BY KARISSA MILLER

February is Career and Technical Education Month, and Iredell-Statesville Schools is highlighting the importance of its CTE program.

These programs give students the opportunity to receive hands-on training for high-skill, high-wage careers. CTE students can get a head start on their peers by earning certifications or higher education credentials.

“It has prepared our students for post-secondary and beyond,” said I-SS CTE Director Tim Woody.

At a time when she was questioning what she wanted to do with her life after graduation, Shay Rooney, a senior at South Iredell High School, was introduced to career and technical education.

“I knew that I wanted to do something in the health science field, but I didn’t know how to get an education in that or where to even begin,” Rooney said.

Learning about biomedical technology sparked her interest. She wasn’t able to take it, but enrolled in the Nursing Fundamental class at the Career Academy and Technical School.

Rooney earned her CNA nursing credentials, established close connections with her teachers and landed an internship with Iredell Health System in Mooresville.

“I personally have found this CTE pathway to be super transformative. It has really taken my career from just a dream to now coming into more of a reality,” she said.

Rooney hopes to attend college to become a forensic pathologist. Her CNA nursing certificate will help her earn money while she works towards her career aspirations.

Kaylee Greer, a senior at Crossroads Arts and Science Early College, said being involved in the Future Business Leaders of America helped transform her leadership and team skills.

“Running for chapter office positions improved my public speaking abilities and confidence,” Greer said.

Furthermore, she said, that serving as a state officer in FBLA helped her develop soft skills.

Greer said she couldn’t have grown within FBLA without taking CTE courses.

“If I would have not taken a CTE course,” she said, “I would not be where I am today.”

Greer said her classes taught her real world concepts, including taxes, housing and paying for college.

“The world needs more leaders, critical thinkers, kindness and collaborators. I believe that if I can create one leader, one critical thinker, one kind person and one collaborator in my life then I will be content,” Greer said.

She plans to carry her passion as she completes her education and works toward a career as a physician assistant.

Resolution

The I-SS Board of Education recently approved the 2023 FBLA proclamation, which reads as follows:

WHEREAS, Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) is a non-profit educational organization whose first chapter was established in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1942; and

WHEREAS, Iowa became FBLA’s first state chapter in 1947; and

WHEREAS, Lake Norman High School officially chartered its FBLA local chapter on October 10, 2002 and

WHEREAS, Crossroads Arts and Science Early College officially chartered its FBLA local chapter on February 9, 2018 and

WHEREAS, FBLA includes more than 250,000 members and advisers in 4,600 chapters nationwide in middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, career and technical schools, and private business schools; and

WHEREAS, FBLA is a professional business organization dedicated to bringing business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs; and

WHEREAS, FBLA members perform community service activities and strive to build a student’s understanding of the realities of the modern business world; and

WHEREAS, FBLA teaches middle school, high school, and college students basic business and
leadership principles; and assists them in the transition from school to work;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dr. Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell Statesville Schools do hereby proclaim February 5-11, 2023 as NATIONAL FBLA WEEK in the School District of Iredell Statesville Schools.