2006 Outstanding Alumni - Penta Career Center

PENTA CAREER CENTEROUTSTANDING ALUMNI 2006Thomas BerkebilePatrick O. CurtinSteven W. CurtisJarrad C. EgertPatricia K. HylandLisa (Ackley) MattinDanilynn M. Miller

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENTFred SusorDear Outstanding Alumni and Friends of Penta:It’s hard to believe that 13 years have passed since we initiated the Penta Career Center OutstandingAlumni Award. This special awards program has been an important means of recognizingexcellence and success of our alumni. We are proud that since 1993, 78 former students havebeen chosen for this award.This year we are recognizing seven former students. Each has a unique story to share about how theireducation and training at Penta helped them reach their personal and professional goals. As youreview this booklet, you will notice how our outstanding alumni recipients mention that educationis a lifelong process. They acknowledge that additional training such as college, the military,certifications, and other continuing education programs have been important to achieving successin their careers.This year’s outstanding alumni recipients also recognize how the caring attitude of their Pentainstructors made a positive impact in their career preparation. Our outstanding alumni frequentlymention that because of the encouraging atmosphere at Penta, they gained self-confidence to enterthe workforce or to continue their education.Community involvement is another common characteristic of our outstanding alumni recipients.Many are involved in professional and community groups and participate in volunteer activities.Our alumni enjoy giving back to their communities.As educators, we are always pleased to see our former students achieve success. Their accomplishmentsvalidate our belief that we make a difference in the lives of our students.Congratulations to the 2006 Penta Outstanding Alumni!Fred SusorSuperintendentPenta Career Center

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1981Career ProgramAutomotive TechnologyMember SchoolPerrysburgCurrent OccupationElectrical/Electronics Systems EngineerCompanyMagna International39600 Lewis DriveNovi, Michigan 48377248.567.5355Thomas BerkebileAs an Automotive Technology student at Penta,Tom Berkebile was unlike most of his fellowclassmates. Instead of enjoying the engine repairaspect of the automotive program, Tom preferredlearning about and working on the electrical systemsof vehicles.“Penta helped prepare me for my current career as anelectrical systems engineer,” says Tom. “Because ofthe firm understanding of the fundamentals I learnedat Penta, I’m a rare find in Detroit. I know completevehicles bumper-to-bumper and I understand theeffects of one system on another.”In 1985, Tom continued to pursue his interest inelectronics when he joined the United States Army.Tom studied electronics at a satellite ground receivingstation while in the service. He served in Landstuhl,Germany for four years.When Tom was discharged from the service, hereturned to the Toledo area and worked for a fewyears for a copier company. At the same time hebegan taking classes at The University of Toledotoward a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineeringtechnology.While still in college in 1992, Tom was hired by theFord Motor Company as an electrical systems technicianwhere he was responsible for many functions includingtechnical support and creating truck prototype CADdrawings of vehicle electronic/electrical systems. Hisexperiences at Ford also included managing the EESEbreadboard lab facilities and testing and prototypingelectrical/electronic truck systems.In 1998, Tom became an EDS systems engineer atAlcoa-Fujikura, LTD in Allen Park, Michigan where heworked as the lead engineer on the electrical distributionsystems for vehicles such as the 1999-2001 LincolnNavigator/Ford Expedition and the 2002 LincolnBlackwood.Tom’s success at Alcoa, provided him the opportunityto advance to his dream job. In 2000, Tom acceptedan engineering position at Magna International in thecompany’s Intier Automotive Interiors Division locatedin Novi, Michigan. Magna, the most diversifiedautomotive supplier in the world, designs, developsand manufactures automotive systems for sale tooriginal equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of cars andlight trucks in North America, Asia and South America.In just six short years at Magna, Tom has accomplisheda great deal. He has been the lead electronic/electricalsystems and program engineer for the Ford powerrunning board system. Tom was issued a patent fromthe United States Patent and Trademark Office in2005 for his work on the pneumatic version for thepower running board system.Due to his busy career, Tom barely has time forrelaxation. When he does have spare time, he enjoysradio-controlled airplanes, downhill skiing (he hasskied in the Alps), and home repair projects. Tomlives in Perrysburg with his wife, Lisa Hoverson. Hehas a son, Austin and stepchildren, John and Amanda.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1977Career ProgramCarpentryMember SchoolMaumeeCurrent OccupationOutside Sales Representative Contractor SalesCompanyThe Gordon Lumber Company6433 Monclova RoadMaumee, Ohio 43537419.893.0704Patrick O. CurtinFor Pat Curtin, Penta’s Carpentry program helpeddirect him along a career path that he still enjoysdoing today – almost 30 years later.Pat says his Penta training provided him with confidenceto enter the workforce directly out of high school.“The Penta staff helped me make the right choicesand they taught me to become a problem solver,”says Pat.After completing his career-training at Penta andgraduating from Maumee High School, Pat workedas a carpenter for a short time with his brother atThomas Curtin Builders. Since Pat had previouslyworked at a lumberyard during high school andbecause he enjoyed that experience, he decided topursue a career in the lumber business. From 1979to 1989, he worked for several companies includingS & S Building Supply, Georgia Pacific andLumbermens. He worked in various capacities forthese companies from in-house carpentry work, tosales, to management.Pat’s background in carpentry and lumberyardsmotivated him to own and operate his own business.In 1989, he purchased Bucher Lumber. The experienceof business ownership provided many learningexperiences in management and retail sales.After 12 years of managing his own lumber business,Pat decided to become an employee again. He joinedThe Gordon Lumber Company in 2001 as an outsidesales representative. In his current position he isresponsible for selling building products.Pat is dedicated to serving his community. As a businessowner, he was active in the Swanton Rotary Club andthe Swanton Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, hebegan serving as a board member with the NorthwestOhio Educational Service Center and was alsoappointed to the Penta Career Center Board ofEducation in August 2000. He is also active memberof Waterville Community Church.Pat’s tenure on the Penta Board of Education hasmade history. He has served as the vice president in2004 and 2005 and in January 2006 was selectedpresident of the Board. Pat is the first alumnus ofPenta Career Center to serve on the Board and alsoas president of the Board.In his spare time, Pat enjoys outdoor recreation suchas golfing, hunting and camping. He and his wife,Roxanne (also a Penta alumnus), have three grownchildren, Joshua, age 28, Cassie, age 25, and Chase,age 22. He and his wife are also grandparents.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1979Career ProgramDraftingMember SchoolOtsegoCurrent OccupationQuality Assurance TechnicianCompanyDetroit Stoker Company1510 E. First StreetMonroe, Michigan 48161734.241.9500Steven W. CurtisSteven Curtis began his successful career indrafting when he interviewed and was hiredas a draftsman by Doehler-Jarvis, soon aftergraduating from high school. He credits Penta forhelping jump-start his career in the highly competitivedrafting industry.“The skills I learned at Penta have helped me in everystage of my career,” says Steven. “The staff members atPenta were very caring… they went above and beyondthe call of duty to help me prepare for my career.”After working at Doehler-Jarvis for two years, Stevenobtained a drafting position at the Detroit StokerCompany in Monroe, Michigan. The company is aleading supplier of stokers and related combustionequipment for the production of steam used inheating, industrial processing and electrical powergeneration around the world.Steven has worked for the Detroit Stoker Company for25 years. Throughout his career he has an impressiveemployment record. Steven has been a draftsman,CADD operator, CADD System Manager, patternkeeper, and quality assurance technician. Steven hasalso completed five courses in UNIX training and hasreceived CMM training for quality assurance. He alsohelps train other employees at his company by servingas a CADD trainer.Steven enjoys helping in his community. He has beenan advisory board member for Penta’s Computer-AidedDesign program and has volunteered his time forCareer Night/Open House at Penta. Steven has alsobeen a little league baseball coach in Toledo andMillbury and is active on his church council.Steven and his wife, Joyce, are the parents of twogrown children, Elizabeth and Jenny (who bothcompleted programs at Penta). In his spare time heenjoys all types of sports especially golf, NASCARand football.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1995Career ProgramAutomotive TechnologyMember SchoolWoodmoreCurrent OccupationEngine Tuner for #20 (Tony Stewart)NEXTEL Cup CarCompanyJoe Gibbs Racing13415 Reese Boulevard WestHuntersville, North Carolina 28078704.944.5000Jarrad C. EgertAs a young child growing up in Elmore, Ohio,Jarrad Egert always loved cars. Jarrad wasintrigued by the cars his father Doug workedon in the family garage. Jarrad also liked watchingthe sprint car races with his father. These positiveexperiences with automobiles ultimately inspiredJarrad to choose an automotive career.As a high school student in the Penta AutomotiveTechnology program, Jarrad excelled in his studiesand obtained a job as a technician at BP Procare inToledo. Jarrad is proud of the automotive training hereceived at Penta. He believes Penta provided theskills he needed to excel in his career.“Penta provided a very solid mechanical backgroundwhich has helped elevate myself to where I amtoday,” says Jarrad. “It’s been a great experience thisfar and it all started because of my training at Penta.”After four years with BP Procare, Jarrad decided topursue his real career interest – the exciting sport ofauto racing. He began his journey in the auto racingbusiness when he worked for Jerry Cook who racedin the Iceman Super Late Model Series. Soon afterworking for Jerry Cook, Jarrad became an automotivetechnician for Sealmaster Racing. He worked on the#88 truck driven by Terry Cook (Jerry’s brother) whichraced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In2000, Jarrad took another step along his journey andbecame the engine tuner for Impact Motorsports. Thatsame year he landed a job with Joe Gibbs Racing,one of the biggest names in NASCAR.Upon accepting the job with Joe Gibbs Racing, Jarradmoved from Ohio to the heart of NASCAR racing –Charlotte, North Carolina. He has lived in Charlottefor the past six years and continues to work for JoeGibbs Racing. From 2000 to 2003, he worked as theengine tuner with Coy Gibbs in the NASCARCraftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Busch Series.Jarrad is currently working his dream job with JoeGibbs Racing. He is the head engine tuner for TonyStewart and the #20 Home Depot racing team, the2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champions. Jarrad is proudto be a member this famous racing team because heis experiencing more than he ever imagined.Jarrad’s fast-paced life in NASCAR gives him little timefor relaxation. However, he still manages to visit hisfamily in Elmore a few times a year. He also has threedays off a week during racing season when he enjoysrestoring his 1973 Plymouth Roadrunner, boating andriding his 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1976Career ProgramEarly Childhood EducationMember SchoolPerrysburgCurrent OccupationSchool PsychologistCompanyMaumee City Schools1147 Saco DriveMaumee, Ohio 43537419.893.1801Patricia K. HylandFor Tricia Hyland, the Early Childhood Educationprogram at Penta Career Center helped her makea decision to pursue a career in education.Tricia’s experiences working with preschoolers in thePenta Early Learning Center allowed her to observethe exciting and rewarding aspects of employment ineducation. Tricia believes Penta was an importantstepping stone toward a successful career in education.“By the time I graduated from Perrysburg andcompleted my training at Penta I knew that workingwith students was the profession for me,” says Tricia.“If it weren’t for my education at Penta and thepositive guidance of my instructor Linda Borton, Iwould not have developed the confidence to go ontocollege, take risks and attempt all of life’s hurdles.”After Penta, Tricia worked in area child care centersand for the Head Start program. In 1983 she earned abachelor’s degree in education from Bowling GreenState University (BGSU). She has also earned amaster’s degree in education from BGSU and anadministration/principal certificate from theUniversity of Findlay.Tricia began her career in education by working as aclassroom teacher in the Toledo Public Schools fornine years. She was a 7th and 8th grade math instructorand also an after-school tutor for disadvantaged students.Since 1996 Tricia has been a school psychologist forthe Maumee City Schools, a position in which she hasmultiple responsibilities. Not only does she manage thedevelopment and implementation of procedures andpolicies mandated by the state and federal government,but she also supervises method students and highschool senior career projects at Maumee.Tricia has extensive experience working with studentswith disabilities. She has played a pivotal role in thedevelopment of an Intervention Based AssessmentProgram and a special education resource handbook.Tricia has been honored by the Northwest OhioSpecial Education Regional Resource Center with anExcellence in Education Award.Tricia enjoys participating in several professional andvolunteer activities. She is a member of the OhioEducation Association where she has served as a staterepresentative. She has also served as the specialeducation representative for the Maumee Educators’Association and the Maumee chairperson of the Fundfor Children. Tricia volunteers as an Ohio Reads Tutorand literature provider for the Juvenile Detention Center.In her spare time, Tricia likes to read fiction andnon-fiction books and enjoys exercising in spinningclasses. She is the mother of two grown children.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1985Career ProgramWord ProcessingMember SchoolMaumeeCurrent OccupationSecretary/Word Processor & Business OwnerCompanyMedical University of OhioBusinessesThe Button FactorySnaphots Portrait StudioSmiley’s Delivery ServiceLisa (Ackley) MattinLisa Mattin is a motivated individual. She isa successful secretary/word processor at theMedical University of Ohio (MUO) and co-ownerof three businesses.Lisa owes much of her success in life to her educationat Penta. “Not only did Penta provide me with skillsto excel in my career, but it helped me developconfidence to further my education and open my ownbusinesses,” says Lisa. “I always recommend Penta toothers because it provides the experience and skillsyou need for a job and for life.”After completing secretarial and word processingtraining at Penta and graduating from Maumee HighSchool, Lisa worked as an assistant manager at arestaurant and in a clerical position with a localdepartment store. She began her career with MUOin 1992.While at MUO, Lisa has held several important positionswith the organization. She has been a technical typist,a secretary, an administrative secretary, and wordprocessing specialist in various departments. She iscurrently working in two capacities – as a secretaryfor the Division of Gastroenterology and as a wordprocessing specialist for the Department of Medicine.For most people, working full-time is plenty to handlein a daily schedule, but not for Lisa. In 1994 shedecided to further her education and enrolled atLourdes College. Lisa learned to balance a full-timejob and at the same time attend college part-timeduring the evenings and on weekends. Her hecticschedule paid off because in 2004, she graduatedCum Laude from Lourdes with a dual bachelor’sdegree in business administration and humanresource management.Lisa is proud of her many personal and professionalaccomplishments and she continues to pursue newinterests. During the past few years, Lisa and herhusband, Dale (also a Penta alumnus) took on somenew challenges by starting three businesses. In 2003,they started The Button Factory, a company thatproduces buttons for political races and fund raisers.They also recently opened a portrait studio inSwanton called Snapshots Portrait Studio and starteda business called Smiley’s Delivery Service.Lisa has also been active in various community projects.She is a volunteer at the Auglaize Village in Defiance(a restoration project of the Defiance County HistoricalSociety). In addition she has given her time to theMuscular Dystrophy Association and the SalvationArmy’s Adopt-A-Family project.All three businesses and her full-time job at MUOkeep Lisa quite busy with little time for hobbies andinterests. However, when she does get time to relax,Lisa enjoys camping, playing the flute, outdoorphotography, and spending time with her 14-year-olddog, Shelby.

PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS 2006Class of 1990Career ProgramSecurity and Law EnforcementMember SchoolAnthony WayneCurrent OccupationSergeantCompanyCity of Sylvania Police Department6635 Maplewood AvenueSylvania, Ohio 43560419.885.8902Danilynn M. MillerDanilynn Miller has always been goal driventhroughout her life. While studying Securityand Law Enforcement at Penta, Danilynn sethigh goals – she wanted to attend college and becomea police officer. Danilynn also had high professionaland personal aspirations while at Terra CommunityCollege. She had several goals in mind and theyincluded: owning a house; purchasing a new truck;becoming a dog owner; securing employment as afull-time police officer; and earning a bachelor’sdegree. Danilynn accomplished all of these goals bythe time she reached age 25.Danilynn credits Penta with providing a firm foundationthat enabled her to become successful in the field oflaw enforcement. “Penta offered many advantages,”says Danilynn. “My education at Penta helped prepareme for the police academy and college courses.”In 1992, Danilynn earned two degrees from Terra andat the same time earned her state certifications in boththe Ohio Peace Officer Training Council’s PoliceOfficer Academy and Corrections Academy. From1992 to 1994 she worked as a dispatcher for thePut-In-Bay Police Department, a public safety officerat Terra Community College, and as a police officerfor the City of Willard.Danilynn continued her successful career in lawenforcement when she accepted a patrolman positionwith the City of Sylvania in 1994. She worked as apatrolman with the City of Sylvania until 2002 whenshe was promoted to sergeant.While working full-time as a patrolman in Sylvania,Danilynn returned to college to pursue a bachelor’sdegree. In 1997 she graduated Magna Cum Laudefrom Lourdes College with a bachelor of arts degreein criminal justice.Danilynn is proud of her position as a police sergeant.She is the first and only female sergeant in the historyof the police department in the City of Sylvania.Danilynn handles the shift duty supervision for theroad patrol, supervises the In-Car Video Systems,Accident Investigation Unit, Child Safety Seat Program,and the DUI Task Force. She is also a departmentfirearms training officer and represents the SylvaniaPolice Department on Lucas County’s DUI Task Forceand the Traffic Safety Task Force.Since 1996, Danilynn has received several employmentand community service awards. She has earned MeritCommendation Awards from the City of SylvaniaPolice Department in 1996, 2000, 2001 and in 2003.In addition, she received the 2002 Outstanding SafetyAdvocate Award from the Greater Toledo Safe KidsCoalition and an Outstanding Service Award fromMothers Against Drunk Driving in 2004.In her spare time, Danilynn enjoys riding her horse,Harley, a registered American quarter pony, andspending time with her 12-year-old dog, Mags.

PREVIOUS PENTA CAREER CENTER OUTSTANDING ALUMNI1993 RecipientsDianne (Steindam) Bochi –Oak HarborMajor Constance Gaiser-Phillips –Anthony WayneJoseph Murray, Jr. – LakeGary J. Muswick – SpringfieldWanda (Gentry) Snyder – WoodmoreRandy Wax – Woodmore1994 RecipientsNicholas Espinoza, D.O. – SpringfieldJim Kasch – EastwoodPeter Kolan – Bowling GreenThomas Kretz – North BaltimoreJames Lennox – LakeSuzanne (Boyer) Myers –Anthony WayneMajor Daniel Tack – Oak Harbor1995 RecipientsBrent Bomer – Bowling GreenBrenda (Carrol) Hoot – PerrysburgMichael K. Ott – OtsegoSusan (Vidra) Reamsnyder – Rossford1996 RecipientsJoe W. Gargac – GenoaNicholas B. Getzinger – OtsegoJason Romer – Anthony WayneDavid Sawicki – Anthony WayneRobert Torres – Swanton1997 RecipientsJames L. Barnes – Bowling GreenCraig A. Bauer – Anthony WayneClaudette R. Davis – PerrysburgCindy Goodman-Eckel – EastwoodPaul R. Grimm – OtsegoChristopher S. McIntire – WoodmoreBen Richmond – Lake1998 RecipientsTony E. Castillo, Sr. – PerrysburgJohn R. Colley – MaumeeCheryl L. (Hirzel) Fitzpatrick – RossfordSharon Roman – RossfordNicholas K. Shultz – Lake1999 RecipientsTina (Etchison) Dowling –Anthony WayneJonathan Hart – ClayMartin Sniadecki – MaumeeRobert Steinline – Perrysburg2000 RecipientsRhonda (Delphous) Bliss – GenoaPamela (Recker) Buck – EastwoodJames R. Dahms –Adult & Continuing EducationCynthia (Hart) Millinger – MaumeeJohn F. Spilker – Anthony WayneRichard Young – Lake2001 RecipientsMarty Almester – RossfordBarbara Ceculski – GenoaMike Chiarelli – PerrysburgWilliam E. Harris – Bowling GreenTeri Lynn (Gearig) Murphy – SwantonWayne R. Nault – NorthwoodDuane Roach – Bowling Green2002 RecipientsJennifer E. Glassford – WoodmoreDeborah S. (Tober) James – RossfordBonny (Peske) LaPoint –Anthony WayneSynthia L. (Cox) Mahler – ElmwoodKathy (Woodruff) Powers – MaumeeScott Sevenish – Rossford2003 RecipientsNancy J. Gerwin – WoodmoreRichard Gross – PerrysburgJohn K. Hughes – LakeRobert E. Landolt – RossfordLee Powell – PerrysburgMary J. (Pfaff) Schroeder – SwantonFrank I. Zygela – Anthony Wayne2004 RecipientsLynne (Mullen) Burch – MaumeeCarole A. (Hughes) Brennan – LakeChris Cufr – NorthwoodEdward J. Gonzales –Adult & Continuing EducationJeffery W. Hamons – WoodmoreGerald O. Herman – NorthwoodThomas G. Overmyer –Grand Rapids (Otsego)Mike Smith – Otsego2005 RecipientsBryan A. Christy – Bowling GreenYvonne M. (Kieswether) Fey –MaumeeFredrick L. Kubitz – MaumeeRose Mock Scott – SpringfieldWayne A. Strayer –Anthony WayneRebecca L. (Cooper) Stutz –Anthony Wayne

PENTA CAREER CENTERBoard of Education 2006Pat Curtin, PresidentNorthwest Ohio Educational ServiceCenterEric Myers, Ph.D, Vice PresidentBowling Green City SchoolsSandy BringmanSandusky County Educational ServiceCenterJudy HansenLucas County Educational ServiceCenterKathy LimesWood County Educational ServiceCenterJoseph MinarcinRossford SchoolsRobert RighiMaumee City SchoolsJoseph RutherfordLucas County Educational ServiceCenterJudith A. SanderErie-Huron-Ottawa CountyEducational Service CenterMark SchoenleinPerrysburg SchoolsTimothy SmithWood County Educational ServiceCenterAdministrationFred Susor, SuperintendentRon Matter, Assistant SuperintendentCarrie Herringshaw, TreasurerKevin Whitlatch, Adult & ContinuingEducation DirectorRon Simon, Career-Technical DirectorJames Calderone, Career-TechnicalDirectorTim Davis, Buildings and GroundsDirectorMember SchoolsAnthony Wayne LocalBenton-Carroll-Salem LocalBowling Green CityEastwood LocalElmwood LocalGenoa Area LocalLake LocalMaumee CityNorth Baltimore LocalNorthwood LocalOtsego LocalPerrysburg Exempted VillageRossford Exempted VillageSpringfield LocalSwanton LocalWoodmore Local

Penta Career CenterAccredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges30095 Oregon RoadPerrysburg, Ohio 43551-4594419.666.1120www.pentacareercenter.orgOur MissionPenta Career Center’s mission is to educate high school and adult studentsin their chosen occupational programs to:Make informed career decisions;Transition successfully from school to work;Advance in the changing world of work; andRecognize the necessity of continuous education.