Biology on her path to becoming a dentist. Karissa has already earned an impressive $81,000 in scholarships, reflecting her dedication in the lab, classroom, and community. She’s also gaining real-world experience through the MVCTC School-to-Work program, applying her skills at Family Health Dental in Greenville. Read more on MVCTC.com.

MVCTC Announces 2025–2026 CTSO Officers

The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) proudly announces the 2025–2026 Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) officers! These student leaders represent programs across the district and play a vital role in promoting teamwork, leadership, and professionalism within MVCTC’s SkillsUSA, BPA, FCCLA, FFA, and HOSA chapters.Visit MVCTC.com to see the full list of this year’s CTSO officers and learn more about how they’re shaping the future of career-technical education.

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Students Inspire the Next Generation Through Career Exploration Events

MVCTC students spent September connecting with future career tech learners across the Miami Valley, leading hands-on activities and sharing their experiences at community events. At the Preble County Experience Future Careers Day on September 4, students Reagan Holland (Media & Video Production / National Trail), Ava Duncan (Medical Lab Assisting / Eaton), Luke Cross (Auto Technology / Twin Valley South), and Jackson Chapin (Architectural Design / Eaton) inspired eighth graders with stories of their training and goals.

On September 23, MVCTC students joined Made in Miami County, where Perla Fuentes (Cosmetology / Bethel), Emma Hershberger (Veterinary Science / Miami East), and Michael Krull (Career Compass / Milton-Union) showcased their programs and future plans.

Finally, at Girls in Aviation Day on September 28, MVCTC Aviation Maintenance graduates Autumn Randall (Brookville) and Kathryn Wilcox (Wayne) demonstrated flight control wiring techniques at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, helping young girls explore STEM and aviation careers.

From classrooms to community events, MVCTC students are inspiring others to dream big and explore their futures through hands-on learning.

Read the full article on Read the full article on MVCTC.com.

Norwood Tool Apprentice Madi Garber

Madi Garber, a senior in the Robotics & Automation program from Arcanum-Butler, is blazing a trail through the School-to-Work program with her apprenticeship at Norwood Tool in Dayton. While juggling her coursework, Madi works full-time in a professional manufacturing environment—earning praise for her drive, skill, and willingness to take on challenges. As President of SkillsUSA Chapter II, she leads classmates with genuine respect and integrity, all while maintaining stellar grades!

Read more about Madi’s journey.

Lilly Davidson, Patient Care Assistant at Premier Physician's Network

Lilly Davidson, a Health Occupations senior from Tri-County North, is already making her mark in the medical field. Through MVCTC’s School-to-Work program, Lilly was recently hired by Premier Physician’s Network in Lewisburg as a Patient Care Assistant. She’s mastering the balance between academics and hands-on experience, caring for patients while preparing for her future in healthcare.

Learn more about School-to-Work at MVCTC.

Arcanum-Butler MVCTC FFA

The Arcanum MVCTC FFA Dairy Judging Team placed 2nd in the nation at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin! Team members Henry Weiss, Robby Denniston, Lance Brinksneader, and Charlie Weiss earned the opportunity to attend the World Expo by finishing 2nd in the Ohio FFA State Contest. Competing against 116 teams nationwide, they showcased outstanding dairy evaluation skills, with Lance Brinksneader placing 6th individually. The team thanks Haney Mowing and Landscaping LLC for sponsoring their trip. Read the full story on MVCTC.com.

Miamisburg - MVCTC STEM

The Miamisburg -MVCTC STEM Introduction to Robotics class is studying a wide array of mechanical systems. Students Ethan Hall (left) and Marley Chaffins (right) are shown applying their knowledge of gear ratios and chain drives on a VEX-built car.

Discover MVCTC’s Sophomore Career Days, Dec. 2–4, 2025, and Open House Dec. 4. Explore 40+ career programs and plan your future at MVCTC.

Learn more at MVCTC.com.