3 Franklin Alumni Inducted into 2019 Hall of Fame

Warren County Career Center is proud to induct three outstanding alumni into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame for 2019.

Donna Oliver Carter, Franklin, 1984 Diversified Health Occupations
Donna spent her over 20-year career caring for others as a Registered Nurse while also running two businesses with her husband and staying active in the community. After completing the WCCC Diversified Health Occupations program with instructors Mrs. Versic and Mrs. Schmid in 1984, she graduated from the Kettering College of Medical Arts. She was the Valedictorian of the Franklin High School Class of 1984. In her letter of nomination, former classmate Diana Lovett said, “Donna worked hard throughout her studies, career and community service while being an awesome Mother and now a Grandmother, while living and working in Tennessee. Donna inspires so many that know her kind and generous spirit that she has always exhibited but also recognize her unwavering strength and determination to build a beautiful life of faith.” In addition to her work as an RN, Donna and her husband, Tony, own and operate Crystal Springs Skating Center in Rhea County, Tennessee, which provides summer programs for children in the community, and also own a construction company that builds houses and boat docks.  Her son, David, said that even though she had a cancer diagnosis, she kept working as long as she could. “My mother, Donna, with the help of her husband Tony was a full time nurse, raising three small children, helping with swimming pool, skating rink, and day camp for the children of the community when school was out for the summer,” he said. “She was very active; the most active of anyone we knew until God had other plans for her. Through all of this she still looks up and gives the world a smile. She has held great character throughout her life; she perseveres through every situation never complaining and never giving up! Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect are three ways to describe my mother.”

David Speers, Franklin, 1992 Engineering Design
David is in his fifth year of owning and operating Get Fit Body Bootcamp in Franklin. From her nomination letter, Career Development Coordinator Yvonne Kaszubowski said, “David is a great motivator at his gym, challenging members to get healthier, find success, and stay focused. He is a professional speaker for the John Maxwell Leadership Team and the Les Brown Motivational Leadership Team. He also worked many years as an educator in the Cincinnati Schools serving urban students and challenging them to break the cycle of poverty and limitations in their lives. He has traveled the world serving charitable establishments, including orphanages and schools. Ultimately, he returned to Franklin, his hometown, to establish a successful business and become an integral part of the community. He is currently expanding his business to more than double the current size and serve even more members of the community.” He is an active Franklin Chamber member, participates in the ODOT Adopt a Highway litter campaign, sponsors a youth recreation baseball team, holds community food drives, and supports local school initiatives. At the Career Center, he mentors our students at the monthly BILDS luncheons, has stocked our student emergency food pantry, provided new clothing for students in need, and has hosted student groups at his gym for workouts and motivational talks.

Pete Stemple, Franklin, 2008 Information Technology
Pete is a valued employee here at the Career Center as an IT Specialist. His work has a direct impact on our students and staff, and he is always willing to help in any way. He not only fixes computer issues, he also speaks to current IT students about careers in the IT field, and gives feedback on their projects. Pete is a wonderful example of what Career Tech education can provide a student, and how that educational experience can lead not only to a career but to a way to support future generations of learners. From his nomination letter, Instructor Howard Norris said, “What made Pete exceptional was his interaction with students. Pete was never condescending, always supportive and helpful. On occasion he had to conduct an operation with everyone. This is a difficult operation because the actions are dictated by the slowest students. Pete is an expert directing the action while never leaving students behind.” In her letter of support, Media Specialist Winnie Milner said, “The district is comprised of the main campus as well as a vast number of satellites which more than doubles the students we serve; furthermore, several of these labs are added each year. That means he tirelessly adds new computers and infrastructure for all of these new labs as well as supports all IT matters for all the existing main campus, satellite, Greentree, other miscellaneous off-campus labs. The nature of IT is not flashy. You only really notice it when it’s not going well, and that’s how you know and understand how good Pete is at his job.”