February Newsletter

Southern Ohio Career Academy (SOCA) is excited to announce a new partnership with Sojourners, a local community care network dedicated to empowering youth through workforce development and career exploration. Through this collaboration, SOCA will be adopting the YouthBuild Career Pathway Program, bringing hands-on skilled trades training directly to students.

Southern Ohio Career Academy (SOCA), a tuition-free public high school located in Chillicothe, Ohio, has always been committed to helping students who may have fallen behind in traditional school settings rediscover their path to success. With small class sizes, personalized learning, and strong relationships between students and staff, SOCA works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to recover credits, graduate, and prepare for life beyond high school.

This new partnership with Sojourners marks an exciting step forward in SOCA’s mission to provide meaningful career pathways for students. Through the YouthBuild program, SOCA will begin offering Carpentry and Electrical Trades pathways designed to give students real-world, hands-on experience in high-demand industries while still completing their high school education.

The YouthBuild program focuses on preparing students for the workforce by combining classroom instruction with practical skill development. Students participating in the program will gain exposure to the skilled trades, develop job-site skills, and have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA 10, helping them build a strong foundation for apprenticeships, employment, or continued technical education after graduation.

SOCA believes that preparing students for the workforce is essential, and this partnership reflects the school’s commitment to expanding opportunities that connect education with real careers. Skilled trades such as carpentry and electrical work are in high demand across Ohio and the nation, and these programs will allow students to begin exploring these career paths while still in high school.

In addition to the skilled trades pathways offered through the YouthBuildprogram, SOCA is continuing to expand career-focused learning opportunities for students. The school is currently working to introduce additional programs including State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and Cosmetology, giving students opportunities to explore careers in healthcare and personal services as well.

SOCA also currently offers the RISE Up Customer Service and Sales certification, a nationally recognized credential that helps students develop professional communication, customer service, and workplace readiness skills valued by employers across the country.

Southern Ohio Career Academy remains committed to building strong partnerships with organizations and businesses that share the same vision for empowering young people in our community. By expanding career pathways and providing real-world training opportunities, SOCA continues to help students turn challenges into opportunities and prepare for successful futures.

Southern Ohio Career Academy

Chillicothe, Ohio
A place for second chances, strong futures, and real opportunities.

At SOCA, teachers do more than just teach lessons, they help shape who students become. One teacher who really stands out is Zach, who has been teaching for about five to six years.

Zach decided to become a teacher because he wanted to work with kids. He enjoys being around students and having the chance to guide them during important years of their lives. Even though his teaching license is in social studies, he currently teaches math and career classes. No matter what subject he teaches, his main goal stays the same: helping students grow.

When asked about his favorite part of teaching, Zach said it’s the relationships he builds with his students. He believes that forming strong connections makes a big difference in the classroom. When students feel comfortable and understood, they are more likely to succeed.

Zach hopes his students learn more than just school subjects. He wants them to become decent citizens and community members who contribute positively to society. To him, success isn’t just about grades; it’s about becoming a good person.

What motivates Zach to keep teaching is seeing the impact he has on students’ lives. He enjoys watching students succeed, especially after they’ve left his class. Knowing he helped them in some way makes his job meaningful.

Zach says he doesn’t give a lot of direct advice. Instead, he shares his own life experiences, the good and the bad, and encourages students to keep pushing through whatever challenges they’re facing. He wants them to understand that struggles are normal and that they shouldn’t give up.

One thing Zach wishes students understood is that teachers are regular people too. They were once students themselves, some successful, some not, and they’ve gone through many of the same experiences students are dealing with now. He hopes that if students realize this, they might take their teachers’ advice more seriously.

Overall, Zach is a teacher who cares deeply about his students and wants to see them succeed, both in school and in life.

Author: Sophomore Joey Herron

Southern Ohio Career Academy is proud to celebrate a major accomplishment for its students. 31 SOCA students have successfully earned their Lead4Change Student Leadership Certification, demonstrating their commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive impact in their community.

Lead4Change is a nationally recognized student leadership program that empowers young people to develop the skills needed to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful change. Through the program, students learn how to identify problems in their communities, work together as a team, and develop solutions that make a real difference.

Over the course of the program, SOCA students participated in lessons and activities focused on leadership development, teamwork, communication, problem solving, and community engagement. Students were challenged to think critically, take initiative, and work collaboratively with their peers to complete projects designed to improve their school and community.

Earning the Lead4Change Certification represents more than just completing a program, it shows that these students have taken important steps toward becoming confident leaders. By participating in the program, students gained valuable experience in planning, communication, and leadership that will serve them well both in school and in their future careers.

The success of the program also highlights SOCA’s commitment to preparing students not only academically, but also personally and professionally. Programs like Lead4Change help students build the soft skills and leadership abilities that employers, colleges, and communities value.

The staff at Southern Ohio Career Academy could not be prouder of the 31 students who completed the program. Their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to grow as leaders demonstrate the kind of potential that makes SOCA students stand out.

As these students continue their journey, the lessons learned through Lead4Change will remain with them, reminding them that leadership is about serving others, working together, and stepping forward to create positive change.

Our students and teachers at Southern Ohio Career Academy had a project that let us experience what it's like to participate in a mock trial. The classroom was transformed into an actual case, and everyone worked hard to stay in character and follow proper rules, such as determining guilt or innocence.

The mock trial was not only fun but also a valuable learning experience. Students strengthened their public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while gaining a better understanding of how the justice system works. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they presented arguments and made thoughtful decisions. We are proud of the effort and professionalism our students showed throughout this project, and everybody had a fun time.

Author: Freshman Nathaniel Washburn

Southern Ohio Career Academy Students Lead the Way in Community Service

At Southern Ohio Career Academy, education goes beyond the classroom. Twice a month, students step into their community with gloves, rakes, cleaning supplies, and a strong work ethic to make a real difference.

As part of the school’s commitment to leadership and service, students regularly volunteer at the local community college and daycare facilities. Their projects range from cleaning buses and washing building windows to raking leaves and maintaining outdoor spaces. These hands-on activities not only improve the appearance of the facilities but also teach students responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their work.

One of the most memorable projects this year involved completely reorganizing a storage shed. What started as a cluttered space filled with scattered supplies turned into a fully arranged and organized storage area thanks to the students’ hard work and attention to detail. By sorting materials, rearranging equipment, and creating an organized layout, students transformed the shed into a clean and efficient space.

Students have also taken their service efforts to local parks, helping keep community spaces clean and welcoming. Whether clearing leaves, tidying up outdoor areas, or washing buses used for transportation, Southern Ohio Career Academy students demonstrate that small actions can make a big impact.

Author: Freshman James Runge

Students at Southern Ohio Career Academy (SOCA) are stepping into the role of historians, storytellers, and investigators through an exciting project called “Preserving Paper City’s Past.” This hands-on project invites students to explore the rich history of Chillicothe—nicknamed “Paper City” because of the powerful impact the paper mill industry once had on the community.

Instead of simply reading about history in a textbook, SOCA students are bringing history to life by digging into the stories that helped shape our city. From learning about the legacy of the paper mills to exploring historic buildings and community landmarks, students are discovering how Chillicothe grew into the community it is today.

The project encourages students to ask questions like:
What was Chillicothe like decades ago?
How did the paper industry impact families and businesses in our area?
What stories from our community should never be forgotten?

Students are researching old photographs, local stories, and historical records to uncover the people and places that played an important role in our city’s development. Along the way, they are learning that history isn’t just about dates and facts, it’s about real people, real stories, and the legacy a community leaves behind.

As part of the project, students are also developing important life skills. They are collaborating with classmates, practicing research techniques, and preparing presentations to share what they’ve discovered. These presentations allow students to showcase their work while building confidence, communication skills, and creativity.

The best part? Students are not just learning about the past, they’re helping preserve it for the future. By telling the stories of Paper City, they are helping ensure that the history of Chillicothe continues to be remembered and celebrated.

Projects like “Preserving Paper City’s Past” reflect SOCA’s commitment to making learning engaging, meaningful, and connected to the real world. When students are given the opportunity to explore their own community, education becomes more than a classroom experience, it becomes a journey of discovery.

At SOCA, we believe the best way to build the future is by understanding the past. And thanks to our students, the stories of Paper City are being kept alive one discovery at a time.

Each month at SOCA, we are proud to recognize one outstanding student who demonstrates exceptional dedication, perseverance, and character. This month, we are excited to celebrate Jaxon Skeens as our Student of the Month! Through consistent hard work and determination, Jaxon has shown what it truly means to stay focused and committed to success. We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his achievement and the mindset that helped him earn this recognition.

What habits or choices helped you earn Student of the Month?

Jaxon shared that one of his biggest strategies is staying focused on his responsibilities. By tuning out distractions and concentrating on his tasks and schoolwork, he was able to remain consistent and productive throughout the month. His ability to prioritize his goals played a major role in earning this honor.

Who has inspired and supported you the most this year?

Jaxon credits his parents as his greatest source of inspiration and support. He expressed appreciation for the trust they place in him to make his own decisions and choose his own path. Their encouragement and confidence have helped motivate him to continue striving for success.

What goal are you currently working toward?

Currently, Jaxon is focused on maintaining strong grades while also pursuing his creative ambitions. He is working toward becoming a concept artist for cartoons and video games, dedicating time to improving his drawing skills and developing his artistic style. His determination to balance academics and creativity is truly commendable.

What advice would you give to other students?

Jaxon encourages fellow students to never be afraid to ask for help or advice when they need it. He also emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary distractions and negative influences. As he wisely puts it, “It’s only trouble if you participate,” reminding others to stay focused on what truly matters.

A Fun Fact About Jaxon

Something many people might not know about Jaxon is that he has a unique talent he can dislocate his wrists on command!

We are incredibly proud of Jaxon’s accomplishments and the example he sets for others at SOCA. Congratulations, Jaxon, on being our Student of the Month! Keep up the amazing work!

Thank you for reading this month’s SOCA Newsletter. Stay tuned for next month’s spotlight!

Author: Freshman James Runge