“SHOWCASE” CHAMPION, RUNNER UP TEAMS RECEIVE TROPHIES
Champion and runner up teams from the 2007-08 MVTPC “Showcase” were honored at an Executive Session Luncheon at Sinclair Community College on May 2. During the luncheon program, school and individual team member trophies in sixteen separate pathway categories were presented to the students by Sinclair’s Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Helen Grove. This year’s competition drew over 350 Miami Valley area 11th and 12th grade tech prep students competing in eighty-four different teams before business and industry judges. Go here for more information about the “Showcase” and for photos of 2007-08 champion and runner-up teams. Congratulations to winning teams and to all competing teams! The 2008-09 “Showcase” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

COLLEGE TRANSITION NIGHTS
Special evening information sessions for Tech Prep high school seniors and parents or guardians continue in early May. Class of 2008 Tech Prep seniors who are planning on matriculating to Sinclair next fall are encouraged to attend for detailed information on registration, scholarship and financial aid procedures, co-op and work study opportunities at Sinclair and other important college transition details and opportunities. All sessions are held from 6:00 pm till 7:30 pm in Charity Auditorium, first floor of Building 12 at Fourth and Perry Street. Light refreshments will be served and complimentary parking is available in the Building 12 underground lot (Lot C), entering off Fourth Street. Reservations can be placed by e-mail at Linda York or by calling 937-512-5146. See dates for specific Sinclair divisions and corresponding pathways in the “Upcoming Events” column at left.

TECH PREP STUDENTS GO “ON THE ROAD”
Biotechnology and Criminal Science Tech Prep students went “on the road” in April to participate in a variety of special field experiences. On April 15, junior biotechnology students put their skills to work in a hands-on water testing experiment in ponds at Cox Arboretum. Senior biotechnology students also participated in “Chem Day” at Sinclair Community College on April 18 and 25 using gas chromatography to search for “unknowns” as seen on the TV series CSI. Senior criminal science students made a field trip to the Lebanon Correctional Institution on April 22 for a first hand look at state corrections facilities and procedures.

SUMMER MATH BRIDGE PROGRAM
High school sophomores needing additional algebra I reinforcement prior to beginning a new tech prep pathway next fall will participate in a one-week math “bridge” program the week of June 16-20. The program, to be held on the campus of Sinclair Community College, will include computer-based math drill using My Math Lab software. The program will be jointly taught by Sinclair developmental math faculty and selected high school and career center math instructors. All participating schools will receive copies of the My Math Lab software plus classroom sets of Sinclair’s MAT101 text. The bridge program and materials were made possible through a grant to the MVTPC from the Ohio Department of Education.

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS!
Congratulations to Fairmont High School Tech Prep biotechnology teacher Amanda VanDyke who recently received the National Teacher Certification. Congratulations also to 1998 Fairmont High School Tech Prep engineering grad Brian Shively on his promotion to Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at Johnson Controls, Inc. Finally, a big CONGRATULATIONS to the entire MVTPC high school graduating Class of 2008!