Latest news with #OCTC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
OCTC hosting open house for mobile classroom and new CNA program
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Owensboro Community and Technical College unveiled a new mobile classroom and summer CNA program on Thursday. An open house event was held on Thursday to showcase the program. The program includes 30 hours of in-class instruction and 16 hours of clinical instruction. OCTC normally provides eight-week CNA classes throughout the year, but officials say this course is another way to help address the healthcare workforce shortage. The program is scheduled to begin on July 7. LaTasha Shemwell, program coordinator at OCTC said the project is a great way to support HealthForce Kentucky's efforts in the region, while providing another opportunity for residents in Daviess, Ohio, McLean and Hancock counties to obtain CNA certification. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MCHS' Ranburger receives OCTC Pathfinder Award
McLean County High School's (MCHS) guidance counselor Caitlin Ranburger has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) Pathfinder of the Year Award. The Pathfinder of the Year Award was established by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) as a way to recognize high school teachers and counselors for their efforts in supporting students' college and career goals. Each institution within the KCTCS system, 16 total, selects one recipient. 'It is truly an honor just to have been nominated for this award,' Ranburger said. 'I am shocked to have been selected, as I know that so many educators are equally deserving, but I am also extremely appreciative for the recognition. McLean County is a special place, and we have great kids here. They deserve people in their lives who are advocating for them and doing all that they can to help them be successful.' Ranburger, herself a graduate from the McLean County Public School (MCPS) system, said that it's even more special to be able to bring the award home to McLean County. 'It feels so awesome to give McLean County some positive publicity,' she said. After graduating from MCHS, Ranburger went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Owensboro's Brescia University and followed that degree with two masters of arts degrees, one in teaching and one in school counseling. She began teaching as a substitute in 2016, taught eighth graders at McLean County Middle School English and language arts and then transitioned to the role of guidance counselor at the high school four years ago. Representatives from the college, along with Ranburger's colleagues from the high school and her friends and family, surprised her with the award on Friday, May 23, with a ceremony held at the high school. 'It's still a little bit surreal because, whenever they surprised me with this (award); I had no idea I was getting it. So, I was like, 'Are y'all punching me? Are you serious? Did anyone else get nominated?' You know, I'm not very good at accepting praise and compliments, but winning feels awesome,' she said. OCTC's President Scott Williams presented Ranburger with the award, along with other representatives from the school's student affairs and marketing teams. 'Ms. Ranburger exemplifies what it means to be a Pathfinder,' said Williams. 'Her passion, commitment and tireless support for students are inspiring. We deeply value our partnership with McLean County High School, and Caitlin's impact on her students and her school community makes her a remarkable choice for this award.' Ranburger said that as she's gotten more comfortable in her role as the high school guidance counselor, she's been able to form close relationships with the students, which allows her to gain more perspective in leading the students towards careers, college or technical school after graduation. 'I feel like as a team we do a good job of looking at the individual student, and helping them to make goals. We are setting some type of bar to say, 'Hey, here's this goal if you wanna be able to take these classes then this is what we need from you',' she explained. 'So I feel like even having that (college classes) as an option, the kids are a lot more motivated to show up to school to make the grades to do the things they need to do because they really love the idea of going to college early. I've definitely seen a lot more interest in the college route. I feel like even eighth graders are coming up and talking about scheduling, asking, 'What do I need to do to be able to do college classes?' I tell them to not get too far ahead of themselves, but I love seeing their interest.' She said that, since she began her full-time teaching career at the middle school, it's also been fulfilling to watch her students grow and continue through their high school years. She said she tries to make it a point to get to know each student, which is much easier to do in a small school like MCHS, so that she can help guide them down a future pathway that would be right for them. The college stated in a press release that Ranburger has been nominated for the Pathfinder of the Year Award every year since the award's inception. This year she was nominated by a colleague and close friend Shannon Wood. 'She celebrates her students' strengths and knows our students are worth the extra effort and always makes them feel confident they have the best plan for their future in motion. She never minds spending extra time meeting with students and reviewing their options,' wrote Wood in her nomination entry. In addition to receiving this year's Pathfinder Award, Ranburger was also recognized earlier this spring semester for her efforts in implementing the Teen Mental Health First Aid program for all freshman students at the high school, the first traditional high school in the state to train an entire class of students in the program. 'Dedicated to keeping students and families informed, she uses social media to share information on scholarships, summer programs, clubs and more. Above all, she never misses a chance to celebrate her students' successes,' detailed the press release from the college. Ranburger, in addition to preparing students for the next steps after high school, also coordinates all course scheduling for students, manages dual credit enrollment with OCTC and other area post-secondary institutions for students and helps to guide students through navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including FAFSA guidance, finding resources through the KHEAA and utilizing the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program. 'Receiving the OCTC Pathfinder of the Year Award for 2025 feels like my biggest success so far!' Ranburger said.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
OCTC teaming up for the Charitable Challenge Food Drive
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) is teaming up with the Rotary Club of Owensboro for the Charitable Challenge Food Drive. OCTC officials say this charitable activity will be a competition between OCTC/Rotary, KWC/Kiwanis and Civitas and Brescia/Lions Club. The school and service club that collects the most food, based on total weight, wins the challenge. All food donated through this community activity will go to the Help Office of Owensboro. Authorities remove 2-month-old from Daviess County home following drug investigation Officials say the Charitable Challenge will run from March 17 to 28. The food drive at OCTC will be lead by Shane Armstrong, Lalitha Kannan and the SGA. Collection boxes will be placed in all OCTC buildings. OCTC officials encourage all of students, faculty and staff to participate. Officials say flyers will be distributed next week outlining the challenge and suggested needed food items. A spokesperson says, 'As you know first hand food insecurity is a real issue for so many in our community and we are excited to be a part of this significant community event. Let's show our Pathfinder pride and win this challenge! It is for a very good cause.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
