MOUNT VERNON — Knox County Career Center (KCCC) recognized two former board members and welcomed two new members recently.
Ruby Miller served on the KCCC School Board from April 1996 to Dec. 31, 2008, and then again from January 2010 to Dec. 31, 2020. She also served from 1984 to 2020 on the Knox Educational Service Center School Board. Ruby stepped down from the KCCC School Board and Knox Educational Service Center School Board to continue her fight against cancer.
Miller, who recently passed away in November 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer, enriched the educational experience for countless students in Knox County during her service on the boards.
Her fondness for learning, unrivaled love for the students in Knox County, and battle-tested experience as a board member spanning nearly four decades made her a tremendous asset to the schools and community.
“Ruby loved serving as a board member, and her passion for serving endured even toward the end of her life as she continued to serve as a board member while managing poor health and cancer treatments,” said Ruby Miller’s daughter, Carla Douglas.
“Ruby will most certainly be missed by her friends in the Knox County schools, as well as by the students she impacted during her time serving on the board.
Although Miller is no longer with us, the contributions she made to Knox County will live on, and her example of service, sacrifice, and leadership will give us all something to aspire to, the KCCC stated.
Mary Jean Theaker served on the KCCC School board from Jan. 1, 1996, to Dec. 31, 2021. SHe retired from teaching in 1988 after teaching at Mansfield City, Ontario, and Lexington.
Theaker said she loves what KCCC offers students.
“KCCC is where it’s happening. Students find themselves and in two years they have a skill,” Theaker said. “Students are excited to go to school and it’s just an amazing experience for these students.”
Theaker has fond memories of her time serving on the KCCC School Board.
“I have some life-long friends at KCCC. I would always go to the award ceremony over at the MVNU Chapel,” Theaker said.
“KCCC offers such a good atmosphere for students. It saves a lot of students and they learn new skills, learn how to behave, and learn how to be respectful.”
Theaker also had the opportunity to spend time with students.
“I enjoyed going to the JROTC Ball, chaperoning a bus trip for JROTC, and going on a trip to Gettysburg with students,” Theaker said. “I also had the opportunity to go on a KCCC all-female led trip to refuel a plane in the air. I got to see it happen and it was really neat.
“Ruby and Mary Jean always brought joy to each board meeting with their humor and bright outlook on life. I always appreciated their support personally and how much they cared about our students,” said Kathy Greenich, KCCC Superintendent.
Richard McLarnan, KCCC Board President, added, “Ruby and Mary Jean were nice ladies and very conscientious. They were always looking at ways to improve things for students at KCCC.”
KCCC welcomed two new boards members–one a little over a year ago and one this month.
Vicky Bechtel took her position on the board on Jan. 1, 2021. Bechtel served on the Knox Educational Service Center School Board for 10 years prior to being appointed to the KCCC School Board.
“I have worked with young people as a 4-H Advisor for 39 years. I enjoy working with young people and on behalf of young people,” Bechtel said.
Bechtel believes in the importance of career tech.
“Career tech is very important today as it is less expensive than college,” Bechtel said. “Not everyone needs or wants to go to college. Career tech helps train for jobs we need in society.
“Vicki stepped in to finish Ruby’s term during the pandemic. I have appreciated her jumping right in when education has not been normal,” Greenich said.
Bill Hope took his position on the board in February 2022. Hope has served as the owner of two successful small businesses over his 30-year career. He served as co-owner and general manager of an engineering software company located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Hope also was the owner and president of Alumni Roofing Company in Lexington. In addition, he was a member of several local educational and non-profit boards.
Hope sees the importance of career tech in our society today.
“Students today want to have options for a variety of career choices. A Career Tech Education builds academic and technical skills that directly relate to today’s jobs but can also kick start their college education,” Hope said.
“Our economy has a real need for skilled workers. I saw this first-hand as a former owner of a construction company. I hope that my experiences as a business owner and engineer can help to improve the quality of education at KCCC.”
Hope wants students to know what’s on the horizon.
“Students need to know that the future is incredibly bright for those who are reliable, committed to continuous improvement, and work well with others,” Hope said.
Greenich noted, “We are looking forward to working with Bill. He is bringing years of experience as a business owner and a board member. His knowledge paired with our other board members will prove to be an asset to our district and students.”
