Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Announces 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Joseph Pajestka and Jesse Nehez have been selected for the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards by the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center.

Pajestka, a 1983 graduate of the machine trades program and Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, was nominated by Jerry Koenig, CVCC power equipment technology instructor.

He started his own business, Northshore Mold, in 1985, and his company has been producing molds and components for Nestle, Swagelok, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler since then. His company in 1996 acquired Mataco, a parts source for milling machines. 

Nehez, a 1999 graduate of the CVCC horticulture program and Nordonia High School, is groundskeeper for the Western Reserve Academy. He was nominated by his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Taussig.

In addition to his work at Western Reserve Academy, he has been recognized for several beautification projects and in 2005 and 2009, was elected as Northfield Village councilman representing Ward B, serving on the Building and Grounds Committee.