As wind blows over his already red nose in freezing weather, Kyle Yost continues to blow leaves for fall clean-ups around the community. Although this does not sound fun to many, Yost is right where he loves—the outdoors.
Yost is not a typical high school student. While many high schoolers focus on traditional classroom learning, Yost attends Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC), a school that prepares its members to enter the workforce in specific fields. Yost hones his skills through his interests in baseball, hunting, building and other hands-on activities. His commitment to learning by doing sets him apart from his peers and is shaping his path for the future.
“My time at CVCC has been great. It has taught me how to get along with all different kinds of people on more than just a classroom basis,” Yost said.
Yost has spent his high school years building more than just knowledge from textbooks. He has been set up in a work based learning environment that gives him the opportunity to learn in a different manner and earn money, while learning skills of real-life workers. Yost expressed his utmost gratitude for CVCC and what it has done for him during his time there.
Baseball and his faith have also played a major role in molding him. Coach Jason Cottrell developed into a mentor for Yost in his years playing baseball.
“Baseball has also played a huge part in becoming a man… Coach Cottrell has been a role model in my life since I was eight years old, teaching me how baseball is the game of life because you fail more than you succeed,” he said.
Yost has also participated in baseball for most of his life. Yost thinks very highly of Cottrell and all he tries to teach his players on and off the field. Beyond Cottrell’s teachings, faith acts as a staple in Yost’s life.
“God has recently become a big part of my life. I love to live his teachings and one day I hope to teach my kids how to live the same way,” he said.
His relationship with his faith allows something he can back up on and trust. Through learning God’s word, he has learned many lessons and applied it to his life. His younger sister, Emma Yost, reflected on her relationship with her brother.
“Kyle and I have a good relationship even though he’s not home as much since he’s always working or doing something outside,” she said.
Emma and Kyle still value each other’s relationship as they go through a busier time of life, full of learning and maturing. She sees him engaging in all types of activities outside such as fixing cars, building things, hunting, and more.
“CVCC has definitely done so much for him because he’s always been very hands-on and likes being creative,” Emma said.
She expressed her happiness at her brother’s success. Beyond CVCC and his job experience there, Yost also does landscaping for John Rorabaugh, a science teacher at Revere Middle School (RMS). Rorabaugh has experienced this hands-on job experience Yost learned with his time at CVCC and reflected on it.
“Yost is a great kid. He’s a leader. People just flock to [Yost] because of his personality,” he said.
During his time working for Rorabaugh, he has put his best foot forward, showcased by his maturity and positive workplace attitude.
“He is always looking for how he can help and he is a hard worker,” Rorabaugh said.
Yost has found success in his hands-on learning environment at CVCC, developing and expanding his passions. His experiences in high school have helped him mature, foster a strong work ethic, and communicate effectively, while keeping a foundation with his faith.