Buckeye Career Center Foundation – Alumni of the Year & Spotlight Award

The Buckeye Career Center Foundation presented awards to two Buckeye Career Center alumni at its 23rd annual recognition ceremony. The banquet was held on May 7, 2025 at Buckeye Career Center.

View Previous Alumnus of the Year Recipients

Alumnus of the Year

Darren Galbraith is a 1990 graduate of Newcomerstown High School and the Industrial Electricity Program for two years at Buckeye Career Center. His instructors were Tom Septer and Jim Picchetti. Following graduation, Darren worked for Fenton Bros. Electric, until he started North Star Metals in 1994. This company manufactures metal roofing, siding and components for the agricultural, architectural, industrial and residential markets. The current facility was built in 2005 on Edwards Ridge Road, Uhrichsville. In 2006, he started Designer Stone in Port Washington. This company fabricates granite and quartz countertops for new or remodeled homes. Darren continues to give back and support Buckeye Career Center by employing many BCC graduates. North Star Metals and Designer Stone products have been featured in the latest BCC student-built homes, including custom kitchen and bath countertops and a full metal roof donation. The Galbraith family includes his wife, Suzanne, and son, Holden. In 2024, Holden was a graduate of BCC’s Ag and Diesel Program. Along with the two companies, Darren also farms with his dad and son in Guernsey County.

Spotlight Award

Park Village Health Care Center has served our community’s long-term health care needs since 1952. Services include skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, assisted living and independent living. With the exception of memory care, all services are found on both Dover and New Philadelphia campuses. Two locations help in keeping residents closer to their homes and communities. The trusted, thoughtful care delivered by their health care professionals requires a strong compassionate staff. With nearly 325 employees, Park Village has enjoyed a healthy and collaborative relationship with Buckeye Career Center, currently employing over 80 students or graduates of this vocational school. It is rare to find a fourth generation, locally owned and operated long-term care provider, and it is equally rare to find an educational institute that delivers the jump start to thousands of students as well as Buckeye Career Center.