Culinary uses marshmallows to learn about teamwork

First semester this year was filled with learning curves as staff and students adjusted to virtual teaching practices. Programs were tasked with engaging their students in the curriculum via new and unfamiliar methods, mainly video conferencing. In an effort to prevent Zoom fatigue, many programs decided to create kits for students to work on while at home.

As of Jan. 19, students are back at OSTC-SE! Nine of our programs have returned to face-to-face instruction. Four days a week, students arrive, take off their coats, and hop right into the labs for the hands-on learning our campus is suited for. Each program is conducting interesting, action-oriented lessons aimed at preparing students for careers and post-secondary education.

Meet Peyton Maliszewski, a former Construction Technology student who is currently enrolled in the Welding program. Like many of our juniors, Peyton decided to return to OSTC-SE for his senior year in a different program.  

Second year Health Sciences and Madison Heights student Faith Quevedo has recently received some game-changing news. Through hard work and academic achievement, she earned a scholarship toward a bachelors degree at Michigan State University, in human biology with a minor in pre-medicine studies. The scholarship will cover her tuition, as well as room and board, for four years at MSU.  

On Nov. 24, 2020, our Engineering, Robotics, & Mechatronics instructor Steve Smitka received a letter from Governor Whitmer informing and congratulating him for being nominated for the 2021-2022 Michigan Teacher of the Year. Just recently Mr. Smitka learned of the very exciting news that he is among the candidates who have been chosen to advance to Part B of the selection process.  

OSTC-SE’s Dean’s List is comprised of students who earned an A for their first semester grade,  AND had the additional accomplishment of perfect attendance, attending every class with zero absences.  

OSTC-SE hosted an experiential learning event that allowed students to simulate living on their own for a month in the real world. Teens actively discovered for themselves how their choices could affect their financial future as they make decisions on expenditures while balancing their budgets.

Who would have ever thought marshmallows can serve a different purpose than being an edible treat? Students from OSTC-SE recently embarked on a new team game known as The Marshmallow Challenge.

Many current law enforcement officers assigned to road patrol will agree, much of their shift is spent in a patrol vehicle. To help show students the role a patrol car plays in the daily job of law enforcement, OSTC-SE recently purchased a former patrol car, allowing for authentic training.

Health Sciences and Criminal Justice students were recently involved in a live stream presentation of a human autopsy. Ray Volmer from the St. Louis University pathophysiology department demonstrated to our students various scenarios including, how healthy and unhealthy organs look different during the autopsy process.

Culinary Arts/Hospitality student Owen Hoerner from OSTC-SE and Berkley High School chose to compete with the Marketing class in DECA this year.

Cyber Security has purchased a new Cisco Certification Equipment Lab to enhance students’ hands-on training.

Our campus held its 5th annual College and Career Fair Oct, 2, 2019.  The fair featured over 30 colleges, universities, military branches and local journeyman organizations.  

Culinary instructors Chef Frank Costanzo and Chef Selene Toliver, along with instructional technicians Dalia Hempel and Chef Kryzia Garza, recently took more than 20 students to the annual Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) trade show held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, where the students were able to display their skills by participating in demonstrations.

Students from the Energy, Construction, Machining, Welding, and Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics programs had the opportunity to participate in unique DTE demonstration. OSTC-SE hosted the event, which was geared toward bringing attention to job openings and educational opportunities within the energy field.