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Warren G. Harding students showcase new music production, drone and welding programs
Summary
At the Warren City Board of Education meeting on Dec. 10, students and teachers at Warren G. Harding High School demonstrated new career-technical courses—music production, a drone program and an expanded welding sequence—that district leaders say will lead to industry credentials and postsecondary options.
On Dec. 10, 2024, at Warren G. Harding High School, students and staff demonstrated new and expanded career-technical courses the district says will prepare learners for both college and the workforce.
Heather Cerny, the music production teacher, described a developing three‑year curriculum that uses the Soundtrap platform and produces student portfolios for colleges or technical schools. "We started talking about music technology six or seven years ago... it's really exciting to see that it's moving forward to something that's gonna have a curriculum over 3 years," Cerny said. Freshman student Nix Podgorny presented a final project titled "Like Clockwork," and told the board the class helped them develop technical and creative skills: "I really didn't... know what this class was going to be when I first joined, but I knew it was interesting... Miss Cerny has been... supportive and friendly... I am really proud of it."
Jen Camberere, supervisor of school improvement, told the board the showcased courses—music production, a drone program and welding—offer industry‑recognized credentials and expand postsecondary pathways. "Whether students enter college or the workforce, we have worked with diligence to make sure that we're making smart decisions about current opportunities for students," she said. Camberere noted the district is prioritizing postsecondary readiness and credentialing.
Tracy Liptak, a computer‑science teacher who leads the drone course, said the drone program began this school year and has grown from limited tethered demonstrations to mobile operations using iPads and RC controllers. Liptak described plans for the next quarter to have students assemble larger drones and to host a student racing competition in April with obstacle elements and timed sections.
Welding instructor Mister Sullivan described a multi‑level welding sequence using a plasma cutter and MIG/TIG welding instruction. He showed samples students produce at each level—pen bases, barn stars, tables and, at advanced levels, fire pits—and said students learn CNC programming on the plasma cutter. Senior student Michael Mann described the program as a direct path to employment: "If I don't go to college... I always have skills I can rely on... Something that'll take me anywhere."
Board members praised the programs and their instructors, highlighting the value of hands‑on courses that yield certifications and immediate skills. Board members also noted that the programs help students who may not pursue a traditional four‑year degree. The school reiterated district instructional priorities such as "bell‑to‑bell" engagement, literacy strategies and formative instructional practices while pointing to positive early assessment signals.
The presentation included recognition of eight "20 under 20" finalists who will be honored at a separate ceremony and closed with the board thanking students, staff and families for the demonstrations. The board said building presentations will continue at other sites and the organizational meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
