It has been another exciting week at Diamond Oaks as our students continue to engage in meaningful career experiences beyond the classroom. On September 2, our Culinary Arts students attended the Gordon Food Service Columbus Show, where they explored industry trends, sampled products from major foodservice brands, and learned from professionals through interactive demonstrations and presentations. These opportunities help students connect classroom learning to real-world careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Our Welding seniors recently visited Bobcat to earn their forklift certifications, adding another valuable credential to their growing skill set. Meanwhile, students in the Veterinary Science program traveled to the Red Wolf Sanctuary, where they learned about wildlife conservation, ecosystem sustainability, and the important role each species plays in maintaining environmental balance. Experiences like these help our students develop both the technical knowledge and professional awareness needed for future success.
This week I also completed “Meet the Dean” visits with every junior and senior lab. During these meetings, I reviewed important expectations regarding uniforms, cell phone usage, and lunch procedures to help ensure a productive learning environment for all students. Just as importantly, I opened the floor for students to ask questions and share feedback now that the school year is underway. I appreciated their thoughtful questions and enjoyed getting to know many of our students a little better.
As we continue through the school year, our focus remains on helping students become Next Ready. Being Next Ready means more than learning technical skills; it means developing the habits, professionalism, responsibility, and communication skills that employers and colleges expect. Every field trip, certification opportunity, classroom lesson, and daily expectation is designed to prepare students for success in whatever path comes next.
I would also like to express how proud I am of our instructors. The experiences highlighted above do not happen by accident. They are the result of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to create meaningful learning opportunities, build industry partnerships, and prepare students for success beyond high school. Their commitment to our students and their careers is evident every day, and Diamond Oaks is fortunate to have such an outstanding team leading the way. We are proud of the progress our students are making and grateful for the incredible efforts of our staff in helping them achieve their goals.
Scott Colliflower
Dean of Instruction
Diamond Oaks Career Campus
