Around the River Bend

May 13th: Cosmetology State Exam

May 25th: Memorial Day holiday-no school

May 26th: River Bend Fun Day

May 28th: Heartsaver CPR class from 3:00-6:00 See below to register

June 3rd: River Bend Senior Awards Night, 6:00 p.m.

Taken from Linkedin.

"Not every student will choose college.
Not every student will pursue an apprenticeship.
Not every student will enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
And that’s okay.
Because not every path starts the same. Not every goal looks the same. And not every student has the same vision, opportunities, or life circumstances.
That’s the beauty of Career & Technical Education.
CTE is not a single destination. It’s a launch pad for whatever path a student wants.
It gives students real skills, exposure, and confidence that can lead in many different directions. College, apprenticeships, military service, entrepreneurship, straight into industry, or a mix of all of these.
Few educational models offer this kind of flexibility and relevance.
The goal of CTE isn’t to force students into one path. It’s to give them the tools to succeed on whichever path they choose.
Careers are rarely linear so why are we starting them off that way?"

Dylan Marshall, a student from Woodsville High School, came to River Bend with a clear goal: to explore the world of technology and figure out where he fits within it. Through the Cybersecurity program, he’s been able to do exactly that—learning by doing and discovering just how much he enjoys the field.

One of the skills Dylan is most proud of is something simple but essential: building usable ethernet cables. It’s hands-on, practical work that directly connects to real-world careers and has helped him understand how technology works behind the scenes. He was also excited by the opportunity to earn industry certifications while still in high school—an opportunity he fully embraced. Dylan has earned his CompTIA Security+ and A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) certifications, giving him a strong foundation and a competitive edge as he moves forward in the field.

That preparation quickly turned into opportunity. Dylan now works as an Information Technology Support Specialist at Wells River Savings Bank, a role that reflects both his skills and his initiative. For him, River Bend hasn’t just been a place to learn—it’s been a place to launch his career.

Outside of River Bend, Dylan stays busy and involved. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, plays sports, and continues building his knowledge of technology whenever he can. He’s also active in his community as a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 20. Whether in school or out, he values staying connected and continuing to grow.

Looking ahead, Dylan has his sights set on a future in network security. He plans to keep earning certifications, advancing his skills, and moving into more specialized roles over time. His drive is grounded in the example set by his parents, who both have backgrounds in technology and have played a major role in shaping his path.

When asked about his experience, Dylan doesn’t hesitate: River Bend stands out for its strong connections and the real opportunities it provides students. His advice for others is just as genuine—get involved, be friendly, and build relationships. Those connections, he says, can make all the difference, as long as you back them up with smart choices and a strong reputation.

Walk into Brad DeGoosh’s Construction Technology & Residential Energy program and you’ll immediately feel it, this isn’t a typical classroom. Students are on their feet, measuring, cutting, framing, and working together like a real construction crew. There’s a sense of purpose in the room, and it’s clear that what they’re learning has real value.

Through the program, students gain hands-on experience in both residential and commercial construction while working toward industry-recognized credentials through the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). In their first year, students focus on completing the NCCER Core, building a strong foundation in tool and worksite safety, construction math, blueprint reading, and building codes. These essential skills set the stage for everything that follows.

In their second year, students dive deeper into carpentry, working toward certifications in Floor Systems, Wall Systems, and Materials & Fasteners. As their technical skills grow, so does their confidence. Students begin to see themselves not just as learners, but as future professionals in the construction industry.

What makes this program stand out is how real it feels. Students aren’t just learning concepts; they’re applying them every day. From framing and roofing systems to insulation, estimating, and energy efficiency, every project connects to real-world applications. Academic skills in math and English/Language Arts are woven throughout, helping students understand how calculations, measurements, and communication play a critical role on the job.

That real-world connection extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Following the devastating floods of 2023, Phil Scott challenged Career and Technical Education centers across the state to help address Vermont’s housing shortage. As part of that effort, students have been involved in rehabbing flood-damaged mobile homes, repairing structures, replacing materials, and improving energy efficiency so these homes can once again provide safe housing for Vermonters. It’s meaningful work that shows students the true impact of their skills.

Back on campus, students are also building sheds for River Bend staff members, giving them the chance to take a project from start to finish. From planning and estimating materials to construction and final touches, these builds allow students to take ownership of their work while contributing something lasting to their school community.

Students consistently highlight what they take away from the program. As one student shared, “Safety on the job is everything—we learn how to do things the right way from the start.” Another noted, “It feels good knowing we’re learning how to keep homes warm and efficient using the right tools.”

The program also opens doors to a wide range of career pathways. Graduates may enter the workforce as carpenters, framers, or general contractors, or pursue careers as construction managers, inspectors, architects, or design engineers. Many continue their education through college programs in project management or engineering, while others move into apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC trades. Articulation agreements help make those next steps more accessible.

At its core, Construction Technology & Residential Energy is about more than learning how to build—it’s about building confidence, developing real-world skills, and making a difference. In Mr. DeGoosh’s program, students aren’t just preparing for the future—they’re actively shaping it.

Brad DeGoosh brings a lifetime of hands-on experience and community connection to River Bend Career and Technical Center as the Construction Trades and Residential Energy instructor. His path to RB reflects both professional respect for the program and deep personal roots in the field.

“I had worked with many of the staff at different points in my career,” Brad shares, “and I kept hearing what a great place River Bend was to work.” That reputation, combined with his passion for teaching and construction, made RB a natural fit.

Brad’s interest in the trades began early. As a student at Oxbow High School, he took a construction class that helped spark his interest in the field. Outside of school, he spent summers working alongside his uncles, gaining real-world experience in the building trades. Those early experiences eventually led him to build his own home—something he now brings into his teaching as a powerful, authentic example for students.

Though he holds a degree in Physical Education, Brad’s career has evolved to blend education, mentorship, and technical skill-building. At River Bend, he teaches Construction Trades and Residential Energy, helping students develop practical skills and explore pathways into high-demand careers.

Brad’s connection to River Bend is also personal. All three of his children attended the center, giving him a unique perspective as both an educator and a parent. He understands firsthand the impact that CTE programs can have on students’ confidence, direction, and future success.

Outside the classroom, Brad is actively involved in the school community as an assistant coach for both baseball and girls’ soccer at Oxbow High School, where he continues to mentor students through athletics.

And like many in the building trades, he appreciates the simple things—his favorite snacks are salt and vinegar chips and Reese’s peanut butter cups.

River Bend is fortunate to have Brad’s experience, dedication, and strong ties to the community shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Addison (Jamie) Eck, a student in River Bend’s 21st Century Media and Design program, is making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom through a partnership with Court Street Arts in Haverhill.

When Court Street Arts approached the program seeking support with layout, production, and social media design, instructor Tony Daniels saw an ideal match in Jamie. Known for their strong work ethic and natural design talent, Jamie quickly stepped into the role, taking ownership of projects and demonstrating both creativity and professionalism.

Through this collaboration, Jamie has contributed to marketing and visual design efforts that support the organization’s outreach and community presence. Rachel Buchanan of Court Street Arts shared her appreciation for the partnership, noting that Jamie has been instrumental in translating the organization’s vision into compelling visual designs. She highlighted Jamie’s openness to feedback and their ability to contribute fresh ideas and perspectives to each project.

This experience reflects the power of real-world learning opportunities at River Bend, where students apply their skills in authentic settings while building connections with local organizations. Jamie’s work exemplifies the high level of talent and dedication found in the 21st Century Media and Design program.

Heartsaver CPR Instructor: Tom Leeman, B.S., NRP, I/C

Dates: April 30, 2026; May 28, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 per person

The American Heart Association's (AHA) Heartsaver CPR course is a video-based, instructor-led course that teaches participants how to perform high-quality CPR, use an AED, and recognize and respond to choking in adults, children, and infants. The course also covers the Chain of Survival and how to provide effective breaths. It is designed for individuals with limited or no medical training who need to learn these lifesaving skills for work, home, or community situations. You need only attend one class to earn the credential.

To register, please contact Tracy Puffer via email at tracy.puffer@oesu.org or register online at https://www.rbctc.org/adult-education.

Summer 2026 CDL Training with Giroux Transportation

Dates: July 6 , 2026-August 14, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday

Location: River Bend Career and Technical Center 36 Oxbow Drive Bradford, VT

Cost: Class A-$7500

Class B-$4500

Class B upgrade to Class A-$5500

To register, please contact Tracy Puffer via email at tracy.puffer@oesu.org or register online at https://www.rbctc.org/adult-education.

Registration Deadline: June 19, 2026

$200 nonrefundable deposit required with registration

STUDENT MUST HAVE PERMIT AND DOT MEDICAL CARD IN HAND ON DAY ONE OF CLASS Scholarships are available:

FUNDING MUST BE VERIFIED PRIOR TO STARTING THE CLASS

VT Residents: Contact Stacey King at VSAC king@vsac.org

NH Residents: NH Charitable Foundation The Medallion Fund https://www.nhcf.org/

Minimum of 10 participants must register to run the course. Fewer than 10 will cause the course to be cancelled

The River Bend Career & Technical Center provides educational opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/civil union status, or any other characteristic prohibited by Federal or State law.