BCC names Students of the Month

Buckeye Career Center has named its January Student of the Month recipients. Two high school students were chosen for the honor for demonstrating January’s core value of critical thinking. An adult-education student also was selected for the honor.

Isabell Johnson, a senior in culinary arts, is one of two high school Student of the Month recipients. Johnson comes to BCC from Indian Valley. She is a member of Drug Free Clubs of America, is on the Indian Valley bowling team, enjoys reading and competes in FCCLA culinary competitions.

Johnson’s instructor, Mike Starlin, said Johnson is dedicated to her trade. “Isabell works hard and is very involved in our FCCLA competitions,” he said.

Johnson works at Jerry’s Restaurant in Uhrichsville and plans to attend Pittsburgh Technical College after high school with hopes of eventually owning her own business. She is the daughter of Brian and Molly Parrish of Uhrichsville.

Dustin Swonger, an electrical systems technology senior from Conotton Valley, is the second Student of the Month for January. Swonger volunteers at Atwood Angels Food Pantry, competes in SkillsUSA, and enjoys fishing, hunting and video games.

Swonger's instructor, Jeremy Burdick, said Swonger demonstrates critical thinking regularly. “Dustin is a deep thinker who quietly solves complex problems with confidence and stern resolve," Burdick said. "He has also developed as a person and potential employee."

Upon graduation Swonger hopes to find a job as a maintenance electrician. He is the son of Brittany Swonger and Timothy Swonger, Jr.

January’s Adult Student of the Month is heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and refrigeration student Tyler Kinkade of Kensington. Kinkade graduated from Carrollton High School. He enrolled in the BCC program to gain training for an in-demand field. After graduation he hopes to work in the HVAC-R field and eventually own his own business.

The three were honored at the January Buckeye Career Center board of education meeting and received photo banners to commemorate the honor. The high school students also received $25 Joe Carlisle Café & Marketplace gift certificates, courtesy of Skyline Homes.