FREMONT - The Vanguard-Sentinel Career Centers Board of Education heard Thursday night from a student who has accepted a state SkillsUSA leadership position.

Sara Mills, a senior in Vanguard's cosmetology program and at Fremont Ross High School, said 13 months ago, she never would have expected to be standing in front of the board saying she was the president of Ohio's Skills-USA program.

A year ago, she said, she was told she shouldn't go to Vanguard. But, she didn't listen.

"Vanguard Career Center did not steer me in the wrong path," she said.

Mills said through SkillsUSA, she has been changed.

"I've learned to fail, and I've learned what it takes to succeed," she said.

After her presentation, administrators gave their reports.

"We're very proud of her," said Jim Rutter, Vanguard's director.

In other business, the board:

n Heard the superintendent's reports and recommendations.

n Approved contracts.

n Accepted donations.

n Approved financial reports.

n Adopted a resolution regarding documents for Sentinel's construction project.

The next meeting is 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Vanguard.