O hio Technical College/Power Sport Institute surprised two unsuspecting Allentown High School students with scholarships.
Allentown High School students Christopher Tyminski, 17, and Zachary Moran, 17, listen to Ronald Brenner, a representative of Ohio Technical College/Power Sport Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, about their scholarships. CHRIS KELLY staff Seniors Zachary Moran, 17, and Chris Tyminski, 17, wondered why family members and high school administrators gathered in the high school lobby on Dec. 22. Their confusion turned to glee when Ronald Brenner, a representative of Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, broke the news that the school had $17,500 scholarships for each of them to attend the Power Sports Institute in the fall.
Brenner recognized the students for earning second place for their submission to the National FFA Convention in Illinois.
“These two young men possess the necessary character and work ethic to be successful in this industry,” Brenner said.
Moran said the scholarship provides him with an opportunity to advance in his field of interest — mechanics.
“I feel honored,” he said about receiving the scholarship.
Although Tyminski plans to go to Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture to study agriculture and firefighting, he said he would not put attending Ohio Technical College out of his mind.
“It’s a great thing,” Tyminski said. “The FFA can open up all kinds of career paths.”
Tyminski said the project that he, Moran and other FFA students worked on for the national competition required research into irrigation systems, electrical farming equipment, and fungicide and pesticide application. Tyminski also did research on the John Deere Gator, a rough terrain vehicle.
“If you don’t like working with your hands, don’t be in the FFA,” said Tyminski, who is an officer in FFA this year.
Brenner said Tyminski and Moran represent the best of the best students in the FFA.
“I’m very impressed with the students and the commitment from the educators at the high school,” Brenner said. “It goes to show that everyone — from the principal, Dr. Christopher Nagy, to the instructor, Byron Nolan — are in it together and doing it right for the students.”
Nagy said Allentown High School is proud of its FFA program.
“I am very honored that my students had the opportunity to compete in the national competition, and that these two gentlemen made us very proud,” Nagy said. “They are well deserving and I wish them the very best in their future.”