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Name: Matthew Selander
High School: Twinsburg High School/Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Immediate Next Step: Ashland University
Matthew's Story
With his natural inclination toward problem solving and critical thinking and his passion for technology, Matthew Selander is an Information Technology employer’s ideal. Right away, Matthew’s Computer Networking Academy (CNA) program instructor, Mrs. Lorraine Pruitt, noticed that Matthew brought highly valued, complementary skills to the classroom.
“Matt quickly gained the skills needed and fulfilled his goal to earn his Cisco Certified Network Associate and A+ Industry Certifications,” said Mrs. Pruitt. “However, it is his positive attitude, dedication to his studies and professional qualities that put him ahead others. I could always count on him to be dependable and conscientious in his work.”
Matthew’s Our Green Ohio Web site (http://www.ourgreenohio.com/) qualified him at the Ohio Business and Professionals of America competition for nationals, where he captured third place. His other recent accomplishments include:
- First place in Round 1 state Cisco Netriders competition;
- First place in regional BPA Microsoft Network Administration;
- First place in regional and state BPA Web Applications Team;
- Second place in regional BPA Computer Network Technology;
- Induction into the National Technical Honor Society;
- Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Society for Information Management (NEO-SIM) award of $2,500 scholarship; and
- Glowing recommendation from his senior internship site.
Matthew begins his Ashland College baccalaureate program in Computer Science in August, transferring many of the 30 college credits he earned while in high school.
Matthew's Future, Appreciation and Advice
Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A. I plan on finishing college in four years, and I am looking forward to a successful career in the IT / Networking field.
Q. What’s the best part of your Ohio education experience so far, including one person (teacher, parent or other), who contributed to that?
A.The best part of my education experience would have to be attending Cuyahoga Valley Career Center during my junior and senior years of high school. I have learned so many valuable skills that I will take with me through college, and to my future career. My instructor, Mrs. Lorraine Pruitt, has had a huge impact on my life, and has left a lasting impression on me. She has worked exceptionally hard to prepare me for the class, certifications, and college.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you would give to a current high school freshman?
A. Find something you really love to do, and find out what classes you need to direct you in a career path of your choosing. Take advantage of every opportunity available to you. I'm so grateful I did.
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More information about this story can be obtained from Pat Huston at pat.huston@ode.state.oh.us.
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