State Fair Community College Career and Technology Center hosts inaugural signing day for high school seniors

The true purpose of a high school education is to prepare students for the future either as post-secondary students, a member of the workforce or the military.

And while there are a few students who will go on to play collegiate sports, rarely does a school have a “signing day” devoted to academic work. State Fair Community College changed that Tuesday with its first Career and Technology Center High School Signing Day.

“We wanted to recognize and celebrate the CTC students who have chosen to attend State Fair Community College or go straight to work in their career area,” CTC Executive Director Michael Wright said. “We place a high emphasis in becoming career-ready.

“The students who complete these programs have accomplished a lot and they are prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education,” Wright added. “Each of our students who complete one of our programs receive technical education, college credit, industry recognized credentials, and employment readiness training.”

One hundred students graduated for the CTC this year, according to Wright. Fifty of those signed and enrolled at SFCC.

A number of area employers, including McCarthy Toyota of Sedalia, Mid City Lumber, Blue Demon, Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center and Zeller Construction, were present at the event to recognize students who had accepted positions with their firms.

“We feel that completing one of these programs is an accomplishment that will benefit the students and our communities,” Wright said. “We had very positive feedback from the employers, students, their families, and the sending schools.”

The CTC program is available to juniors and seniors from 13 area sending schools. Students are offered programs in nine areas.

Representative from the various program areas were present during a morning and afternoon signing event to offer both their support and also welcome the students to SFCC.

Wright added the signing day was a joint effort between the CTC, Admissions, and the respective program areas.

“The skill training that our CTC students receive is not only valuable for them but it also benefits area employers,” SFCC President Dr. Joanna Anderson said at the morning signing. “These students will graduate for the CTC program with workforce-ready job skills that area business are eager to hire.

“Today is very exciting because it provides us the opportunity to celebrate the academic choices of our students,” Anderson added.

That pride also extended to Wright and the CTC faculty.

“We are very proud of our seniors and their accomplishments,” Wright said. “They have a lot to be proud of because they have worked so hard at their goals.

“Making college and career decisions is a difficult task but our students were prepared to do so because of the experience they gained from attending the CTC and by being led by their teachers and counselors, “ he added. “We truly appreciate all of the support from the college, the employers, and the sending schools who were here to recognize our students. We congratulate all our seniors and their families.”

Chandler Crosswhite became the first student to sign with an employer during the State Fair Community College Career and Technology Center’s inaugural Signing Day on Tuesday morning. Crosswhite, who has accepted a job at Mid City Lumber, is one of 50 students from the CTC program who were hired at the completion of their program by local businesses. Pictured are Crosswhite, Shelly Turpin, Mid City Lumber Co. LTD, Steve Gann, CTC instructor, and CTC Executive Director Michael Wright.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_tsd050417ctcsigning1.jpgChandler Crosswhite became the first student to sign with an employer during the State Fair Community College Career and Technology Center’s inaugural Signing Day on Tuesday morning. Crosswhite, who has accepted a job at Mid City Lumber, is one of 50 students from the CTC program who were hired at the completion of their program by local businesses. Pictured are Crosswhite, Shelly Turpin, Mid City Lumber Co. LTD, Steve Gann, CTC instructor, and CTC Executive Director Michael Wright. Photos courtesy of State Fair Community College

Pictured are students who participated in the morning Career and Technology Center Signing Day at State Fair Community College on Tuesday. The morning session was the first time CTC students were given the opportunity to sign with the college of their choice or with an employer.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_tsd050417ctcsignings2.jpgPictured are students who participated in the morning Career and Technology Center Signing Day at State Fair Community College on Tuesday. The morning session was the first time CTC students were given the opportunity to sign with the college of their choice or with an employer. Photos courtesy of State Fair Community College

Area students who attended State Fair Community College’s afternoon Career and Technology Center Signing Day are pictured Tuesday afternoon. One hundred students graduated from the CTC program this year.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_tsd050417ctcsignings3.jpg

Area students who attended State Fair Community College’s afternoon Career and Technology Center Signing Day are pictured Tuesday afternoon. One hundred students graduated from the CTC program this year.

Photos courtesy of State Fair Community College

Blair Higgins became the first Career and Technology student to sign with State Fair Community College on Tuesday morning. Fifty students who graduated from the CTC program made the decision to continue their education by enrolling at SFCC. Pictured are, row one: Higgins and Student Success and Retention Advisor Samantha Shultz. Row two: CTC Executive Director Michael Wright, Allied Health Associate Dean Rhonda Hutton Gann and Career and Technical Education Dean Mark Kelchner.

http://sedaliademocrat.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_tsd050417ctcsignings4.jpgBlair Higgins became the first Career and Technology student to sign with State Fair Community College on Tuesday morning. Fifty students who graduated from the CTC program made the decision to continue their education by enrolling at SFCC. Pictured are, row one: Higgins and Student Success and Retention Advisor Samantha Shultz. Row two: CTC Executive Director Michael Wright, Allied Health Associate Dean Rhonda Hutton Gann and Career and Technical Education Dean Mark Kelchner. Photos courtesy of State Fair Community College