The Washington County Career Center honors its May Students of the Month, Chyla Sephfus and Nathan Ritzman.
Chyla Sephfus is a Belpre senior enrolled in the Patient Health Care program, and she is the daughter of Terry and Carla Sephfus of Vincent.
At the Career Center, Sephfus is a member of the SkillsUSA youth organization and the National Technical Honor Society. She holds the offices of Chapter President of SkillsUSA and President of her technical program. Last school year, she competed in the Health Knowledge Bowl for the SkillsUSA Regional Competition. Sephfus has received awards for Principal List, Honor Roll, and the Career Center’s W.I.S.H. List for meeting all three criteria for 3.0 GPA or higher, 95% attendance or higher, and no office referrals. Previously enrolled at Warren High School, she was active in JV cheerleading, marching band, pep band, and choir. Through her technical program, she earned industrial credentials in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA). She has earned certifications for Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Bloodborne Pathogens, Epinephrine Auto Injector, Oxygen Administration, and Professional Rescuer. She has taken dual credit classes for English Composition and Principles of Chemistry I & Lab, which will give her both college and high school credit. Sephfus received two nominations for this honor from Patient Health Care instructor, Emma Otstot, and English instructor, Chris Swarr. Both instructors commented on special traits and roles Sephfus carries such as dedicated, motivated, talented, perfectionist, strong leadership qualities, and high ethical standards.
Sephfus is employed at Belpre Landing as an STNA. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Washington State Community College to obtain an Associate’s as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Additionally, she plans to enroll in the Certified Surgical Technologist program at the Career Center – Adult Technical Training.
Nathan Ritzman is a Marietta senior enrolled in the Sports Medicine & Exercise Science program, and he is the son of Jeff and Susan Ritzman of Marietta.
At the Career Center, Ritzman is a member of the SkillsUSA youth organization and he has received awards for Principal List and the Career Center’s W.I.S.H. List for meeting all three criteria for 3.0 GPA or higher, 95% attendance or higher, and no office referrals. At Marietta High School, he is active in Varsity football and track. For the last four years, Ritzman has coached the Youth Flag Football Team through the YMCA as well as for Marietta High School. He is a mentor for Putnam Elementary by helping students with their homework as well as teaching life skills. In his technical program, Ritzman earned certifications in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT). Additionally, he has earned college credit for Introduction to Nutrition, Manage of Athletic Injuries, Personal Fitness Concepts, and Resistive Training. Sports Medicine & Exercise Science instructor, Lauren Copen, nominated him for this honor and commented on special traits and roles that Ritzman carries such as responsible, respectful, helpful, reliable, dependable, strong work ethic, and upholds a high level of integrity.
This fall, Ritzman will be attending Slippery Rock University, in Pennsylvania, to obtain a Master’s in Athletic Training. With this degree, he aspires to work for a college or professional team.
Photos: Chyla Sephfus, Nathan Ritzman