MOUNT VERNON – Knox County Career Center (KCCC) recognized two former board members and welcomed two new members recently.
The first honoree is Ruby Miller, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in November 2021. Miller had served on the KCCC school board from 1996 to 2008, and then again from 2010 to 2020. She also served from 1984 to 2020 on the Knox Educational Service Center school board.
Ruby Miller’s daughter, Carla Douglas, said in the release that her mother never lost her passion for education and served on the board even during cancer treatments.
“Ruby will most certainly be missed by her friends in the Knox County schools, as well as by the students she impacted during her time serving on the board,” Douglas said.
The second honoree is Mary Jean Theaker, who served on the KCCC school board from 1996 to 2021. Theaker retired from teaching in 1988 after teaching at Mansfield City, Ontario and Lexington.
“KCCC is where it’s happening,” Theaker said. “Students find themselves and in two years they have a skill.”
KCCC superintendent Kathy Greenich said, “Ruby and Mary Jean always brought joy to each board meeting with their humor and bright outlook on life. I always appreciated their support personally and how much they cared about our students.”
New board members
Vicky Bechtel, who joined the board on Jan. 1, 2021, previously served on the Knox Educational Service Center school board for 10 years.
Bechtel said, “I have worked with young people as a 4-H adviser for 39 years. I enjoy working with young people and on behalf of young people.”
“Vicki stepped in to finish Ruby’s term during the pandemic,” Greenich said. “I have appreciated her jumping right in when education has not been normal.”
The second new board member is Bill Hope, who joined in February. During a 30-year business career, he co-owned a software engineering firm in Philadelphia and owned Alumni Roofing Company in Lexington. In addition, he has served on several educational and nonprofit boards.
Hope sees the importance of career tech in society today.
“Students today want to have options for a variety of career choices. A career tech education builds academic and technical skills that directly relate to today’s jobs but can also kick start their college education,” he said.
Greenich said, “We are looking forward to working with Bill. He is bringing years of experience as a business owner and a board member. His knowledge paired with our other board members will prove to be an asset to our district and students.”
