Ebbing gains state recognition

CELINA - Mercer County Community Development Director Jared Ebbing is getting another feather to add to his cap.

The Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education plans to honor Ebbing for his contributions to advanced and technical education.

Ebbing will receive Ohio ACTE's 2018 Image Award during its education conference on July 23 at the Hilton Easton in Columbus.

The announcement of the Image Award comes fresh on the heels of Ebbing's being named Coldwater Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year for his many accomplishments that have affected the community during his tenure as county community development director.

A panel of 12 educators from around the state selected Ebbing from a pool of "six very deserving nominees" for the award that recognizes an individual who has brought positive attention to career technical and adult education to enhance the profile of the fields and their educators, Ohio ACTE Executive Director Christine Gardner told the newspaper.

It's the organization's only award for a non-educator, she pointed out, adding it aims to spotlight a person who "has gone to the effort to make sure that business and education is connected; that educators understand the needs of business leaders and employers understand the importance of working with their career tech program to be sure the interests of students are considered along with the needs of business."

Ebbing has been instrumental in forging these connections and supporting Tri Star Career Compact Director Tim Buschur with the expansion of career tech programs and the new building project, "which represents even more opportunities for students and an expanded workforce for local business," she said.
  He also volunteers on numerous school-related programs, she said. At Coldwater Exempted Village Schools, Ebbing helms the robotics program.

At an Ohio ACTE event, Ebbing shared with educators insights gained from his work as community development director.

"This shows his willingness to help other communities across Ohio replicate the good work being done in Mercer County and highlighting how successful relationships between education and business can be built," Gardner said.

Buschur said Tri Star officials appreciate everything Ebbing has done for career technical education. County commissioners, too, congratulated Ebbing on Tuesday morning.

"I'm very humbled that Tri Star nominated me and that the ACTE board chose me for this award," Ebbing told the newspaper. "I feel I'm just one of many people that are working to make sure our local communities and businesses have what they need for a prosperous future.

"I feel that my involvement in helping Tri Star whenever/wherever possible is a very important piece to that overall 'community improvement puzzle,' " he continued.

Ohio ACTE is is the only statewide, professional organization for all career-technical and adult educators and supporters, according to its website.

"Members include career-technical and adult educators in all parts of the state of Ohio and are teachers, instructors, administrators, directors and superintendents," the website states. "Together, association members work to provide exceptional instruction for students who want to get a head start on their career and enter the workforce with skills and knowledge that are in demand."