Darke County Economic Development (DCED) announced today the names of the 20 Under 20 Award winners from Darke County. The 20 Under 20 Awards were developed to recognize students, educators, and businesses collaborating to help prepare the next generation of workers in our region. For consideration, nominees must be under the age of 20, a resident of Darke, Mercer, or Auglaize counties, and enrolled in high school, post-secondary education or adult education related to their career. Nominees must also be engaged in work-based learning, such as an apprenticeship, internship, co-op program, or other business/education partnership.
“This is our sixth year to recognize these business/education partnerships which are so important to addressing our region’s current and future workforce needs. All three members of the partnership – student, educator, and business are being recognized, because all roles are essential for success,” said Tamala Marley, Workforce Specialist at Darke County Economic Development. “The number of nominees has grown over the last few years. Parents and students are seeing the value of work-based learning, which often includes debt-free education, gaining work experience while developing soft skills and earn while you learn opportunities.”
For 2021, Darke County Winners receiving the 20 Under 20 Award are:
Dustin Glick, senior Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) & Bradford HS
Dustin was nominated for his work as an apprentice with Glick Construction, Inc. by Tony Trapp, Apprenticeship Coordinator at UVCC. Kyle Stager is Dustin’s construction technologies instructor at UVCC. Steve Glick is his supervisor. Following graduation, Dustin plans to continue in the construction trades with Glick Construction, Inc.
Kendall Hill, senior Bradford HS & Edison State Community College
Kendall was nominated for her work at Brethren Retirement Community (BRC) by Katie Luce, Director of Assisted Living at BRC. Kendall’s supervisor at BRC is Cathy Watkins. Kendall will be receiving her Associate Science Degree at Edison State as well as her high school diploma from Bradford. Kendall will be attending Xavier University in the fall to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minor in applied health to reach her career goal of becoming a nurse.
Tristen Collins, senior Franklin Monroe HS & Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC)
Tristen was nominated for her participation in an apprenticeship with Little Angels Daycare & Early Learning Center by Alicia Newman, Early Childhood Instructor MVCTC. Tristen’s employers are Kim Marburger, Director Alayna Dill, and Lead Teacher Jenna Suggs. Tristen plans to continue her education by attending Edison State this fall while working at Little Angels. Her goal is to complete her bachelor’s degree in Early Education to become a Kindergarten teacher.
Davis Flora, senior Franklin Monroe HS & MVCTC
Davis was nominated for his work as an apprentice in diesel technology at The Service Company by his MVCTC instructor, Larry Seibel. Davis’ supervisor is Brian Kinnison. Following graduation, Davis is looking forward to working full-time at The Service Company in Greenville.
Riley Emerick, senior Greenville HS
Riley was nominated for his work at Dickman Supply, Inc. by Brad Holzapfel, Branch Manager at the Greenville location. Kevin Shepherd is Riley’s supervisor, and Greenville HS Guidance Counselor, Rebecca Curtis, introduced Riley to this opportunity. Riley looks forward to working full time with Dickman Supply following graduation.
Logan Hittle, senior Greenville HS & G-CTEC
Logan was nominated for his work at Village Green Health Campus by Amanda Koenig, Med Tech Program Instructor at G-CTEC. Logan’s supervisors are Nita Walker & Ashley Trout. Logan plans to attend Edison State to pursue his associate degree in nursing, then IU East bachelor’s degree in nursing. His career goal is to work in family medicine.
Austin Zechar, senior Greenville HS & G-CTEC
Austin was nominated for his Computer Information Systems (CIS) work at Family Health Services of Darke County by Nathan Sharp, CIS Instructor at G-CTEC. Brian Subler is Austin’s supervisor at Family Health. Austin plans to attend University of Northwestern Ohio for Information Technologies with the goal of a career in cybersecurity.
Nicholas Didier, senior Versailles HS & MVCTC –
Nicholas was nominated for his work as an intern at Emerson Climate Technologies by Doug Clark, HVAC Instructor at MVCTC. Scott Morter is Nicholas’ supervisor at Emerson. After graduation, Nicholas plans to work for Emerson in Sidney while attending Edison State to pursue his associate’s degree in HVAC Engineering Technology. He plans to earn his Bachelor’s Degree to become an HVAC engineer.
Cory Timmerman, junior Versailles High School
Cory was nominated for his work at Classic Carriers by employees Sharon Henry, Director of Human Resources, and Wes Subler, Shop Manager. Cory works part day as part of the Versailles HS FFA Capstone Program. Dena Wuebker, Agricultural Education Instructor, is Cory’s instructor. Cory plans to continue working and learning at Classic Carriers this summer and through his senior year.
Darke County 20 Under 20 Award winners will be featured on social media by Darke County Economic Development. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter to see their stories. Boulevard banners of the winners will be displayed in their home town and trophies will be presented at their schools. The awards are sponsored by Darke County Economic Development, Auglaize Mercer Business Education Alliance (AMBE), and Hometown Opportunity.