The Renaissance Performing Arts Association has been honored as the Ralph Phillips Business Partner of the Year by the Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby, Ohio. This award, inspired by Ralph Phillips and Phillips Manufacturing & Tower Company, recognizes outstanding businesses that support the goals, mission, and excellence of Pioneer.
Chelsie Thompson, Renaissance president and CEO, along with former president Mike Miller, staff, and families, participated in the awards presentation. Anne Kurtzman, Pioneer Performing Arts instructor, nominated the Renaissance Theatre for the award. Kurtzman expressed appreciation for their support of Pioneer students and highlighted the integral role that the theatre plays in their success. The theatre provides instruction behind the scenes work, learning opportunities and internship opportunities for Pioneer students.
The awards ceremony also included the presentation of the honorary Pioneer Distinguished Alumni Award to Steve Tackett, a 1983 graduate from Plymouth. Tackett completed an industrial drafting program at Pioneer and has had a successful career at Gorman-Rupp in Bellville for over 30 years. He continues to use his skills learned at Pioneer and has been involved in his church for over 50 years.
Pioneer’s Culinary Arts program hosted a dinner event for the awards celebration where guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by culinary arts students before they were awarded for their hard work and dedication towards their field.