Buckeye Career Centers Students of the Month for September are McKenzie Dunfee (left), Charlie Swartzentruber (center) and Olivia Tope (right). (Submitted photo)

New Philadelphia, Ohio - Buckeye Career Center has announced September's Students of the Month. 

Two high school students were chosen for the honor for demonstrating responsibility/accountability, this month’s core value. An adult education student was also named for the honor.

September’s female Student of the Month is McKenzie Dunfee.

McKenzie is a Culinary Arts senior and the daughter of Brennen and Melissa Dunfee. She is employed at Dover McDonalds and enjoys reading and listening to music. 

At Dover High School, McKenzie was on the tennis team for two years, Interact for one year and the Art club for one year. At Buckeye, she is president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). 

Culinary Arts instructor Mike Starlin says McKenzie is an outstanding example of what a great attitude looks like. 

“She comes to the Culinary lab ready to do whatever needs done. She understands that sometimes things just need to be done on the job and having the right attitude going into those tasks makes all the difference in the world. Kenzie has competed at the highest level of FCCLA and excels in the academic classroom.” 

She has already been accepted to the Columbus Culinary Institute at Bradford Schools, where she plans to continue her studies.

September’s male Student of the Month is Charlie Swartzentruber.

Charlie is a double lab senior in Electrical Systems Technology and HVAC-R and the son of Dan Swartzentruber and Sharlee Swartzentruber of New Philadelphia. He is employed at Dutch Valley Restaurant and likes to ride dirt bikes in his spare time. His home school is New Philadelphia.

Electrical Systems Technology instructor Jeremy Burdick says Charlie is known for going above and beyond and has received exceptional grades on all of his required coursework and assessments. 

In fact, Charlie has been so dedicated to his learning that he completed his high school required academics early to take HVAC during his senior year. 

"In lab, Charlie is the first to sacrifice his personal time without being asked," Burdick says. "On many occasions, Charlie has stayed after class to help clean and organize the lab without complaint. Charlie has repeatedly volunteered to attend after-school events and serve as an ambassador to our program. When it comes to job-specific projects or tasks, Charlie has proven on many occasions that he can be counted on to finish any project and finish it correctly. Without a doubt, Charlie’s character exemplifies responsibility and accountability!” 

Upon graduation, Charlie plans to start his career in the electrical field as a commercial/industrial electrician.

September’s Adult Student of the Month is Olivia Tope of New Philadelphia. 

Olivia is in the evening Medical Assisting class and works at Buckeye Beverage. 

When asked why she attends Buckeye, Olivia stated, “I didn’t want to spend years in college when I could come here and finish in 9 months. It seemed like the best option to begin a career.” 

Upon her completion in the spring, she’d like to get a job as a Medical Assistant and eventually further her education.

The three were honored at the September Buckeye Career Center Board of Education meeting and received photo banners to commemorate the honor. The high school winners and nominees also received lunch from Principal Fockler.         

BUCKEYE CAREER CENTER