LISBON — Columbiana County Career and Technical Center held a signing day on Thursday for the senior students.  

The students, many of them with their families present to celebrate with them, signed a commitment with the company they would be working at after graduation, or a college or post-secondary education institution or for military enlistment.  

Students one by one with their families, if present, signed their commitments, had a photo taken and were presented with a proclamation from state Rep. Monica Robb Blasel and/or other accolades they had earned. Those enlisting in the military were presented with the stole representing their branch of service to wear with their graduation gown.

There were seven CCCTC students who enlisted in the military — five with the U.S. Army and two with the U.S. Navy.  

Rosario Pantoja,17, Columbiana, had her mom Christina Villagomez, her uncle Alijah Walker and her grandmother Angelita Villagomez with her when she signed her commitment to Ohio State ATI in Wooster where she plans to major in Animal Bioscience because she enjoys working with animals.  

“The career center taught me that I work well with animals, and I like to groom animals,” Rosario said.  

Rosario will be starting at Ohio ATI in August.  

Gage Hicks, 18, East Palestine, was joined by his mother Tara as he signed his commitment to Operating Engineers Local 66.  

Because of his interest and experience with working in a garage, Gage trained in welding and fabrication at CCCTC. He noted his dad taught him a bit, and he found it interesting.  

He will begin an apprenticeship with Operating Engineers Local 66 through a business to be determined later. He is looking forward to beginning as soon as possible but has to wait until after graduation when he is able to provide his diploma and transcripts and goes through a testing and interview. He is hopeful to begin by mid-summer.  

Kyila Randolph,17, Beaver Local, was surrounded by her family parent Jeff and Deanna Tice, sister Brinley Tice, 13 and brother Nolan Tice, 9, who all showed their support by wearing University of Mount Union shirts as she signed her commitment to institution in Alliance.  

Kyila, who has been already committed to the University of Mount Union cheerleading squad, said she decided to go to the university because she likes the campus and she likes the cheerleading program, as she has been a cheerleader for 12 years.  

Kyila is still considering her options as to what she wants to major in and is leaning toward sports medicine or sports business.  

Kyila’s dad said he was glad to see her taking the next step and that she is continuing with cheerleading since that is something he enjoys and looking forward to seeing where this journey takes her. Her mom said she is proud of all her accomplishments and is looking forward to seeing Kyila out on the field as she cheers and watching her take the next steps.  

Kyila will begin at Mount Union in August.  

Isaiah Huddleston, 18, Salem, was joined by his proud but worried parents Carl and Valerie Cranston, as he was one of five CCCTC students who signed their commitments to the U. S. Army on Thursday.  

Isaiah is following in the footsteps of his dad, who is a decorated combat veteran and a Purple Heart recipient, and both grandparents with enlistment into the U.S. Army. 

Isaiah said his dad was a big reason for his decision to join the military, but it was also something he has always wanted to do.  

“I love my country, I love being here, I love the United States, and I want to do what I can to give back,” Isaiah said. He noted that he selected the army out of all the service branches because he thinks the army is the coolest and because of his dad who has been a big inspiration to him. 

Isaiah leaves to begin his basic combat training (BCT) at Fort Benning on June 8.