Signing letters of intent with the Machine Tool Technology were Austin Dibble, Bailey White, Baylon Lesley, Cameron Flippo, Christopher Widner, Colton Terry, Dylan Jones, Eli Jackson Denney, Jeremiah Childs, John Davidson, Joshua Pope, Matthew Campbell, Nick Tindall, Noah Brown, Olon Morris, Robert Winslett and Sturgis Hunter. They are pictured with instructors Gary McMinn, Jonathan Minyard and Steve Smith.
HANCEVILLE – Kirby Posey has plans one day to own a therapy farm for individuals with special needs. Posey, a Danville High student, will begin her journey toward that goal at Wallace State after attending the 2nd annual Wallace State Applied Technologies Letter of Intent Signing Day this week.
Posey signed her pledge to enroll in Wallace State’s Agricultural Production/Horticulture Department, where she plans to spend two years before transferring to Auburn University.
“Deciding to come to Wallace State is the first step as I look to pursue my dreams. I want to learn all aspects of the agricultural production/horticulture department and be well-rounded when I transfer,” Posey said. “This is an exciting time.”
Wallace State’s Applied Technologies Department joined other colleges across the country on Thursday by celebrating Signing Day in acknowledgment of National Career Technical Education (CTE) Month through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).
Modeled on an athletics signing, the event allowed incoming students in the summer or fall to officially secure their commitment to Wallace State in their respective technical fields.
Wallace State had 28 students in attendance at the early group signing. Students inked their commitment in agricultural production/horticulture, aviation/flight technology, diesel technology, electronics technology, engineering technology, machine tool technology and salon and spa management. In addition, the Applied Technologies Division has students enrolled in automotive service technology, collision repair, culinary arts, heating and air conditioning and welding for the summer and fall semesters.
“We are here for the students. We want you at Wallace State. We are proud you are here today, and we celebrate your decision in choosing a career technical field,” said Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s dean of Applied Technologies. “You are joining a great institution and coming into some of the best provided programs in the country. If you listen to your instructors and do what they tell you, you’ll be walking across the stage in two years with an associate degree or certificate, and most of you will already have a job before you graduate.”
Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics also addressed the crowd of students, parents and instructors.
“Today is all about you and career technical education. The opportunities you have are endless. Go and prepare yourself and what you go and do is totally up to you and how hard you want to work. You’re not limited by anything other than your ambition and ability to achieve those dreams,” Karolewics said. “You never know what your life has in store for you once you develop your skill set that’s marketable and in a high-demand environment. I’m proud of each of you and grateful that you have decided to sign with Wallace State.”
Dylan Jones, an Addison senior, was among a myriad of students to sign with the Machine Tool Technology program.
“This signing day has been a great. It definitely makes you feel like the college cares about you before you walk in the door,” Jones said.
Each student was recognized individually, signing with their respective programs as their future instructors looked on. Students received a Wallace State hat upon signing and had the opportunity to tour their department on campus.
The letters the students signed stated: “I, the undersigned student, understand that with this Letter of Intent I am occupying one of the very limited training openings in this technology education program and I am committed to successful completion of this program. I understand I will be trained to work in a highly-technical occupation and I will graduate workplace ready.”
You can watch the Signing Day video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkO_z4lDFQ8&feature=youtu.be
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
