Out into the world

Celebrating the success of CTE graduates as they go out into the world, ready to contribute.

On Friday, May 3, Goochland County High School held signing day for Career and Technical Education members of the class of 2019 who are headed to jobs, technical education, or the military. Although 7^th District Congressional Representative Abigail Spanberger, and Goochland resident John McGuire, 56^th District member of the Virginia House of Delegates were billed as special guests, the day belonged to the graduates. School Board members Karen Horn, District 3 and Mike Payne, District 1, who spearheaded the rebirth of CTE in Goochland Schools, also attended.

Senior Tiffani Burdick chats with Congressperson Abigail Spanberger

“What we’ve accomplished in eight years is amazing,” Payne, who is a CTE teacher in Powhatan said. “And we’re just getting started.”

As the cost versus the value of traditional four-year college degrees—that often saddle students with much debt and few job prospects—is examined, Goochland’s CTE program is an attractive alternative for many students.

From hard hats to dress blues, CTE grads are ready for the world.

School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley thanked local companies including Liesfeld Construction and Sargent Corp., for their partnerships in the program. “Working together, we will add many good employees to the job pipeline for years to come.”

Every graduate of the Goochland heavy equipment program has a good paying job waiting for them. CTE program director Bruce Watson said that the demand for workers with the technical and soft skills that CTE offers is strong.  The heavy equipment operator program at GTech is the better established of only two in the Commonwealth. These kids know where they are going and what they want to accomplish in life.

Goochland’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC program has prepared many students for military service. Indeed, thanks to this program, GHS graduates are prized by armed forces’ recruiters.

Tiffani Burdick will attend the University of Virginia on a full Naval ROTC-Marine option scholarship. Others will serve in the Marine Corps, the Navy, and Air Force. Lt. Col. Kevin Williams, MCJRROTC instructor introduced military bound students. “They’ve chosen a path of serve and made a commitment to put it all on the line for all of us,” observed Williams.

Other CTE graduates will follow careers in nursing—including certified nursing assistants with jobs waiting for them. Areas of interest include culinary arts, fire-rescue, law enforcement; forensic science; welding, diesel mechanic, teaching, and cosmetology, the skills that build a society.

“I’ve watched many of you progress since middle school,” Watson told the group. “I look forward to seeing the great things you will do.”

McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, told the graduates not to rest on their laurels but to challenge themselves every day to be better and encourage those around them to do the same.

Del. John McGuire (r) and Peter Trevor who hopes to follow in McGuire's footsteps as a Navy SEAL

Those pursing apprenticeships in the 2019-2020 school year were also recognized.

Earlier in the week, first graders visited GTech for exposure to the notion of career and technical courses. Presenters for the various programs reminded them that math, science and reading are important in every endeavor.

First graders visit GTech and learn that science, math, and reading are important in every job.