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Students from ALPS and Grunin Arts tell commissioners how vocational programs prepare them for careers
Summary
Seniors from Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s ALPS (law/public safety) and Grunin Performing Arts Academy described hands‑on training and job credentials before a June 17 County Commissioners meeting. The presentations highlighted EMT and dispatch credentials, associate’s degree pathways and arts college placements.
Director Frank Sadeghi and Commissioner Robert Arace welcomed students and school leaders from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School to the June 17 meeting.
Tiffany Seeley, principal of the Academy of Law and Public Safety (ALPS), introduced seniors who described program outcomes and near‑term plans. “Everything the teachers do prepares us for something in the real world,” said senior Logan Edgeworth, noting he had completed EMT training, plans to take the National Registry exam and intends to pursue a dispatch position and later nursing school. Another ALPS senior, Brianna Budd, said the academy prepared her for law‑enforcement hiring processes and mock interviews; she plans to study psychology and criminal justice and eventually pursue State Police service.
Tierney Meeker, principal of the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, brought students from dance, theatre and audio majors. Senior Lauren Harry said the academy “has helped me grow so much” and credited guest artist collaborations and an associate degree partnership with Ocean County College for preparing her to audition for Ailey/Fordham. Other students described opportunities such as the International Thespian Society competition and production roles that fortified college and career pathways.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the presentations illustrate how county investments in career academies and partnerships with Ocean County College can accelerate post‑secondary success and local workforce readiness. The meeting’s applause for each student underscored the board’s public recognition of the vocational program’s role in career pipelines.
What’s next: Several related capital ordinances for vocational‑school facility improvements were introduced at the same meeting and set for public hearing July 8, 2026.
