BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School is celebrating 50 years of greatness and is reaching out to alumni to reconnect.

Plans are in the works to mark the occasion, and organizers are looking to involve past faculty and administrators, but they currently are seeking information from graduates to learn where they are now and where their careers have taken them. Officials are establishing a database and a Google form is available on the school website under the alumni tab.

“For half a century, JVS has been preparing students for successful careers and futures,” said Superintendent Ted Gorman. “Now, as we celebrate this milestone, we want to hear from our graduates. Your stories are a huge part of our history, and they inspire our current students.”

Gorman said staying connected with alumni is an important step forward.

“We’re proud of the opportunities JVS has provided over the years, but the real measure of our success is in the lives our graduates are leading today. Whether you’ve continued your education, built a career, or started your own business, we’d love to hear about it.”

Since its inception in 1976, the Jefferson County JVS has enabled countless students to further their careers through vocational programs, including auto collision, auto service tech, animal science management, carpentry, computer networking, cosmetology, criminal justice, early childhood education, electrical trades, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, multimedia and design, power mechanics, transition to work and welding.

In addition, special interest adult education courses are offered in the evening during fall and spring terms while certified nurse assistant classes are available with opportunities to expand with other subjects in the future. Leaders are working to make the JVS an Ohio Training Center to serve the area and fill a need left with the closure of Eastern Gateway Community College.

Gorman said the alumni database was the first step to bridging the past and the future.

“This is more than just a celebration,” Gorman said. “It’s about honoring our past, celebrating our alumni, and building even stronger connections for the future. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Alumni are invited to visit jeffjvs.org to share their information and reconnect or contact Gorman directly at 740-264-5545, extension 104, or by email at ted.gorman@jeffjvs.org.