Hoover reflects on first year at JVS

Heather Hoover is looking back on her first year as principal at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School as a learning experience.

“I think I would describe my first year as a principal as encouraging, as I had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally,” Hoover said.

She said she has been learning the day-to-day operations of the JVS and the responsibilities of serving as principal to staff, students and their families.

Hoover joined the JVS after spending 17 years with Steubenville City Schools, where she held a wide range of roles as a teacher, Success for All facilitator, Project Lead the Way Lead Launch educator, creative competitions coordinator with Destination Imagination and Odyssey of the Mind, and 4-H adviser. She continues to lead the Steubenville Seedlings 4-H Club.

Hoover said her exposure to the many career-technical education offerings at the JVS has enabled her to support students as they seek future paths within many fields.

The JVS currently provides 18 programs for career opportunities, including animal science management, auto collision, auto service, carpentry, computer networking, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition To Work, welding, and the HVACR and Fire/EMT courses coming this fall.

She also highlighted opportunities she has had throughout the year, including the chance to work with a dedicated staff committed to student success.

“I’ve also enjoyed seeing our students succeed in both their career pathway as well as in their academics, and bringing new traditions to the JVS that highlight all the great things that the JVS has to offer as well as celebrating our students and their achievements,” she said. “Although I have had leadership roles before as a facilitator and oversaw programming and staff, being a principal created new responsibilities that required me to navigate and adjust to this new role. I have finished my year with a greater understanding of leadership and collaboration and am grateful to those who have supported me.

“As I reflect on this year, I am excited for the coming year, and welcoming our incoming juniors, and celebrating with our seniors as they finish their final year with us. I look forward to working collectively with my staff to ensure that we are the best career-tech educational choice for Jefferson County students.”