WCCC E-News

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Cathie Cuffman, Gateway to Technology Satellite Teacher at Lebanon Junior High School. Cathie passed away on October 4th after a battle with cancer. She joined WCCC in the fall of 2019 and had an influence on staff and students from her first day in the classroom. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues, and the many students she had an opportunity to impact as an educator.

Cuffman taught in Lebanon for 21 years. She served as a second grade teacher at Bowman Primary School from 2001 to 2017. Her family moved out-of-state and when she returned in 2019, she was employed through the Warren County Career Center and taught Project Lead the Way courses at Lebanon Junior High School.

Dawson has a full plate, balancing his passion for playing football at Franklin High School with his studies in the Construction Trades program at Warren County Career Center. On the football field, he's a versatile player, serving as a punter, a punt returner, and excelling on defense as a free safety, where he ranks among the team's leaders in tackles. His journey in football began in kindergarten, and the thrill of the game's physicality, combined with the camaraderie of playing alongside his friends, keeps him deeply invested. Despite the demands of football, Dawson has found a way to integrate his love for the sport with his academic ambitions.

At the Warren County Career Center, Dawson is preparing for his future in the construction industry. His passion for building led him to the Career Center, where he is learning new skills and mastering the tools necessary for a successful career in construction management. “I came to the Career Center because I enjoy building things. I wanted to learn more about construction, and meet new people,” he said.

As a student who is hard of hearing and a visual learner, Dawson thrives in the hands-on, visual nature of the construction program. He is excited about the future, with aspirations of continuing his education in college to pursue a degree in construction management. Dawson went on to say, “Being in the construction trades program is getting me prepared for my future. I like that I am able to learn new things that I have never done before and I have learned more about the tools that are necessary for my career path.” The balance between his academic and athletic pursuits showcases Dawson's dedication, work ethic, and ability to overcome challenges.

WCCC Satellite teacher Mrs. Rogers was looking for ways to help her Entrepreneurship students at Waynesville High School to gain real-world experience and she hatched a plan. Working with WCCC & WHS administration, and through conversations and connections she was able to secure donations and student interest to launch a coffee shop with her class. The Daily Grind began last year, operating one day a week near the high school entrance and quickly gained a following.

“I was looking for opportunities for student run businesses and this was an idea that kept coming up. It started as a way to help students get work-based learning hours, but has really grown into something more,” said Rogers, herself a coffee enthusiast. Grady’s Cold Brew, The Bridge Community Hub, and Attack Coffee Company, based in Kansas City, have all donated to help the Daily Grind build their business. The Daily Grind continues to operate on Wednesday mornings for Waynesville staff and students in the lobby of Waynesville High School.

Using a fire truck from the Fire Science program, the Warren County Career Center made an appearance at three of our home districts homecoming parades this fall. WCCC Fire Science students from their respective schools rode along for the homecoming parades for Lebanon, Little Miami, and Kings.

“Our students are still part of their home school in a lot of ways and we wanted to recognize that,” said Nick DeSanctis, WCCC’s Coordinator of Marketing and Communications. "A fire truck and a parade go hand in hand, so I’m glad we were able to show our home districts our commitment to the students that we share with some of the great equipment our students have access to.”

The truck was driven by WCCC Director of Facilities and Operations, Dave Siebert, a former firefighter. Public Safety Program Coordinator Josh Pirk and Instructors Shane Snyder and Shannon Deye were instrumental in organizing these efforts and we thank them for their help in making these parades a possibility for WCCC.