Story about teacher's trip

By Katie Kessler
(Willoughby) News-Herald Correspondent

Rhonda Novakovic was a recipient of behind-the-scenes training from Army educators.

The South Euclid resident spent a week in Fort Knox, Ky., as part of a program designed to offer skills in presenting the military as a career option.

Novakovic, a vocational specialist at Life Skills Center of Lake Erie in Cleveland, has seen dozens of her graduates join the armed forces.

"Their maturity level definitely skyrocketed when they've returned," she said. "They get a better understanding of the world around them."

The key Novakovic remembers most from her training was the "team approach in helping our students."

The training focuses on decreasing the problem of high school dropouts by implementing test-taking skills, mentoring and providing educational programs for students.

Her stint in Kentucky also included such skill-building as static display, marksman training, tank simulation, unit conduct of fire and tactical training.

What is Novakovic¹s game plan to decrease the dropout rate?

"A group effort," she said,"everyone needs to get involved."

The Life Skills Center encompasses alternative education methods for students ages 16-22.

For more information, call (216)631-1090.