Non-traditional female student recognized at Central Mountain
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By AVERY HEVERLY
For The Express
MILL HALL -- Darci Page, a sophomore at Central Mountain High School, has received the title of being the first female student to acquire the NIMS-Certification in Precision Machining.
This course, and a handful of KCSD's other Career and Technology courses, are predominantly male-dominated courses. The Pennsylvania Department of Education marks this course as a non-traditional course for females who are involved.
Precision Machining is not the only Career and Technology course Page is involved in. She is also enrolled in Auto CAD 2 with Fred Hoy where she draws using a 3D technique in various different programs.
The Precision Machining course is instructed by Shan Packer. Packer states, "Although a young lady in a predominantly male CTC class, Darci exemplifies a model precision machining student. Her accomplishment goes far beyond the non-traditional student that Darci represents. Darci's success is built upon hard work, dedication to the craft, and constantly striving to advance her skills."
Packer advises that, "All non traditional students with an interest for machining, or any technical career, should embrace the opportunity with all their resolve. Darci's rapid advancement in the precision machining program provides all students, regardless of background, an example of rewards for embracing a chosen career path."
In the process of earning her certification, Page has taken up an interest in beverage coaster making. Just before the start of winter break, she made and distributed CM Wildcat coasters to faculty and staff members of Central Mountain High School. She was able to enlist help sanding the coasters from students in Mr. Lenny Rutecki's Special Needs class.
Director of Keystone Central Career and Technology Kurt Lynch, is one to recognize the benefits of having non-traditional students involved in these programs. "Having these students involved helps the program with funding and it ultimately benefits them in the long run." Lynch comments on the importance of including these non-traditional students into these programs. "Once you break the barrier, it grows."
Page is proud of her achievements thus far on her educational path. "I feel pretty good about it considering I passed all of my exams and I was able to pass them as a non-traditional student."
She recognizes her accomplishments by stating that her success came to her from thoroughly enjoying the class. Enjoying what you are doing often pushes you to want to excel in whatever you are passionate about. When asked if this is a career she would like to pursue in the future, she gladly replied, "Yes!"