Current student: Zoe Scheithauer
The storyboards are the shape of things that relate to their themes — an emblem of a superhero, a ghost for a semi-scary story, maybe a wand for a fairy tale. Those are the subjects many fourth through six graders enjoy reading. But these storyboards are not mass produced and are originals that have been designed by students in Lorain County JVS’s Engineering Design and Technology program.
The storyboards incorporate braille and were created for use by youngsters with vision impairments. The design project was recently introduced to JVS students as a way to include many of the skills they learn. That includes the use of AI, blueprint reading, engineering software, welding, machinery and more, as well as encouraging their creative skills.
Stormy Rush, Engineering Design and Technology Instructor, wanted to introduce a design project that benefited not only her students, but children in the community who require extra help and specialized educational tools. The clever storyboards fit the bill.
Zoe Scheithauer, a LCJVS junior from Elyria, is a student in the program. Scheithauer considers the storyboards and the school to pose challenges — but good challenges in many ways. Scheithauer knows there is no just sliding through her high school education. She understands her future career is on the line and that she will be well prepared because of her LCJVS education.
“My dad and I have always been a lot alike. I always got A’s in school, but I really like to do work that is hands-on. My dad went to JVS for HVAC and started telling me about it when I was in the seventh grade. I knew that at the school and with this program that there were lots of things I could try out and learn,” says Scheithauer, an honor student and soccer player.
Scheithauer has plans to study electrical engineering at the Washkewicz College of Engineering at Cleveland State University and to join Lake Erie Electric after her education is finished.
“I would tell students considering JVS not to be afraid and to try something new,” says Scheithauer. “I was nervous at first, but everyone here was very welcoming and there are always people who want to help you.”
Apprenticeship: Alexandra (“Bee”) Wagoner
Alexandra (“Bee”) Wagoner is a LCJVS Precision Machine Technology graduate, now enjoying an apprenticeship at Aircraft Wheel and Brake by Kaman in Avon. Wagoner began her apprenticeship in the summer of 2023 and is scheduled to complete it in 2028. She is there as part of a Manufacturing Works opportunity.
“I didn’t have any family with any experience in machinery and I didn’t know at first what I wanted to do. But I knew I wanted a skill that could carry me into a strong career after high school,” says Wagoner, who credits John Green, LCJVS Precision Machine Technology instructor, for writing a letter of recommendation to her employer and steering her in an advantageous direction.
“At Kaman, my co-workers have always been very friendly toward me, and I know I can go into work without any issues,” says Wagoner. “I’d advise anyone to rely on others who want to help you succeed.”
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Edwards
Lorain County native Emily Edwards, DPM, has always believed in putting her best foot forward. Currently a podiatrist with Mary Rutan Health Center in Bellefontaine, Ohio, Dr. Edwards says to be successful requires “taking advantage of every opportunity.” To Edwards, that began with her secondary education at Midview High School in Grafton and Lorain County JVS.
“Going to LCJVS gives you a step ahead and makes you more competitive while sitting at the table, whether that’s a job, undergraduate school or graduate school,” says Edwards, who grew up on her family’s Grobe Fruit Farm in Elyria, now operated primarily by the sixth generation. “Overall, you are getting a little more advanced training compared to just going to a high school with required classes. You are getting hands-on skills.”
Choosing to attend LCJVS was an easy decision for Edwards. Both her parents and her uncle had attended the school, and it also provided her with the career path she wanted.
“My mom had breast cancer when I was in high school and that was one of the reasons I wanted to go into medicine. But I had always known I wanted to move in that direction,” says Edwards. “I also had foot problems growing up and I played soccer for seven years. A family friend was my podiatrist and that was an influence. Going to JVS was the start.”
Edwards attended her local high school for a half day and LCJVS the second half. She considers that arrangement an advantage. She kept all her besties at Midview High School but made additional friends and took advantage of networking opportunities across the county. Edwards is a 2013 Midview/LCJVS Allied Health Science graduate.
From there, Edwards graduated from Cleveland State University in 2017 as Valedictorian of the College of Sciences and Health Professionals, as well as Summa Cum Laude from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandal Honors College. She earned two degrees — a bachelor of science in biology and a bachelor of science in Health Science. In 2021, she received a DPM from Kent State University’s College of Podiatric Medicine. Edwards also has a longtime commitment to 4-H and currently serves as an advisor to youth groups in Shelby County.
“Networking with the community, the hands-on skills you learn, plus the volunteer opportunities you get at JVS, are things that will serve me all my life,” says Edwards, securing a strong foothold in her future.
