EHOVE graduates 347

SANDUSKY — EHOVE Career Center recognized almost 350 area seniors Tuesday for graduating from its career programs.For decades, EHOVE has offered students different paths to successful futures. Students like Levi Jamison, from Vermilion, and Matthew Whiteside, from South Central, chose EHOVE to enter the workforce as soon they graduate."I wanted to get a head start on my career and learn a trade while also getting to meet new people," Jamison said.Jamison has already secured employment as a fabricator at Humanetics in Huron where he interned through EHOVE. He said the career center helps develop opportunities in the workforce. And that's a belief shared by Whiteside, who already has a job at Firelands Electric Cooperative."I wanted to be able to get training in a job I could start after graduation instead of having to go to another school to learn more," Whiteside said.Margaretta senior Ashton Ward joined EHOVE's criminal justice program to help prepare her for her future careers in the U.S. Army and law enforcement.The career center has not only helped students start careers, but has also fostered cooperation between the communities of Erie, Huron and Ottawa counties."We were offered endless friendships and connections to start college, the workforce or enlist in the military," Danbury student Vivian Fries said in her speech Tuesday. "It offered us the opportunity to meet others outside of our community and make connections over the three counties."Fries, an early childhood education program student, will attend Cuyahoga Community College to further her education.Tuesday's ceremony was split between two different times at the Sandusky State Theatre. Huron senior Lauren Zimmermann, an early education student, gave the 11 a.m. speech."I chose to come to EHOVE because I wanted a unique education experience," Zimmermann said. "Since I attended EHOVE, I was able to grow as a leader, a friend and a future educator."She gained hands-on experience through observing local schools and competing in Educators Rising, all of which she believes will help her be a better teacher. She's double majoring in early childhood education and special education at Ashland University."EHOVE provided us each with a journey — one to make our own," Zimmermann said. "Now, as we leave, we are all preparing for another journey — one to make our own once again."The seniors weren't the only ones ending their journey with the career center. Superintendent Sharon Mastroianni retired this year after 34 years — 13 as superintendent — with the career center. She said it was privilege to be a part of EHOVE and welcomed her successor.EHOVE Career Center Class of 2019• 347 graduating seniors— 44 percent going to college— 45 percent entering workforce— 5 percent enlisting in military— 6 percent undecided• $160,000 saved in college costs• Top college credit earner: computer network tech student Nathan Borgio from Danbury High SchoolReach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterHuron senior Lauren Zimmermann addresses those attending the second session of EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Sandusky State Theatre.Senior Katilynn Kamann hugs exercise science and rehab therapy instructor Vicky Mahl during EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.Senior Vivian Fries gives a speech during the first session of EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.High school seniors, families and EHOVE instructors gather at Schade-Mylander Plaza in downtown Sandusky for photos after EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.High school seniors pose for photos with their families following EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition at the Sandusky State Theatre on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.Senior William Wahl accepts his career portfolio during EHOVE Career Center's Senior Recognition on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Sandusky State Theatre.