ONE ON ONE | Beverly Grappy Educator enjoys making a difference in kids' lives

You always seem to have a jubilant, enthusiastic attitude about your job. You really have fun here, don't you?
This is my 25th year in education, and I have loved every minute of it. I am very lucky because I've never had a job I didn't like.
How did you decide to change your career from cosmetology to education?
I have a cosmetology background, and I always loved it, but I wanted something different. I enjoyed starting the cosmetology program, and working with the students there, but this was a good opportunity.
Now you still help the students prepare for the work force, but in a different way?
In the cosmetology program, I saw the same group of students every day, and doing that, there is a special bond. Now I get to work with all the students and that's special, too.
What makes being at the career center so special?
I'd like to think I've had the opportunity to make a difference in kids' lives. They come into a vocational setting, and a lot of kids find themselves. Good things happen when you care about the kids. They come back and see you and they're excited to tell you how they're doing, and that's a very rewarding thing.
Tell me a little about the School-to-Work program.
The students do a summer internship between their junior and senior years, and then if they qualify, they participate in the senior mentorship program. They take their math and science and English courses here -- and those courses are related to their vocational field. Then they spend part of the day on the job.
You have spoken of being in a position to impact students' lives. Who would you say has had the most impact on your life?
My grandparents. I grew up on a farm, and it was wonderful. I had a great time. We had crops and a few cows, and a little milk route. I'd ride around with my grandpa and take milk and eggs and butter into town to what we called "the rich people."
So how did farming, and your grandparents, influence you?
Work is a learned experience, and growing up on a farm, you learn how to work. I was baling hay when my friends were doing other things. You carry that work ethic with you.
And your grandparents?
Their best influence on me was their unconditional love. That's what I'll never forget, and what I want to pass on to my own grandchildren.
You grew up in the area, and you've always lived here?
I grew up near East Liverpool and my husband, Fred, is from Leetonia.
What do you like about living in Columbiana County?
I like the small-town, community atmosphere. Fred just retired after being a dentist here for 43 years and he was just re-elected to Fairfield Township trustees. We both like to be part of the community, and we like to be involved.
You and Fred are very busy, but what do you like to do in your spare time?
Golf. I like to golf and I'm trying to get my husband to like it as much as I do. I really have a passion for it. When we go to Florida, we golf, and I drag him along with me. He's doing better, though.
What else do you like to do?
I'm involved in church activities and the career center booster organization. I've been a booster since my kids were in school. We raise money for scholarships. Some career center kids go to college, others to trade schools or directly into the work force. There's always a financial need, not only for tuition, but for the tools they need on the job.
Do you have a religious philosophy?
Be honest. Do the right thing and be a good person and try to set a good example for your kids, your grandkids and the other people around you.
What kind of music do you like?
Oh, I'm a product of the '60s, so I have to love rock 'n' roll. I love it all. It's fun and I love to have fun. I guess that's my personal philosophy. Always have fun, and when what you're doing isn't fun anymore, then move on.
What kind of food do you like?
I'm a nutrition nut, and so I try to eat healthy foods, a lot of nonfat foods, fish, chicken, things like that. I love to cook, too. Some people think I'm crazy, but I'd rather cook at home than eat out.