The Aiken County Public School District celebrated its career and technology students with a completer ceremony on Wednesday, June 7.
This year, there were over 600 completers in 17 career pathways. Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence told the completers how proud he was to be shaking the hands of the future workforce.
“It’s an exciting time for Aiken County Public Schools and an exciting time for our community that we’re able to grow, “ Laurence said. “…I look forward to seeing you…to seeing all you do next. You’ve already impressed your communities, you’ve impressed your families, you’ve impressed your teachers and you’ve impressed me.”
Aiken County Board of Education Chairman Cameron Nussle told the students it was amazing to see the number of completers, comparing it to two high school graduating classes.
“I’m happy that we can celebrate the result of all your hard work and you think about all you’ve accomplished in those different areas,” Nuessle said. “I’m very impressed with any students that goes above, that strives for more than just the minimum and that’s exactly what you’ve done. You’ve increased your skills, you make yourself more career ready, you’re getting ready to go out into the work and I’ll tell you we are very proud of you for going above and beyond.”
Students and guests also heard from Peter Butler, the senior plumbing manager at Mr. Flush. He talked about his experience as an apprentice in the field that would ultimately help him in his future career. While all his friends were submitting their SAT scores and applying for colleges, he was applying for a different kind of future.
“I was applying for school in my own way, the school of hard knocks,” Butler said. “From the ground up I earned many degrees in that school, from mechanical contracting, business management, sales, risk management and financial management.”
Butler also told the students that life is coming and they’re going to be able to craft what their future looks like, but also reminded them they won’t have to do it by themselves.
“That doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, but it is on you,” Butler said. “It doesn’t happen by itself, it doesn’t happen to you, it happens because of you, it happens with you. It’s your responsibility to invest in yourself, but there are many others that are willing to match that investment along the way.”
Joni McDaniel, the regional workforce advisor, spoke to the students about the next step in their journey and how being a career and technical education completer benefits them.
“Graduation marks a significant milestone,” McDaniel said. “Being a career and technical education completer gives you an advantage over the other graduates, but it’s only the beginning of your new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges. As a CTE completer, you have gained the skills, experience and industry certifications to offer employers. You earned college credits while taking your CTE classes. The military may give you a higher rank if you decide to join a branch.”
McDaniel also spoke about how their are many job opportunities available and the certificates the students earned will help them find a job in their desired field.
Aiken County Public Schools graduation celebrations will continue Thursday, June 8 and Friday, June 9 at the USC Aiken Convocation Center.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
