When Inspiring Others, You CAN Go Home Again

Published 03.15.2012

News
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
Student News
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies News

Benjamin J. Patton, back at his alma mater Front row: William Rearick, left, and Luke C. Laughlin; back row: Benjamin J. Patton, left, and Scott M. ZieglerThree Penn College students returned home over Spring Break, sharing the benefits of their postsecondary education with three classes at Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School. Carol A. Lugg, coordinator of matriculation and retention for the School of Natural Resources Management, joined the trio Luke C. Laughlin and Scott M. Ziegler, of Butler, and Benjamin J. Patton, of Prospect for presentations to about 50 Butler AVTS students. Ziegler, majoring in on-site power generation, and Patton, enrolled in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, are graduates of the school; Laughlin, also majoring in heavy construction equipment technology: technician emphasis, graduated from Butler High School. "It was cool to see the high school students in the same situation that I was in just one year ago and, now, here I am answering their questions about college life," Laughlin said of the March 9 visit. "It was great to encourage students to think about attending college and share with them how we are working at making a Penn College degree possible," Patton added. Also enjoying the students' homecoming was William Rearick, instructor of heavy equipment repair at Butler AVTS: "As their past vocational instructor, it was a rewarding moment to see (Patton and Ziegler) in front of present students, giving testimony that you should seek further education, and break the mold of 'College is not for everyone.'" Rearick said his students were very involved in the discussion, asking decisive questions for the future technicians. "I really didn't mind giving up a little time on my Spring Break to talk to students from Butler AVTS," Ziegler said. "I enjoyed seeing Mr. Rearick again and catching up with him about how everything has been going for me at Penn College." Photos by Carol A. Lugg