Since 1968, Eastland-Fairfield has welcomed thousands of learners from all over central Ohio into its classroom to prepare them for better lives and careers. They speak for the impact that career technical education can make on an individual, family, community, and industry.
Join us as we reconnect with our alumni and hear their stories about how one decision helped to set the course for their life journey.
If you are an alumnus and would like to reconnect and share your story with us, visit www.EastlandFairfield.com/alumnistory
To view more alumni spotlights and stories, click here!
Sarah Rubin | Pre-Nursing | Class of 2018 | Dental Assisting
What is your favorite memory as a student?
SkillsUSA trips!
What are you currently up to?
I am currently a lead general/surgical assistant at a dental office. I'll be going back to school for my bachelors degree in chemistry so I can go to dental school to become a DENTIST!
If you could have dinner with any staff member, past or present, who would it be?
Sheri Sauer and Ed Eblin! These two are a trip, separately and together, and I ALWAYS enjoy every conversation with them.
What advice would you give EFCTS students and future graduates?
Its okay to take a break to explore your options. You have time!
Luke Parsons | Pre-Nursing
What was your favorite memory as a student?
My favorite memory was participating in SkillsUSA and being apart of SLT and my Pre-Nursing lab.
What are you up to?
I am an RN at Nationwide Children’s Hospital on their infectious disease floor.
What advice would you give students and future EFCTS graduates?
Don’t give up on your dreams, and don’t be afraid to change your mind!
Michelle Halsell | Class of 2002 | Banking and Finance
What is your favorite memory as a student?
My favorite memory as a student at Eastland Career Center was competing with Business Professionals of America (BPA). Our team went to Chicago and it was my first time flying on an airplane.
What are you up to?
I currently work as the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting for Franklin County. I have four daughters and one son. I have two precious granddaughters and attend X Church. My hobbies include spending time with family, extreme couponing and traveling.
What advice would you give to students and future EFCTS graduates?
Never give up! You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Make good choices!
If you could have dinner with any staff member, past or present, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with any teacher, it would be Mrs. Briggs. She was my lab teacher and always believed in me and pushed me to do my best. I don't know where I would be without her and the career center.
Michael Davis | Class of 2018 | Culinary Arts
What is your favorite memory as a student?
Being on the student advisory committee and being a student ambassador and helping with the special events at the school and showing the public what we were all about.
What are you up to?
I currently work at Teays Valley Local Schools at one of the elementary schools, am very involved in church, and I love trying new coffee shops I’ve never been to before.
What advice would you give to students and future EFCTS graduates?
You get what you put into your future. Give it all your best and it will come back around.
Katie Hill | Class of 2015 | Dental Assisting
What is your favorite memory as a student?
All the friends I made, all the teachers were very personable, especially Mrs. Sauer! She was the best and definitely a mentor.
What are you up to now?
I’m married to my high school sweetheart and living in Grove City. I work full-time as a medical assistant at Ohio ENT and Allergy Physicians. I didn’t stay in Dental Assisting but still in the same realm and I love it! I do think that my time at Eastland helped me get to where I am now!
What advice would you give to future graduates?
Enjoy high school while it lasts. I had my best memories in high school!
David J. Taynor, Esq. | Class of 2003
What is your favorite memory as a student?
The sense of community and camaraderie that I felt. We did the locks of love fundraiser where we put on a skit for the entire school. I loved being a part of that.
What are you up to now?
I am currently an attorney focusing on criminal defense, family law, personal injury, civil, and small business law. I am married with 2 wonderful boys. I am a season ticket holder for Ohio State football and an avid golfer.
What advice would you give to students and future EFCTS graduates?
Don't get so laser focused that you forget to slow down and enjoy the journey. You may think you have everything figured out now, but be flexible and let yourself explore other areas. If you make a mistake that's ok. Just take a mental note and do your best and keep moving forward.
If you could have dinner with any one staff member, past or present, who would it be?
My lab teacher. I would want to show him that I became successful and that he was a huge part of that.