Choffin Ribbon Cutting
by Jason Vinkler


Another new beginning today for the Youngstown City Schools, as they cut
the ribbon on the newly renovated Choffin Career and Technical Center. The
building serves more than 500 students and 200 adults. Jason Vinkler took a
look around at some of the changes and brings us the story.

The cutting of the ribbon and re-dedication of the 35-year old Choffin
Career and Technical Center, marked the conclusion of a lengthy 10-Million
dollar renovation project, Joe Meranto, director and principal of Choffin
believes that the school's success can help contribute to a re-birth of the
city of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

"YOUNGSTOWN IS GOING TO TURN AROUND, AND YOUNGSTOWN CITY SCHOOLS IS GOING
TO BE PART OF IT BY OFFERING NEW AND STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES AND
PROGRAMS, SO OUR KIDS CAN THAT ARE GOING TO BE PREPARED FOR THE CAREERS OF
THE FUTURE."--Joe Meranto Director and Principal Choffin

The vocational school of the past has changed. While things are still much
more hands on than a traditional classroom setting, there are many new
programs. One is Biotechnology, which is in its third year, but its first
in a top of the line lab.

"WE DO A LOT OF RESEARCH PROJECTS. WE'RE USING HIGH-TECH INNOVATIVE
EQUIPMENT, THAT'S NOT EVEN AVAILABLE IN MOST HIGH SCHOOLS, SO IT'S A GREAT
NEW PROGRAM AND ALLOWS THE STUDENTS TO USE VERY VERY HIGH-TECH
EQUIPMENT."--Holly Welch Biotechnology Instructor

That's not the only program that's new, many traditional courses have
advanced over the years.

"CARPENTRY IS NOW CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY. WE'VE ADDED BIOTECHNOLOGY,
PRE-ENGINEERING, TEACHER TECH PREP. ON THE ADULT SIDE WE'VE OFFERED DENTAL
ASSISTING, SURGICAL TECH, PRACTICAL NURSING. WE'LL BE ADDING SOME NEW ADULT
PROGRAMS AS WELL. SO ONCE AGAIN, KEEPING PACE WITH WHATS GOING TO BE
HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE. AND PREPARING OUR YOUNG CITIZENS, AND OLDER
CITIZENS FOR THAT FUTURE."--Joe Meranto Director and Principal Choffin