CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN) - If you have ever been curious about what happens at a technical school and would love to enjoy a flurry of activities, food and learning, head out to a special event at Trumbull County Career and Technical Center this week.
TCTC is holding a very special event called Community Night for anyone who wants to learn more about the school and have a great time.
"TCTC is just a great resource for our community. The education that we offer the students is just unbelievable," said TCTC Community Engagement Coordinator Morgan Tondo Cretella. "This is our fourth year offering Community Nights. It's just a great opportunity to engage with the community, open our doors to the public, and welcome all of the support that we have from our residents to come out for all the different things that we offer here in the Career Center."
There will be things to do and see all over the school, including 35 different community partners set up in the cafeteria.
"They're going to share information, answer questions about all of the services and resources that they have available for Trumbull County residents," said Cretella. "We've got things from health care, Mercy Health to educational partners. We also have Mosquito Lake State Park coming, and they do a nice, fun, interactive display."
The 35 partners that will be at Community Night will have the opportunity to answer questions and share all of the available support and resources they have available. There will be many things to see and do for people of all ages.
"It's a ton of fun. We have a lot of different activities that are available. We've got face painting, bracelet making. We're going to have animal interactions. Our veterinary science program will be open, and they can see all the small animals. Our Equestrian Studies Barn is going to be open. They'll be able to do pony rides and some horse demonstrations," said Cretella. "There's also going to be things like copper brazing demos, and they're going to have a small auto show that our auto services instructor has organized. There are blood draws that the phlebotomy students are going to be able to facilitate."
Some of TCTC's STEM teachers are going to facilitate some STEM-based activities where people can make their own ice cream and even a lava lamp.
The hands-on event wouldn't be possible without the support of the community and the partners, and the annual Community Event is a way TCTC gets to say thank you. You won't leave hungry either, as there will be a lot of food available for purchase from several food trucks.
"Obviously, the food is something that folks can purchase, but everything else the rest of the night is free. It's a very positive experience," said Cretella. "I think all of our staff even feels like there's a vibe in the air. We all have a lot of fun. You can tell all the visitors are having a great time, but it's informal. They can kind of walk around, explore at their own pace."
The event will be prefaced with a ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m. for the Equestrian Studies Barn. Community Night is happening on Thursday, April 24, from 6 until 8 p.m. The event will be prefaced with a ribbon cutting at 5:15 p.m. for the Equestrian Studies Barn, which is also open to the public.
Trumbull County Career and Technical Center is located at 528 Educational Highway. Call 330-847-0503 and visit TCTCHome.com for more information. You can also find TCTC on Facebook.