CTE teacher, students recognized for excellence

Published 6:00 pm Sunday, September 22, 2024

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Lowndes County Career Technical Center (LCCTC) administrators recognized a teacher and six students recently, highlighting their excellence in the school system’s job-readiness program.

Samita Jeter, superintendent for Lowndes County Public Schools said the emphasis highlights the efforts of both center faculty and students.

“I am pleased with the efforts and diligence our CTE educators have made towards training our ‘future workforce,’” Jeter said. “At LCCTC we offer agriscience, business management and administration, computer science, modern manufacturing, JROTC (Junior Officer Training Corps), Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) and welding.”

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Career Tech Counselor and ten-year Lowndes County teacher DeAndre Crowell was recommended for recognition by Shameka Baker, CTE director, for his willingness to assist instructors and students in any way he can. 

“He works hard to ensure all of our dual enrollment students’ schedules, books, etc., are all aligned, and they are successful in their courses throughout the school year,” Baker said.

Eugene Rudolph received the award as the model student every teacher dream of having in their classroom. In his nomination, Crowell said, “He displays leadership, character, honesty, and teamwork during his time at the Lowndes County Career and Technical Center.”

Bernard Ellis has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, exemplary behavior, outstanding participation in class and always has a positive attitude towards learning. He was recommended by his agriscience instructor Kelsey Thomas.

Kayden Williams is described as “very helpful in the classroom.” She was recommended for the award for her willingness to assist the other students with their assignment.

“Although Kayden is quiet, she speaks up when needed,” said JAG instructor Chantrice Morrison. “She takes the initiative to get things done.”

Davyon Lewis shows great leadership skills in the classroom and was recognized because he always takes the initiative to help his peers. 

According to Crowell, the monthly recognition emphasis serves to encourage students doing well and inspire everyone toward their best efforts.

“We want to encourage [students] that no matter what’s going on, you can persevere through hard work and dedication,” Crowell said. “And so we try to award the students by acknowledging them. We take pictures and have them put their medals on, certificates up and we place their pictures on the wall. Hopefully it encourages the next student, or motivates the next student to say, ‘Hey, I can be a star achiever of the month as well.’”

Haigler Johnson has shown leadership skills in the classroom as well as in his career tech student organization, SkillsUSA. He has already achieved his short-term Welding certificate. 

Ashton Coleman was recognized because he shows dedication, hard work and a deep understanding of computer science concepts. His teachers describe him as possessing a strong work ethic and displaying excellence in completing his assignments. 

Jeter praised the center on its efforts toward preparing students to career readiness.

“I am certain that with the energy and positive display of professional commitment, our students will gain knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be ready for postsecondary education and the workforce,” Jeter said.