Reflections on LCCTC's National SkillsUSA Signing Day

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WATCH THE SKILLSUSA SIGNING DAY EVENT, CLICK HERE.

LCCTC was excited to join in on SkillsUSA Signing Day on May 4th.

What is Signing Day?

Much like a traditional signing day ceremony hosted for student-athletes who commit to a college, this event is part of a nationwide celebration showcasing the impact that SkillsUSA, career and technical education programs, and industry partnerships have to help close the skills gap. The event will highlight the value of career paths and long-term growth opportunities for over 40 students from Lawrence County CTC who have committed to skilled trades careers and/or advanced training at this time. As graduation quickly approaches in June, more are sure to join the ranks of the gainfully employed.

How were students selected?

Technically, students were not selected at all. Every in the Class of 2022 was invited. In a series of emails, each student in the Class of 2022 was contacted about the event; Then, on the announcements, reminders were made to reply through email announcing their post-secondary plans. Next, confirmation was established with employers, post-secondary training facility/college/university admission offices, and U.S. Armed Forces recruiters. Finally, emails were, once again, sent with instructions to help students and participating community partners prepare for the day.

Here are reflections from LCCTC’s first-ever SkillsUSA Signing Day:

  • Hayleigh Graham (HA) ~ “I absolutely loved it! The staff gave us such genuine encouragement, and it felt great to hear them say, ‘I’m so proud of you!’ I hope that we can do this for next year’s seniors, too; I think they’d enjoy it, as well.”

  • Madison Guntrum (OG) ~ “It made me feel accomplished knowing that all my hard work is paying off. Over the past three years, I have worked really hard to get to where I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without LCCTC, my teacher Mr. Parsons, and my family and boyfriend. They all pushed me to reach the constellations, and having them there to watch me sign made me feel accomplished.”

  • Shawn Barr (Wel) ~ “It’s nice to be recognized for something that you had to work hard to achieve and to maintain that achievement. LCCTC gave me the opportunity to get a jump start and the privilege to go out into the workforce before I had received my diploma. LCCTC is a wonderful place to get your career started.”

  • Dominic Smith (EO) ~ “I'm happy to know I have a place to work after high school and possibly get another trade underneath my belt. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to work with my hands, so being a jack of many trades would help me a lot in potential future careers – but for now, I’m happy to be at Central.”

  • Diana Troutman (VA) ~ “I feel accomplished in both my academic and vet assistant skills. Being eligible for recognition like this is proof to me that hard work and good work do pay off.” 

  • Kaitlyn Bober (VA) ~ “SkillsUSA has truly taught me that hard work pays off! I feel a great sense of honor to receive this medal,” agrees Katie, “and I love that we’ll have a hand-made keepsake for graduation.”   

  • Amber Miller (MTT) ~ “I’m heading to YSU in the fall to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I have a special reason for being excited to wear this medal on graduation day.  Knowing that my dad actually made this medal for the other LCCTC seniors and me for graduation made it even more special.”

Students who were able to participate in the event:

If you have any pictures you’d like to share, please email them to Mrs. McVicker.

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Students & community partners: If you would like to purchase professional photos of the event from Clark Studios, please CLICK HERE!

Here are reflections from the staff and administration:

  • Congratulations on an outstanding, first-ever signing day!!!! Mrs. McVicker, Mrs. Caiazza, Mr. Winhorst, Mrs. Weisenstein, and Ms. Price have set the bar extremely high in what will certainly be a yearly event.

  • It was wonderful to see all of the students, parents, and community partners join in on the event!

  • The students watching the Live Stream of the event were engaged in the event!

  • Signing Day was a fantastic presentation of our students’ accomplishments! Professional and positive!

  • Signing Day represents the epitome of who we are — becoming job and career-ready.

  • I truly enjoyed the event and all of my students were glued to the big screen tv. I believe it will inspire more of our students to pursue employment, commit to post-secondary education/training, or serve their country.

  • Good job all. The underclassmen in my classroom were able to see the significance behind the celebration. I hope this grows and becomes as important to the students as it should be!

Carolyn McVickerSigning Day, SkillsUSA