LAPEER COUNTY — The following students have been recognized as the top seniors in their respective programs at the Lapeer County Ed Tech Center for 2023.
Agriscience Horticulture
Kaitlynn Schmidt is from Imlay City High School and the daughter of Jason Schmidt and April Schmidt. She has been honored with the distinction for being the top senior in the Agriscience and Horticulture program.
Kaitlynn has plans to attend Macomb Community College for their vet tech program and become a large animal vet tech. She hopes to work in a vet clinic in Lapeer County due to the lack of large animal vets and aspires to have her own clinic in the future.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech, Kaitlynn received many awards such as, Outstanding Junior, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree and a State Degree. She also received an award for the 2022 State winning soybean team, awarded a Beef Production proficiency as well as a Goat Production proficiency.
Kaitlynn has also been involved in many activities such as Animal Cooperative, Mutch’s Tree Farm, Project Raising HOPE, TSC Day and Sweetheart Breakfast. She has also taken part in regionals, state and national conventions for FFA as well as participated in Project Red, Fall Leadership conferences, broilers and plant sales with her class. Finally, she held the position of FFA officer as the 2022 treasurer and the AM representative for 2021.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Kaitlynn says, “Being a part of the agriscience program has allowed me to evolve into a totally different person by taking me out of my comfort zone and giving me the opportunity meet new people. I have made many friends who are like my family and I will never forget the memories we have made. Working in our animal center at Ed Tech has made me more confident to work towards my goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian technician.”
Autobody Repair & Refinishing
Nathan Dahn is from North Branch High School and the son of Jennifer Dahn and Garett Dahn. He has been honored with the distinction for being the top senior in the Autobody Repair & Refinishing program.
Not only has Nathan received accolades as the top senior of his Autobody Repair & Refinishing class, but he has also managed to find time doing other things he enjoys, such as hunting, fishing and working. After high school, Nathan has plans to join the workforce and move forward in his chosen career.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Nathan says, “It has taught me many skills, relating to collision repair and life. Without my teachers, I would not be at the point of where I am within this field of work.”
Automotive Mechanics
Hunter Niehaus is from Dryden High School and the son of Carol and Eric Niehaus. He has the distinction for being the top senior in the Automotive Mechanics program.
Hunter has plans to obtain various automotive certifications, head directly into the workforce and focus on getting job experience. During his time at Ed Tech, he earned ASE entry level certifications for maintenance and light repair, brakes, steering and suspension and engine repair. During his free time, Hunter enjoys fishing on nice days and detailing cars.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” He says, “Being able to go to Ed Tech each day has been the best part of my education. I started this class last year with little knowledge of anything to do with cars but now I am confident I can diagnose and fix cars that come to me. I have also had the chance to make some great friends and build relationships with the people around me. My teachers, Mr. Hoskins and Mrs. Sullivan, were the ones that made my time in class as amazing as it has been by finding things to interest us everyday they could and going above and beyond to show that they care.”
Careers in Education
Zondra DeJesus is from North Branch High School and the daughter of Joe and Amy DeJesus. She has the honored distinction for being the top senior in the Careers in Education program.
Zondra will be attending Saginaw Valley State University in the fall and majoring in elementary education. During high school, she has participated in MSBOA Band Festivals, received honor roll as well as enjoyed activities such as dance, vocals and band.
When posed the question, “What has being a part of your program meant to you?” she replied, “Being a part of the Careers in Education program has meant that I’m finally taking steps towards my career path, future goals and has given me the opportunity to grow and learn.”
Construction Trades
Brady VanderPloeg is from Imlay City High School and the son of Scott and Wendy VanderPloeg. He has the honored distinction for being the top senior in the Construction Trades program.
Brady has plans to enter the workforce to gain more knowledge in the construction field in order to attain his career goal of owning his own construction business.
During his free time Brady enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing.
When posed the question, “What has being a part of your program meant to you?” he replied, “Meeting new friends and learning a skill I will have forever.”
Culinary Arts
Lavender Holzinger is from North Branch High School and the daughter of Lynn & Jeffrey Swain and Jake Holzinger. She has the distinction of being the top senior in the Culinary Arts program.
Lavender plans to attend the Culinary Institute of Michigan, and once she has finished, has set a goal to open up her own bakery.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech, Lavender participated at regional and state competitions for culinary. In 2022 she was awarded 3rd place at Regionals Skills USA for commercial baking and 5th place at State Skills USA. During 2023, she placed first at Regionals Skills USA in commercial baking as well as first place at the American Culinary Federation competition in commercial baking.
Lavender was also busy with many activities during her high school years. She competed at Skills USA at Ed Tech and participated in marching band and symphony band at North Branch High school. She also enjoys hunting, archery and combined driving.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Lavender says, “Being a part of my Ed Tech program has meant a lot to me. I enjoyed learning new skills, having the opportunity to network and working towards my future career has been huge.
Diesel Technology
Reilly Grassi is from Lapeer High School and the son of Jesse Cavitt. He has the distinction for being the top senior in the Diesel Technology program.
During high school, he has earned Lapeer High School Honors and has had the opportunity to participate with the Workbased Learning program while attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech. After graduation, Reilly has plans to continue his career as a Mechanic for the Mass Transportation Authority in Flint.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Reilly says, “It has meant a lot to me by giving me an amazing job opportunity with lots of experience.”
Digital Media Arts
Grace Belisle is from Imlay City High School and the daughter of Heidi Jones. She has the distinction of being the top senior in the Digital Media Arts program.
Following graduation Grace plans to attend George Mason University in Virginia to pursue a degree in forensic science to become a forensic pathologist.
Grace has not only received recognition as top senior, she has also been awarded second place at BPA Regionals for Video Production and for Broadcast News. As well as seventh place for BPA Video Production and third place for BPA Broadcast News at State. She has also received an All A’s honor roll award and was presented with a citizenship award.
During high school, she stayed busy and enjoyed being involved with a dance program at Imlay City, photography and reading during her free time.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” she says, “Being a part of my Ed Tech program has meant a lot to me and furthered my education in the field of broadcast and video production. Even though I am not going into a career within this field, it has broadened my knowledge and helped me achieve many things in life by giving me valuable life skills and providing opportunities I may have never had.”
IT Net
Santino Danou is from Venture High School and the son of Bashar Danou and Rita Danou. He has been honored with the distinction of being the top senior in the ITnet program.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech Center, he was awarded first place in Computer Security and first place in Computer Networking Technology from the Business Professionals of America Regional Conference 2022, as well as was awarded Outstanding Achievement from the Board of Education.
After graduation, Santino hopes to be working at Tech Smart USA and eventually open a business in an IT related field.
When posed the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Santino says, “It has been a very successful journey in my Ed Tech program. From winning the competition I competed in, learning professionalism and good work ethics, I understand what it means to be a hard worker and strive at whatever I do to make sure it is done right and well. The experiences I have had and what I was able to achieve during the time that I was at Ed Tech make me glad I was fortunate enough to be able to attend.”
Marketing & Entrepreneurship
Taylor Rheaume is from Dryden High School and the daughter of Kelly and Luke Rheaume. She has earned the distinction of being the top senior in the Marketing & Entrepreneurship program.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech Center, Taylor received the Outstanding Junior award for FFA and the FFA Equine Entrepreneur award, as well as the AQHA Young Horse Development award which awarded her a horse.
Taylor has kept herself busy by taking part in different activities such as the CEO of the Virtual Enterprise firm within her class, DECA and as a barn manager.
After graduation, Taylor will be attending Saginaw Valley State University to become a CPA or a CFO.
When posed the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Taylor says, “Being a part of Ed Tech has helped pave my future. Prior to Ed Tech, I didn’t know what my future would look like. Now, I plan to go off to college and change my future for the better! While taking Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Ed Tech, I have been able to excel in DECA, in which I have qualified for states and nationals two year in a row. I have also managed our firm and employees as CEO of our Virtual Enterprise. These experiences and learning opportunities have focused my educational goals on accounting and I intend to pursue a career as a CPA.”
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
Jadee Downey is from Lapeer High School and the son of Crystal Kinsey and Michael & Jenna Downey. He has the distinction of being the top senior in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing program.
While attending Lapeer County Ed Tech, Jadee has enjoyed learning about the components of a furnace, taking it apart and building whole room modules to mock a house. He has been awarded his 10 hour OSHA certification and has plans after graduation on becoming an HVAC technician.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Reilly says, “Learning skills that I’ll be using throughout my career and working side by side with students and being able to get help and or to help other students.”
Medical Careers
Julia Osentoski is from Lapeer High School and is the daughter of Barbara and Daniel Osentoski. She has the distinction for being the top senior in the Medical Careers program.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech, Julia was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, the National Honor Society, played softball and has been awarded honor roll status. Her plan for the future is to attend Saginaw Valley State University while majoring in pre-medical studies and Spanish to obtain her goal of becoming a pediatrician.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Julia says, “I have found that I truly love being a part of medicine and helping others in any possible way that I can.”
Nursing Careers
Chloe Brady is from Almont High School and is the daughter of Linda Brady and Earl Brady. She has the distinction for being the top senior in the Nursing Careers program.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech, Chloe became CPR First Aid Certified as well as OSHA Certified. The various awards she received at Almont high school were Student of the Month, First Team all-conference in cheer, Academic awards and Coach’s award. Chloe has plans to attend Wayne State University in the fall to receive a degree in nursing.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Chloe says, “Being in this program has meant the world to me by allowing me to explore more of my career path and having the opportunity to meet new people from other schools.”
Powersports and Equipment
Caden Randlett is from Lapeer High School and the son of Holly and Dave Randlett. He has received the distinction for being the top senior in the Powersports and Equipment program.
Caden enjoys riding dirt bikes, fishing, camping, working on his diesel truck and building or restoring anything he can. After finishing high school, he has plans to join the workforce and start a career.
When asked the question, “What has being a part of your program meant to you?” Caden says, “Being a part of this program has helped me a lot, expanding my knowledge and learning new tips and tricks of the trade as well as building good friendships. I have a passion for this type of work and I would love to continue to build a career with it.
Public Safety Careers
MaKynna Saltzman is from Lapeer High School and the daughter of Melissa and Brian Saltzman. She has the distinction of being the top senior in the Public Safety Careers program. MaKynna will be attending St. Clair County Community College to work towards her career goal of becoming a DNR officer.
While attending the Lapeer County Ed Tech MaKynna was involved in basketball and softball and was awarded varsity letters in both.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” MaKynna says, “I have enjoyed being a part of my Ed Tech program because it has pushed me to be the best that I can be.”
Welding & Machining Technology
Moises Ramos is from Imlay City High School and the son of Federico Ramos and Ana Ramos. He has the distinction for being the top senior in the Welding & Machining program.
While at Ed Tech he was awarded the Top Dog Award at Ferris State University for manual milling and during his free time, he enjoys lifting weights, fishing and working. After graduating from high school Moises has plans to attend Western Welding Academy for pipeline welding in Wyoming.
When asked the question, “What has it meant to you being a part of your program?” Moises says, “Learning new skills I never thought I would learn, such as measuring, reading blueprints and all of the welding processes. I would recommend this class to my peers and thought the instructors were the best!”
