WARREN Joe Lowe Day at TCTC honors a 'caring person'

The student's good behavior is a reflection of his home life, a supervisor said.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Joe Lowe isn't a star athlete or a champion debater -- it's his character that sets him apart, say administrators at Trumbull Career and Technical Center.
"He sees the glass in life as half full, not half empty," said Larry Crawford, academic supervisor.
Joe, 18, of Warren, is enrolled in the fabric service program, a course for special-needs students that prepares them for employability in the service industry.
The program
Students learn to wash, clean and repair clothing and furniture upholstery. They also print the program shirts worn by the student body, designating their fields of study.
"When I first came here I had come from being a principal at a small school where I knew everybody to being an administrator at a large school where I knew nobody," Crawford said.
"Joe came up and introduced himself and shook my hand.
"What he did by doing that was to break down barriers that separate people."
Joe's politeness has continued throughout the year and extends to other faculty and fellow students.
"I take kids to lunch sometimes and I told him that I'd take him anywhere he wants," Crawford said.
" 'He said Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's the best.' "
Crawford wrote a letter to Morgan's Foods in Beachwood, which owns and operates KFC restaurants throughout the area, telling them about Joe, his love of their product and asking for dinners for him and his 13 classmates.
The company responded by sending certificates for 14 two-piece meals for the class and five meals for Joe and his family.
Treated to lunch
With the school year winding down, Crawford delivered them to the class for lunch Thursday, proclaiming it Joe Lowe Day.
"It makes me happy," Joe said of the honor.
Diane K. Jamieson, TCTC special education supervisor, shares Crawford's view of the student.
"Joe loves school," she said. "He's a caring person who shows great compassion for others. I'm sure he's a reflection of his home life."
Crawford agreed.
"Joe is truly a gentleman," he said.