Success Stories

Jon Plattner, Tool and Die (Precision Machining), 1999

Tri Star Program: Tool and Die (Precision Machining)
Program Location: St. Marys Dennings Building
Tri Star Instructor: Greg Freewalt
High School Graduate: New Bremen (1999)
Career Field: Tool and Die
Post-Graduation Path:

• Employed at local factory
• Employed at Cotterman & Company, Inc. first as a roof technician learning how to install industrial and commercial roofing systems.
• Worked up through the company and started performing roof evaluations and now employed in sales and marketing.

“The Tri Star program has helped me in many ways from attending class and learning a skilled trade that has been very helpful with my career path in the construction industry.”

“After graduating high school I was employed at a local factory and I decided this was not for me so that’s when I had the opportunity to start working at Cotterman & Company, Inc. With my strong work ethic and attending Tri Star I have found a career path that I enjoy working in every day.”

Tom Burden, Engineering Tech. & Machine Trades, 2009

Tri Star Program: Engineering Technology/CAD (Senior year) and Machine Trades ( Junior year) (currently called Precision Machining)
Program Location: St. Marys Dennings Bldg. for Machine Trades and Celina High School for Engineering Tech./CAD
Tri Star Instructor: Rob Menker (Machine Trades) and Jon Clouse (Engineering Tech/CAD )
High School Graduate: Celina (2009)
Career Field: Mechanical Engineering
Post-Graduation Path:

• Joined the U.S. Air National Guard working as an F16 mechanic
• Attended the University of Toledo, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Invented the Grypmat, a non-slip,flexible tool mat
• Appeared on Shark Tank and walked away with a deal with three celebrity sharks: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, and Richard Branson
• His Grypmat Tool Mat has appeared on the cover of Time Magazine
• Founded Grypshon Industries
• Listed in Forbes 30 Under 30
• Continues to invent and make public appearances

“With Mr. Menker’s teachings I learned how to build what I envisioned and with Mr. Clouse he gave the foundation of getting my vision in a digital form, the first step in bringing it into reality.”

“Mr. Clouse and Mr. Menker were my two Tri Star teachers, both amazing at what they do.”

Brett McGillvary, Construction, 1989

Tri Star Program: Construction
Program Location: Celina High School
Tri Star Instructor: Dave Borger
High School Graduate: Celina (1989)
Career Field: Construction
Post-Graduation Path:

• Immediately after graduating from high school secured employment in residential construction
• Worked in commercial construction building restaurants
• Employed in construction with Shinn Brothers for 20 years
• Fall 2018: Began teaching the construction program for Tri Star Career Compact

"I got into the field after graduation and I've done it ever since. Now I'm teaching students like I once was in the trade that they can use their whole lives."

Brent Tippie, Welding, 2005

Tri Star Program: Welding
Program Location: St. Marys Dennings Vocational Building
Tri Star Instructor: Todd Smith
High School Graduate: New Knoxville (2005)
Career Field: Welding
High School Career Path: Worked for Albert Freytag in Minster as a junior in high school
Post-Graduation Path:

• Employed at MS Welding, Maria Stein
• Employed by General Dynamics, Lima
• Served in the United States Army National Guard Afghanistan, 2011-2012
• Graduated from Hobart Institute, 2014
• Employed at Precision Strip Minster, 2014 - 2018
• Hired as Tri Star Career Compact's Welding Instructor, 2018

"I was able to learn a skill that has always been in demand and will continue to be."

"The greatest benefit has always been that I was employable straight out of high school and never had the debt of college tuition hanging over my shoulders and I thank Todd Smith for that."

"I knew early on that a four year university wasn't going to guarantee me a good job or set me apart from anyone else."

"I was taking drafting in high school and on my sophomore visit to Tri Star; I spent the morning welding and decided that this was what I wanted to do!"

Gary Bronson, Auto Mechanics, 1986

Tri Star Program: Junior Combustion Engines and Senior Auto Mechanics
Program Location:  Originally the class was held in the Ed Complex in what is now the Celina City Schools Print Shop.  It moved into the Tri Star Wing of Celina High School when Tri Star classrooms were added/completed mid 1984-85 school year.
Tri Star Instructor: Harry McPheron
High School Graduate: Celina (1986)
Career Field: Automotive and Diesel Technology
Post-Graduation Path: 

• Attended Lincoln Tech. in Indianapolis, IN.  for two years majoring in Auto Diesel Truck Technology.  Graduated 1987
• Worked for 18 years at Airborne Express repairing ground support equipment.  Was lead mechanic overseeing a crew of 13 mechanics.
• Worked at Serco maintaining a fleet of over 50 pieces of equipment used in the electrical distribution industry.

Currently employed as the Industrial Diesel Mechanics Instructor at Great Oaks School District:  Laurel Oaks Campus.  I've been there seven(7) years preparing 11th and 12th grade high schools students for a career in the trucking/heavy equipment industry.  I also serve as the SkillsUSA advisor.

Attended Wright State University, Dayton, OH for three years to earn Career Technical Education Licensure.  Completed in 2014

Why did you choose to attend Tri Star?  "Just like most of my present students, I am a hands-on learner.  While a Senior [in high school], I was able to go on work placement at Northmoor Marina and put those skills to good use.  Being outdoors and around boats has always been a passion of mine.""

How did your Tri Star program prepare you for your career?  "Tri Star gave me the foundation and skills needed to start a career in a field that I love."

"I definitely recommend Tri Star.  Chase your dreams and get a jump-start on your career!  You never know where the skills you learn may take you."

Kelsey Prenger: Graphic Communications, 2013

Tri Star Program: Graphic Communications
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Lisa Allmandinger Donovan
High School Graduate: St. Henry (2013)
Career Field: Graphic Design
Post-Graduation Path: 

• Attended School of Advertising Art  for two years graduating in 2015.  Major:  Applied Business in Advertising Art (Graphic Design).

• Employed at Crown Equipment (New Bremen) for 2 1/2 years.  Worked on crown.com, managing assets and designing webpage layouts for new products and additions.  Also supported print design (brochures and branding) as well as video (concepting/storyboarding and social media animations).

Hired in December 2017 to work for the Warner Music Group out of Nashville, TN.  Employed as an interactive Web Designer responsible for designing websites and other digital collateral for the artists signed to Warner Music Nashville, which include Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Chris Janson and many more.

Why did you choose to attend Tri Star?  "Having the opportunity to gain an education on something that would help prepare me for college and have the potential to give me scholarships was a no-brainer!"

How did your Tri Star program prepare you for your career?  "Taking Graphic Communications was my first exposure to graphic design, which many people don't experience until college.  So I was able to get a head start in learning the [computer] programs and improve my skill set.  Taking the program also was a way to confirm that yes, this is really what I want to do for my career, which is HUGE."

"Everyone has heard the saying, "Practice makes perfect."  If you're thinking about a career in graphic design, taking Tri Star's Graphic Communications will give you TWO YEARS of practice.  That's two years of education that many people don't have until college."

"Tri Star is for ANYONE who has an idea of the career they wish to pursue after high school.  When I was in high school, a lot of people thought Tri Star was just for the people who weren't as book smart.  I was very academic and wanted to take all of the challenging classes that would get me the diploma with honors;  however, I knew that taking Tri Star would give me valuable skills and exposure that would prep me for my career, rather than the highly technical physics equations I would learn and never use."

Don Ballinger: Electronics, 1986

Tri Star Program: Electronics
Program Location:  Dennings Vocational Building, St. Marys
Tri Star Instructor: Ron Snider
High School Graduate: Celina (1986)
Career Field: Electronics
Post-Graduation Path: 

• Attended Wright State University - Lake Campus for two years, took Electronic classes only.
• Worked at Pifer Communication repairing phone systems.
• Worked at North West Telephone.  Started doing repair work on phones and answering machines and then worked up to going out and working on systems in homes and businesses.

For the past 25 years I have been the president and owner of NuWave Technology, Inc..  I take care of everyday business and help our technicians with installation applications.

Why did you choose to attend Tri Star?  "Always liked to mess with circuits and make something happen with electric.”

How did your Tri Star program prepare you for your career? [Tri Star]  “Gave me the foundation to do a lot of the low voltage work we do today.”

Would you recommend your Tri Star program to current high school students?  “Yes”,  “My son Dalton Ballinger is in his senior year now and has been accepted to go to UNOH after he graduates.”

Stephanie Ebbing: Computer Support Technology, 2006

Tri Star Program: Computer Support Technology
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Brian Stetler
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2006)
Career Field: Computer Support Technology
Post-Graduation Path: 

• Employed part-time at NuWave Technology while attending high school.  

• Attended Wright State University - Lake Campus and Columbus State Community College for two years, majoring in Business Administration.

• Worked at Ohio Physical Therapy Association (Columbus, OH) as Continuing Education Coordinator 

Currently employed full-time (since May of 2013) at NuWave Technology  in sales, marketing, customer service, project submittals and fire alarm designs.

Why did you choose to attend Tri Star?  "Honestly, I don't remember exactly.  I was working at NuWave Technology at the time and I believe it was recommended that I attend.  I'm glad I chose to attend Tri Star.

How did your Tri Star program prepare you for your career?  Tri Star prepared me for my career by allowing me to do a work study program [Early Placement]

"For those not wanting to do a traditional 4-year (and plus) degree and are hands-on learners, Tri Star should be a serious consideration."

"I would not be where I'm at if it wasn't for Tri Star.  I'm thankful for this opportunity."

Dan Hemmelgarn: Electronics, 1993

Tri Star Program: Electronics
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Building
Tri Star Instructor: Ron Snider
High School Graduate: St. Hentry (1993)
Career Field: Electronics
Post-Graduation Path:

•  Employed at NuWave Technology as a technician for 24 years.  Work includes phone installation, paging installation, wireless internet installation and service work

Why did you choose to attend Tri Star?  "I did not want to go to college, but wanted to learn a career field."

How did your Tri Star program prepare you for your career?  "It was hands-on and classroom studies.  Everything new that comes out in the technology field, you have to learn about it before you can install it and understand how it works."

"If you are not looking to go to college, it is a great way to learn a field and get hands-on experience."

Destanie Stocklin: Graphic Communications, 2015

Tri Star Program: Graphic Communications
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Ryan Turnmire
High School Graduate: St. Marys Memorial  (2015)
Career Field: Graphic Design and Web Design
Post-Graduation Path:
•  Attended the School of Advertising Art, Kettering earning a degree in Applied Business in Advertising Art
•  Currently employed at Atomic Interactive as a graphic designer and web designer.  My position includes working on layout and style for sites, adding content and making sure a website is functional.  I work on logos and do other design work for our clients. I am also a photographer and have done photos for our personal site as well as for client sites.

"Tri star dabbled into so many different areas of the field and at the time I didn’t think I would use half of them but I am so glad I was taught what I was so that I was aware of all the things in this field and I now know how to do them all."

"I knew I wanted to go to college and I knew I liked art so I chose graphic communications to be able to touch on art and find a college where I could do what I love for a living."

Adam Clark: Welding, 2013

Tri Star Program: Welding
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor: Todd Smith
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2013)
Career Field: Welding
Post-Graduation Path:
•  Entered the workforce after graduating from high school.
•  Currently employed at Crown as a welder.
•  Joined the National Guard and continues to serve as a specialist.

Adam credits much of his success to Mr. Smith, his welding instructor.

“Tri Star gave me the skills I have today as a welder and helped me get a great job right out of school.”

“My career path was very clear and filled with success. Hardly any bumps in the road and constantly improving myself.”

“I have had nothing but success in my life since becoming a Tri Star graduate and owe everything I have to my experience with the Tri Star program”

Ryan Schott : Med Prep, 1998

Tri Star Program:  Med Prep
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor:  Janet Nelson
High School Graduate: Celina (1998)

Career Field:  Firefighter/Paramedic - Shawnee Township fire Department - assigned to C-Shift since 1999

Post-Graduation Path:

•  Volunteer:  Celina Fire Department 6 years
•  36 hour volunteer Fire class and EMT basic class while in high school
•  10 month paramedic program
•  Ohio Fire Academy-Level 2 Firefighter
•  Columbia Southern University-Associates Degree in Fire Science
•  Training: Fire Instructor; Haz-Mat Technician; Weapons of Mass Destruction Specialist;
   Confined Space Rescue Technician; Recue Technician; Industrial Fire Training

“The Med Prep Program gave me two years of medical related training to better prepare myself for my future. The greatest part was the job shadowing we did each year. This solidified my choice to become a Firefighter.”

“I have known what I wanted to do since an early age. Going to a 4-year college was not an option for me. At the time there weren’t many Associate Degree programs in the area for Fire/EMS. The risk vs reward of the cost of college to today’s job market is not very good for many job fields. Vocational programs I believe are the way to go. “

Krista Burrows: Med Prep, 2014

Tri Star Program:  Med Prep
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor: Janet Nelson
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2014)
Career Field: Medicine

Post-Graduation Path:

· Tri Star Career Compact Med Prep 2012-2014
· Xavier University (current): pre-med
· University of Cincinnati starting Fall 2015: pre-med
· Employed at Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, St. Marys (as needed)
· Employed by Xavier University, part-time Biology Laboratory Assistant

Krista won a SILVER MEDAL in the NATIONAL SkillsUSA Medical Terminology Competition, Kansas City

“Receiving that silver medal was a moment I will never forget. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for deciding my sophomore year to do Tri Star.”

“Med Prep taught me more helpful and useful information in two years than my high school classes did in four.”

“Before starting the Tri Star program, I was not sure what I wanted to do with my future. During high school classes I was either bored or asking myself when am I ever going to use this, but in Tri Star I was always intrigued and curious about what was in store for tomorrow. Not only did Tri Star teach me about different career options, how the human body functions, and medical terminology, but it also broadened my leadership skills and dedication.

“Tri Star has impacted my life in so many ways, and I will always remember my days in Med Prep.”

Randy Kunk: Machine Trades, 1988

Tri Star Program:  Machine Trades
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor: Greg Freewalt
High School Graduate: Coldwater (1988)
Career Field: Precision Machining

Post-Graduation Path:
• 1988-1995 - Machinist at Hardin Creek Machine and Tool
• 1995-present - Machinist at Coldwater Machine
• 25 years of on-the-job training

*Randy has been an active member of the Tri Star Advisory Board since 2007
*Randy served as a member of the Coldwater School Board

Tri Star: “It gave me the skills and training to start my career.”

Nathan Huber: Biomedical and Electronics Technology, 2014

Tri Star Program:  Biomedical and Electronics Technology 
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor: Jerry Kohnen
High School Graduate: St. Marys Memorial (2014)
Career Field: Electrical Engineering

Post-Graduation Path:

· Tri Star Career Compact Electronics 2012-2014
· Electrical Engineer Intern at Coldwater Machine
· Currently attending the University of Cincinnati

“Tri Star helped me find a great job as an electrical engineer intern after high school that I am continuing to work at while attending the University of Cincinnati.”

“The Electronics Class was the highlight of my high school career. These instructors will help you and guide you throughout your choices on colleges and careers. They still continue to update me on job openings in the area for electrical engineers. I remember coming an hour before class and staying an hour after just to work on projects with Mr. Kohnen. The instructors are extremely selfless and are always willing to help the students. “

“This is an amazing Career Compact. I would not be where I am today without the help of Jerry Kohnen and the other instructors here. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have gone through this program.”

Janea Evers: Graphic Communications, 2012

Tri Star Program:  Graphic Communications
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Lisa Allmandinger Donovan
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2012)

Career Field: Graphic Design
Post-Graduation Path:

• 2012-2014 School of Advertising Art, Kettering Ohio Associate Degree of Applied Business
• 2013 Summer Intern at Totally Promotional, a division of Casad, Celina Ohio
• 2014 Summer Externship at Totally Professional, a division of Casad, Celina, Ohio
• 2014-Present: Digital Designer at Totally Professional, a division of Casad, Celina, Ohio

“Tri Star really helped me get my foot in the door.”

“I am so thankful to have the opportunity to test out graphic design before I spent the time and money on a degree (Bachelor’s) in the field. It also helped to know the basics of the Adobe programs when starting college, giving me more time to better my skills.”

Amber Brannon: Graphic Communications, 2010

Tri Star Program: Graphics Communications
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Lisa Allmandinger Donovan
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2010)
Career Field: Graphic/Web Designer

Post-Graduation Path:

• 2012 Graduate of School of Advertising Art (SAA), Kettering, Ohio
• Birdsong Creative, Nashville, Tennessee — graphic/web designer
• Silicon Valley, California (working remotely in Nashville) — graphic/web designer

"When I showed the president of the college my portfolio filled with class projects from Tri Star, I was accepted on the spot. After beginning my two-year journey at SAA, I realized just how much Tri Star had helped me hit the ground running with the basic skills that some of the other students hadn't acquired yet."

"Reflecting on my Tri Star experience, although at the time it was hard to leave my friends for those half-days at my home school, I realized later that while I've lost touch with some of those friends, Tri Star placed me on the path to become a better, more successful designer."

Amy Welling: Early Childhood Development and Education, 2004

Tri Star Program: Early Childhood Development and Education
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Bonnie Dahlinghaus
High School Graduate: Coldwater (2004)

Career Field: Early Childhood Education

Post-Graduation Path:

• I went to Wright State University for my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and my masters in Reading

"I loved all the hands on experience in the Head Start classrooms that we received."

"Right now I am just happy teaching at Coldwater where I would like to gain a lot of teaching experience. Someday I would love to teach education classes to college students."

"I currently teach 3rd grade at Coldwater Elementary."

Joe Rose: Construction, 1990

Tri Star Program: Construction
Program Location:  Celina High School
Tri Star Instructor: Dave Borger
High School Graduate: Coldwater (1990)

Career Field: Construction and electric

Post-Graduation Path:

• An adult electrical class at Vantage Career Center
• Electrical classes at Edison State
• Apprenticeship with Ohio Plumbing and Electric

Self-employed contractor and owner of Rose Construction and Electric – since 1995

Tri Star Advisory Board Member since 2008

Joe has hired other Tri Star graduates and provides his crew with continuous training to stay current with this ever-changing field

"Tri Star gave me the basic knowledge and comfort to go out, compete for a job and excel above others. It has helped me to become a leader in this business and community."

Emily (Bruns) Baucher: Early Childhood Development and Education, 2001

Tri Star Program: Early Childhood Development and Education
Program Location:  Celina Education Complex
Tri Star Instructor: Bonnie Dahlinghaus
High School Graduate: Celina (2001)
Career Field: Early Childhood Development

Post-Graduation Path:

• Rhodes State College 2001-2003 Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Development
• Stepping Ahead Learning Center, classroom teacher
• Council On Rural Services
• 2009-present Full-time Library Aide-Celina City Schools Primary Buildin

"I loved all the hands on experience in the Head Start classrooms that we received."

"I found Bonnie Dahlinghaus' Early Childhood Development program very beneficial. After being in her class the first year, this helped reconfirm that I wanted to go into the education field. I found it very beneficial that Mrs. Dahlinghaus gave us the opportunity to write and carry out preschool lesson plans in the Head Start classrooms. I highly recommend that if you are thinking about going into the education field that you try out Mrs. Dahlinghaus' class (Tri Star's Early Childhood Development and Education) your junior year."

Mark Hopf: Engineering/CAD, 2005

Tri Star Program: Engineering/CAD
Program Location:  Celina High School at that time (now in St. Marys)
Tri Star Instructor: Jon Clouse
High School Graduate: Celina (2005)
Career Field: Mechanical/Engineering/Plumbing and HVAC Design

Post-Graduation Path:

• Ohio Northern University 2005-2009
• Summer Internship Fanning Howey Associates, Celina – June 2007-August 2007
• Employed at Prater Engineering Associates Inc., Dublin, Ohio – July 2009-January 2012
• Employed as a Mechanical Designer at Fanning Howey Associates, Inc., January 2012-presen

"Tri Star has given me an edge. Tri Star taught me the basics of engineering drafting and advanced my engineering skills while in high school."

"Tri Star helped me get my internships with Fanning Howey Associates. I was able to walk in the door my first day of work and start working right away because they did not need to teach me how to use AutoCAD or how to draft. To this day, I still use the basics I learned while in the Tri Star class as coworkers look to me to help them troubleshoot issue they are having."

Neal Link: Engineering/CAD, 2001

Tri Star Program: Engineering/CAD
Program Location:  Celina High School at that time (now in St. Marys)
Tri Star Instructor: Jon Clouse
High School Graduate: Celina (2001)

Career Field: Mechanical Engineering

Post-Graduation Path:

• Mechanical Engineering Technology Program at the University of Toledo
• Graduated with four year degree

Neal works full time as a Project Engineer at Wayne Trail-A Lincoln Electric Company in Fort Loramie, Ohio

"Tri Star really helped with kick-starting my knowledge base in the area of mechanical drawing. Through the Engineering Program at Tri Star, I learned how to use AutoCAD, a software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting."

Michelle Stout: Med Prep, 2010

Tri Star Program: Med Prep
Program Location:  St. Marys Dennings Vocational Bldg.
Tri Star Instructor: Janet Nelson
High School Graduate: St. Henry (2010)
Career Field: Nursing

Post Graduation Path:

Michelle attended Wright State University Lake Campus taking her general education classes while in high school participating in post-secondary options as well as taking classes the summer before beginning classes at Rhodes State College in the fall of 2010. Most of her general education classes were completed during high school and two summers at Wright State University Lake Campus allowing her to graduate in two years.Michelle is currently working full time at Coldwater Hospital as a Registered Nurse and training to be an ICU nurse. She is attending The Ohio State University for BSN and will graduate in May of 2014.

Michelle was able to take one of the Tech Prep seats available at Rhodes State College which helped accelerate her acceptance into her medical program.

Due to Michelle taking advantage of post-secondary options while in high school and taking summer classes, she was able to finish her nursing degree in two years and she is debt free.

Michelle credits her mother, St. Henry High school counselor Greg Kulwicki and her Tri Star Instructor, Janet Nelson for their help and guidance

"I have already started my career and my friends who did not attend Tri Star are still in college."