Smyth Manufacturing Excellence grads told 'You are the now'
These graduates of the Manufacturing Excellence program were celebrated at the Smyth Career & Technology Center Wednesday.
Each student was photographed with Dr. Brad Haga, superintendent, and Sarah Gillespie, Smyth County Chamber of Commerce executive director.
Kelly Hill, human resources manager for W-L Construction & Paving, told the graduates that the workforce is ready for them.
Manufacturing Excellence students visited multiple plants in Smyth County.
The students were getting an opportunity to take a break from classes to be honored. However, they were so anxious to get back to learning that their principal promised them the ceremony would be brief.
Michael Berry, Smyth Career & Technology Center principal, explained that the multiple snow days earlier this semester delayed the students who are working toward earning certifications in their chosen fields and some are also achieving degrees from community colleges simultaneously with their high school diplomas.
However, on Wednesday, the students enrolled in the Manufacturing Excellence program did pause for their graduation ceremony.
Berry celebrated the program’s growth. At its launch two years ago, nine students took part. This year, enrollment jumped to 28 with a cohort in each semester.
The program introduces participants to local manufacturing careers and the related necessary skills.
Berry lauded the work of Mike Sturgill, the school system’s supervisor of instruction and a leader with the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce. He helped start the Manufacturing Excellence program, which was modeled after a similar offering in Wythe County and is hosted by the chamber.
Educating students about what opportunities are available to them is essential, Berry said as he told the graduating students that he’s lived in Smyth all his life and knows it possesses treasures.
In addition to presenting opportunities, Berry said the program helps students build relationships and partnerships.
Of Manufacturing Excellence, he said the Chamber of Commerce wants to strengthen the community. “That starts here,” he told the students. Rather than declaring that they are the community’s future, Berry told them, “You are the now.”
Sarah Gillespie, the chamber’s executive director, said she often describes the chamber as an entity that puts all the pieces of community puzzles together. Through Manufacturing Excellence, she said, the chamber helps students unite careers, skills, and opportunities.
Kelly Hill, the human resources manager for W-L Construction & Paving Inc., told the students that when she graduated from Chilhowie High School, she wanted to leave Smyth County.
Now, she said, “Smyth County has given me opportunities I never expected.”
She celebrated the relationship building aspect of the program, which may help students years from now.
For those soon to head to employment, Hill said, “The workforce is ready for you.”
In addition to W-L, she celebrated the other industries the students toured, including Hitachi Energy, Smyth Machine, Wytheville Community College West Campus, United Salt Corporation, Woodgrain Millwork, SIG, and Southeast Utility Trailers.
“Staying in Smyth County is not a bad thing at all,” Hill declared, telling the students that they can build a future close to home.
She expressed the hope that an interest in the construction field has been sparked in the students “and maybe even inspired students to tell a friend. That’s how careers begin: with exposure, conversation, and opportunity.”
Representing the students, Northwood High senior Waylon Nunley thanked all the people and organizations who supported the program.
Nunley told the News & Messenger that Berry introduced him to the program and he recognized the opportunity. Nunley already possesses multiple career certifications.
Smyth County Superintendent Dr. Brad Haga urged the students to “never stop learning, never stop promoting yourself….” He also encouraged them to build a good group of people who can motivate and help when they hit rocks in life.
Each student received a certificate and closer to graduation will receive a medal made by the center’s Greg Blackburn, the Machine Tech and Pre-Engineering instructor.
The Manufacturing Excellence graduates are:
Chilhowie High
Noah Nash, Brycen Sturgill, Kody Jones, and Kevin Shumate.
Marion Senior High
Ayden Richards, Gavin Moore, Jayden McKinney, Camden Wilcox, Gabby Felty, Jaden Griffey, Andrew Hall, Caden Burchett, Garrett Moore, Jayce Hill, Daylon Vanhoozer, and Caleb Mitchell.
Northwood High
Andrew Call, Allen Collins, John Garner, Connon Blake, Owen Prater, Aiden Hill, Joseph McVey, Olivia Cardwell, Andrew Woods, Chloe Dole, Frankie Minton, and Waylon Nunley.
