December CTE Student of the Month

Our GAVC December Student of the Month is Brandon Bruington! Brandon is a senior at Galesburg High School
and is enrolled in the Firefighting & Rescue program at GAVC. Brandon was nominated by Firefighting & Rescue
Instructor, Mr. Rick Pryor. Mr. Pryor had the following to say about Brandon: “Brandon is respectful to myself and
his classmates, and is eager to learn as much as he can about the fire service. Brandon is always willing to help
with projects in the classroom, and is always willing to help his classmates if they are struggling with a task.
Brandon is a member of the Galesburg Fire Department Explorers Program, and always looks forward to the monthly meetings.” Brandon plans to pursue a career in the fire service following graduation and plans to get his EMT Certification after graduation. Congratulations,Brandon!

November CTE Student of the Month

​Our GAVC November Student of the Month is Caleb Strange! Caleb is a senior at Monmouth-Roseville High School and is enrolled in the Law Enforcement program at GAVC. Caleb was nominated by Law Enforcement Instructor, Mr. Rod Riggs. Mr. Riggs had the following to say about Caleb: “Caleb is a great GAVC Law Enforcement student who is always in attendance, on time, and ready to go with an eagerness to learn about law enforcement. He completes his assignments on time and accurately, he also contributes to the class in a positive manner by asking questions and actively participating in class discussions. When it comes to class lab activities, he has shown a willingness to participate and help his group complete the required activity and paperwork. I have also found Caleb to be friendly and respectful to others in the class, as well as to me. I believe that if he were to pursue a career in law enforcement, he
would excel and be a great addition to any department.” Caleb has stated that he plans to join the Navy after graduation. Congratulations, Caleb!

October CTE Student of the Month

Our GAVC October Student of the Month is Don Patrick
Jr! Don is a senior at Galesburg High School and is
enrolled in Building Trades and Automotive I at GAVC.
Don was nominated by Building Trades Instructor, Mr.
Brad Shenaut. Mr. Shenaut had the following to say about
Don: “Don is a strong, quiet leader in the classroom and
the shop. He was absent until August 23 because he was
attending his basic training but had all of mis make-up
work completed within a week of his return. Don always
completes his work in the classroom. He is always willing
to step up in the classroom, the shop and on job sites;
especially the jobs that no one else wants to do. He takes
care in his work to make it look his best and make sure it
represents what we try to do with our program. Don is
very respectful with me and all of his classmates. He is
not the kind of guy to point fingers if something goes
wrong. He just puts his head down and fixes the problem.
He is a very hard worker and is a great representative of
our class and GAVC.” Don is already enlisted in the Army
National Guard. His job title is 11 Bravo and he will serve
in the infantry. Congratulations, Don!

September CTE Student of the Month

Our GAVC September Student of the Month is Ava
Howerton! Ava is a junior at United High School and is
enrolled in Health Occupations at GAVC. Ava was
nominated by Health Occupations Instructor, Mrs. Jessica
Bruington. Mrs. Bruington had the following to say about
Ava: “Ava comes to class everyday prepared to learn. She
frequently displays interest & eagerness to learn the
content. She currently has perfect attendance. Ave’s smile
and caring personality is why I believe she will not only be
a great caregiver, but also very deserving of the student of
the month!” Ava plans to attend nursing school to be an
emergency room nurse after high school.
Congratulations, Ava!

August CTE Student of the Month

Our GAVC August Student of the Month is Addison Courtright! Addison is a senior at ROWVA High School and is enrolled in Culinary Occupations I at GAVC. Addison was nominated by Culinary Occupations Instructor, Mrs. Sarah Barrett. Mrs. Barrett had the following to say about Addison: “Addison has perfect attendance and comes to class with a great attitude every day. She always participates positively in class discussions and encourages others in her group to do the same. She shows great interest in learning new things in
class., She takes a lot of pride in her work no matter if it is a worksheet, project or cooking lab. I love that she is confident and I can’t wait to see her excel in all the cooking and baking we will be doing this year. Addison is so polite and such a hard worker. She is respectful to all of her classmates and myself, and is the definition of an ideal student!” Addison plans to attend Cosmetology
school after graduation. Congratulations, Addison!

2024 CTE Student of the Year

It is our pleasure to announce our 2024 GAVC Student of the Year is Blake Caulkins! Blake is a Senior at Galesburg High School, and has completed the Building Trades program at GAVC. Building Trades instructor Mr. Shenaut had the following to say about Blake: “Blake arrives early to class and is prepared to work. He is one of the first to volunteer on tasks in the classroom, shop or on site. He is willing to do what is asked of him and works well with his classmates and the homeowners. Blakes is willing to help his fellow students as well. This year, we took on the task of competing in the Carpentry competition through SkillsUSA. Blake gladly participated and was excited to do so. He entered the competition and did very well, finishing in the top 20 at the State Championships. Blake will be an asset wherever he decides to go. He does not quit and has a great work ethic. He does his best to get any job done.”

​Blake plans to enroll in and complete the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Joint Apprenticeship Program in Pekin, IL with aspirations of becoming a carpenter. Along with a plaque and a check for $100, he will also receive $500 towards the purchase of tools and/or equipment, donated by Delabar Education System. Congratulations, Blake!  

Our GAVC May Student of the Month is Madison Gummerson! Madison is a senior at Galesburg High School and is enrolled in the GAVC Introduction to Teaching. She was nominated by Instructor Mrs. Laura Putnam. Mrs. Putnam had the following to say about Madison: “Madison is currently working in Mrs. Riner’s 4th grade classroom at Steele Elementary. Her desire is to
become a teacher, and she already has many skills necessary for this occupation. Madison is reliable and hardworking in all she does. She approaches her time in the classroom at Steele like a job, and she gives 100% at all times. Her help is greatly appreciated by her classroom teacher. She displays an eagerness to learn and an excitement for her future profession. She is reliable and is a great role model for her peers in Intro to Teaching.” Madison plans to attend Carl Sandburg College for two
years and then transfer to Monmouth College to complete her Education degree. Congratulations, Madison!

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