Many students each year celebrate a dual graduation from their home high schools and their local vocational schools or career centers.  It is unique, however, for a student to add a third diploma simultaneously. 

Such is the scenario that encompassed Jacob Grissom this past spring.  Jacob, the son of Craig and Leslie Grissom of Piqua, Ohio, completed the five-month Structural Welding Program at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT) concurrently.  He was on an accelerated path and actually finished his high school coursework in January 2006 to include the diesel mechanics program at the JVS, which allowed him time to attend classes from January to June at HIWT.  Jacob officially graduated in the spring with his classmates from Upper Valley Joint Vocational School and Piqua High School.

Karl Wilson, Superintendent at Upper Valley JVS, says, “We are very proud of Jake. He worked hard while attending the Upper Valley JVS and it appears that he is on a solid road to success.”

While attending school, this ambitious young man previously worked for Steve Simmons  at Ripple Creek Dairy Farms, full time during the summer and part time during the winter.  As he learned more about welding, Jacob took a part time job with Miami Control Systems welding structural framework using gas metal arc and gas tungsten arc welding. 

“I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend’s dad, Joe Adams, and to Andy Minniear, owner of Miami Control Systems.  These are the two men who really encouraged my interest in welding,” says Jacob. 

“Jacob is doing a good job for us,” says Andy.  “We are very pleased with his work.”

Even though he could easily continue working full time and would not have any problem finding a full-time job following graduation, Jacob decided to continue his education at Sinclair Community College in Dayton in machine trades.   

Besides working and going to school, Jacob finds time to participate in quad motocross racing with his friends.  He races year around on outdoor and indoor tracks.