Every year, the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities spends time talking with graduating seniors and their families. It’s always exciting to reflect on their high school years and learn about their plans for the future. Here are just a few stories from members of the class of 2022. We wish you all the best!

Braedon Pollmann

Newark High School

During his years at Newark City Schools, Braedon has stayed busy, participating in the NHS Unified Track team as well as bowling and powerlifting with local Social Olympics teams. 

This year he’s been helping out in his school’s main office, with hopes of gaining some job experience.

He’ll gain even more in August when he starts Project SEARCH at Licking Memorial Health Systems.

But before that, he’ll get to spend the summer at the Licking County Family YMCA’s All for One camp, where his favorite activity is making crafts. 

He’s also looking forward to traveling to see family in Germany.

Franklin Lindal

Northridge High School

Franklin was recently voted “Most Memorable” in his class, which is something that makes him proud. 

A native of Las Vegas, Franklin attended school in the Big Walnut Local School District for many years.

He was nervous about transferring to Northridge, but did so well he was awarded the “Principal’s Words of Wisdom award.”

Now he loves Northridge and said he’s sad to leave his teacher and friends. 

During high school he participated in FFA and created a few comics and columns for the school paper, including an “Ask Franklin?” advice column. 

He is also known as a talented salesman, selling school supplies to fund the school’s Viking Cafe program. He participated in the C-TEC I-TEC program during his last year of school, experiencing different work tasks at a variety of local agencies and businesses. 

He’s also tried out an OOD summer work experience at Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries, where he found his niche making sure that the donated CDs and DVDs weren’t scratched.

He’s looking forward to attending Project SEARCH at LMHS and learning about different kinds of jobs. But first he’s looking forward to graduation and a family trip to the beach.

Drew Klipple

Northridge High School

After spending two years at Northridge High School, Drew made the decision to attend C-TEC and participate in their Robotics and Automated Manufacturing (RAM) program.

After graduation, he’s planning to attend Ohio State University-Newark and study computer engineering.

“I’ve always enjoyed putting computers together,” he said.