Business
The primary purpose of the business department is to give all EPCHS students the knowledge, tools and resources to become successful in the workforce following graduation. The business department has a stellar work-based-learning program that allows students to explore career paths like welding, construction, manufacturing, CNA, teaching and more. It is highly regarded by many schools in the area. The department is looking forward to the career fair that will be held on November 2nd of this year, offering students a wide range of resources for considering their future career path. They also host a monthly college and career readiness program called Lunch and Learn. Guests set to visit this semester include speakers from Arnold and Sons Plumbing, Paul Mitchell Hair, OSF Medical Center, the Peoria Chiefs, and Caterpillar.
Business Staff
Jacky Wernz is a part of the Business department at EPCHS with 17 years of teaching experience. She primarily teaches High School 101, Programming, Desktop Publishing, Advanced Desktop Publishing, and Creative Media. Originally from West Allis, Wisconsin, she attended Eastern Illinois University on a golf scholarship where she studied Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in Business. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She shares, “I work with amazing people everyday. The teachers here are top notch and the students always make it fun and interesting.” Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with family, exploring the outdoors, and coaching her children’s soccer teams.
Jacky Wernz is a part of the Business department at EPCHS with 17 years of teaching experience. She primarily teaches High School 101, Programming, Desktop Publishing, Advanced Desktop Publishing, and Creative Media. Originally from West Allis, Wisconsin, she attended Eastern Illinois University on a golf scholarship where she studied Career and Technical Education with an emphasis in Business. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. She shares, “I work with amazing people everyday. The teachers here are top notch and the students always make it fun and interesting.” Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with family, exploring the outdoors, and coaching her children’s soccer teams.
Tricia Lambrich is a member of the Business and Family Consumer Science departments with 17 years of experience in Education and 2 years as a teacher at EPCHS. She primarily teaches Introduction to Business and High School 101 courses. Originally from East Peoria, she has an Associate of Science Degree from Illinois Central College and also attended Illinois State University and earned her Career and Technical Educators license in 2022. She shares, “I am a graduate of EPCHS so I have a longtime connection to the school. I care a lot about our students and want them to have a sense of belonging and connection to school. As a teacher I also want them to succeed and am committed to helping them achieve their goals.” Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, her daughter Paige, and her son Brett. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her extended family and friends.