New Philadelphia, OH (November 19, 2025) - Buckeye Career Center has named the November Student of the Month recipients. Two high school students were chosen for the honor for demonstrating November’s core value of collaboration. An Adult Education student was also named for the honor.
The first high school winner is Natural Resources senior Daleney Baker. Baker attends BCC from Newcomerstown, where she is active in volleyball, band, and softball. Baker also volunteers for the Newcomerstown biddy volleyball program and Praise Band with the Christ Methodist Church. She is also involved in the Reach Out Planning Committee for church camp. Baker is an FFA member and served as BCC’s FFA treasurer last school year. Her Natural Resources instructor, Ms. Chelsie Kotlar, nominated her for the award. “Daleney demonstrated exceptional collaborative skills during a recent group project, writing a forest management plan for BCC. Daleney transformed what could have been a fragmented group effort into a cohesive and successful collaborative experience,” commented Kotlar. Following graduation, Baker hopes to obtain a job as an arborist. She is the daughter of Shawn and Amy Baker.
The second high school winner is Landscaping senior Traegan Swonger. Swonger attends BCC from Carrollton. Swonger is a two-year junior member at church and has participated in the Landscape Olympics for BCC for the past two years. Swonger’s Landscaping instructor, Mr. Bruce Vandall, nominated him for the honor. “Landscape design isn’t something that is welcomed by many because it is hard and time-consuming. Traegan has stepped out of his comfort zone and taken to giving it his best attempt,” said Vandall. “He has competed in the landscape design competition and placed seventh.” Upon graduation, Swonger plans to begin working and eventually hopes to start his own landscaping company. He is the son of Tiffany Swonger Parker.
November’s Adult Education Student of the Month is Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) student Brady Positano. Positano is a graduate of Harrison Central and attended Pennsylvania Western University to obtain a degree in fisheries and wildlife biology. He is employed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. Positano enrolled in the LETA program to create opportunities for himself while also gaining the necessary certifications to begin a career in law enforcement. “He never needs to be reminded of things and completes the task at hand without question,” commented Dobbins. “He is a natural born leader and I feel I would be remiss if I did not honor his efforts in helping others even though he is above and beyond (even with a current shoulder injury) of the fitness standards.” After graduation, he plans to become an MWCD ranger at Tappan Lake Park.
The three were honored at the November Board of Education meeting.