Members of the Benjamin Logan High School Class of 2023 officially signed their “E” intent to be either Employed, Enrolled or Enlisted Monday, May 1.
Karen Gerrard, regional training coordinator at AGC Glass Company, joined Superintendent John Scheu and Principal Brian Powderly to emcee the event. Gerrard, who graduated from Benjamin Logan High School in 1986, shared her career journey with the class.
Back in 1995, she needed a job with insurance to support her children. She obtained a job at AGC, formerly known as AP Technoglass.
After a while, she wanted to apply for a team leader job and on her seventh try, she finally got the position, she told the students.
Later, she changed to a first shift job as a behavior-based safety facilitator. The speaker said she immersed herself in that role, trained in California, and had a very good safety record. This position allowed her to travel to Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Mexico, Hungary and Canada to attend and speak at conferences.
She then achieved a promotion in human resources, that role led to a job in training, and just last week was promoted to regional training coordinator for North America.
Her goal was always to be a role model and a positive influence for her kids. She wanted to lead her children by example so she enrolled in college to obtain her associate’s degree with Edison State. In 2010, she was the first person in her family to receive a college degree.
She inspired her own kids to attend and complete college and she is proud that they are working in a field related to their degree.
What started as a goal of getting a job for insurance and supporting her family became her career. Doors opened for her that she had never dreamed of and she was afforded opportunities at AGC because she had the willingness, the drive and the support of her husband and children. AGC gave her dreams and new goals to reach for, Gerrard related.
“I am not sure which path you have chosen, but whatever you do, don’t just go through it, grow through it,” she said. “Life is truly a journey. It is hard to know what your niche will be, but like all of us had to do, you will have to get started and find your way.”
Ohio Army National Guard Pfc. Jill Smith, a 2022 Marysville High School graduate, also shared about her decision to enlist.
“The best part about the National Guard is that I get to go home to my bed every night and be with my family every day and get to live that civilian life and not just be enlisted,” she said.
“I can also have the opportunity to be enrolled in school and have the military pay for it or be employed and if I am called for duty I will always have my job at home.”
During her junior year in high school, she was recruited and within a month she enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard. It will be two years this month. Smith said has enjoyed every bit of it and has made friends all over the world.
She said she loves talking with high school students to let them know that no matter what, the military is going to be there for them to fall back on. Smith related that she has never regretted her decision to enlist.
“If you don’t think someone is proud of you, be proud of yourself because you are always going to be there for you no matter what.”
Logan County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ben Vollrath praised the group on their decisions and urged them to consider returning to Logan County in the future, no matter what path they have chosen.
“It’s not about one perfect path. There are many options whether you employ, enlist, or enroll. Our community is here for you. We want you to be in a spot that you are excited about. We need you in this community.
“I hope you choose to come back and use the chamber resources at your disposal. If you like the things that have been happening in Logan County, we hope you come back to make a difference in your hometown.”
Seventy students signed certificates declaring whether they are committing to an institution of higher education, to the Armed Forces, or starting work at an area business upon graduation.