1,000 visit renovations, addition to Mahoning County Career Center

CANFIELD — More than one visitor to a dedication ceremony and open house Sunday at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center described the school as a “second home” because of the friendly and helpful teachers and staff.

Dedication of the center’s renovations and addition celebrated the school’s revitalization after the northwest wing was destroyed by a fire in May 2007. Renovation and rebuilding costs were $14 million.

Diane Kelly of Austintown toured the 35,000-square-foot expansion with her daughter Nicole Elko, a MCCTC graduate and now a Younstown State University student.

“I started YSU in the fall as a sophomore because the bio-technology classes I took gave me 16 credits,” Elko said. She praised teachers for giving students the opportunity for “hands-on” learning and exploring their own ideas.

Kelly said the school offered “so many opportunities.” She and her her daughter were among more than 1,000 people who toured the school Sunday afternoon, checking out the new information-technology labs, classrooms, conference center, new entrance and restaurant.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.