Hopkins County Schools marked another milestone Friday, celebrating the opening of new career labs at James Madison Middle School—an initiative to bring hands-on career learning to all district middle schools.
Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming credited former superintendent Amy Smith with the vision for the career labs, saying they demonstrate how “the future starts here” by creating new opportunities for students.
Former Superintendent Amy Smith, who retired at the end of the school year, thanked her staff and, along with Alaina Lancaster, principal of the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center, as well as the assistant superintendent and director of transportation, for their passion and paying it forward for the kids. She noted that the career labs are a key part of the district’s Deeper Learning opportunities.
click to download audioShe also thanked the Hopkins County School Board members for supporting their vision to do what’s best for students, whether they choose college or another workforce path after graduation.
Lancaster acknowledged the sponsors who helped make the career labs possible.
click to download audioChristy Rogers of Paxton Patterson, who partnered with Hopkins County Schools, shared that the customized career modules will offer hands-on learning in fields such as welding, sports medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, electrical work, plumbing, and hospitality, utilizing age-appropriate equipment.
Lancaster said that the new career labs will impact 1,500 students throughout the district, calling the program a game-changer.
click to download audioTom Thompson from the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education also attended to celebrate the district’s career readiness initiative.
After the remarks, attendees cut the ribbon, toured the new career lab at James Madison Middle School, and celebrated with cake.
Last Tuesday, Hopkins County Schools celebrated the grand opening of new auxiliary gyms and storm shelters at each high school with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hopkins Central High School.
To see more pictures from the celebration of the middle school career labs, click here.
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