Tri Star Career Compact Highlights Student Success, National Recognition And Community Projects

Tri Star Career Compact Director Tim Buschur and Assistant Director Paula VanTilburg joined WCSM’s Spectrum program to look back at another busy school year and highlight student accomplishments, community partnerships and upcoming program changes.

VanTilburg said Tri Star recognized more than 200 seniors during its senior recognition ceremony. While students officially graduate from their home school districts, Tri Star celebrates the work they complete through career technical education.

According to VanTilburg, the 2026 senior class earned more than 400 industry-recognized credentials. More than 50 percent of the seniors also participated in paid work-based learning during the school year. She said 49 percent of the class plans to continue their education, while 31 percent plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation.

Tri Star also celebrated its junior class with breakfast, a field day and ice cream before students left for summer break. The district then hosted a two-day summer tech camp for current 5th and 6th grade students from its nine associate school districts. More than 100 students took part, rotating through eight different programs for hands-on career tech activities.

Buschur also discussed this year’s Tri Star house project, located at 1225 Schindrive. The student-built home is nearly 2,200 square feet and is listed at $498,000. Buschur said the home has a unique look and received many compliments during open house events.

The project marks the 41st house built by Tri Star students. Buschur said Tri Star has sold more than $8 million worth of homes since the program began building houses in 1985. He said only a small number of schools across the state still offer this kind of real-world construction experience.

Tri Star also recognized student leaders and educational partners during its awards banquet. VanTilburg said more than 30 juniors and seniors were honored for leadership abilities. This year’s educational partners were MVP Dairy and Fanning Howey.

Buschur also discussed staffing changes, including retirements and new hires. He recognized administrative assistant Brenda Dorner and Med Prep teacher Brenda Speck for their years of service and the impact they had on Tri Star students and programs.

VanTilburg said community donations continue to play an important role in supporting Tri Star programs. Chickasaw Garage donated a toolbox to the Automotive Technology program, which will support a returning junior during the student’s senior year.

Tri Star is also preparing to launch its new Law and Public Safety program. VanTilburg said several local service organizations have donated toward equipment and training needs, including the St. Marys VFW, Coldwater American Legion, Celina Moose, Celina Eagles and St. Marys Eagles.

Buschur also highlighted national student success. Tri Star robotics students recently earned a second-place national finish at a SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta. He said the competition included students from across the country and required several long days of work and focus.

Tri Star also had a student place in the top seven nationally in an IT cybersecurity competition.

Buschur said those competitions give career tech students the chance to perform on a national stage and showcase the skills they have worked to develop.

Tri Star students also completed several community projects during the year. Construction students helped build shelter houses near Grand Lake and at 4-H Camp, while welding students created custom bike racks for local communities and organizations, including projects in Minster, Celina and St. Henry.

Buschur said those projects give students real-world experience while also allowing them to see their work used and appreciated in the community.

Tri Star also continues to offer adult education opportunities, including summer training options designed to support local companies and employees.

Buschur and VanTilburg said the support Tri Star receives from local schools, businesses, organizations and communities remains a major part of the program’s success.