Wallace State’s Applied Technologies Division hosts 2021 NC3 National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day

View the video of students pledging their commitments | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJTtb132kTY

View pictures of the signees | https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157718997829150

HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State Community College’s Applied Technologies Division recognized multiple incoming students recently during the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day.

For the first time, the event was hosted on a virtual platform. Modeled like an athletics commitment event, the NC3 Signing Day celebrates students who are entering a technical field and emphasizes the importance of their career choice.

“It’s awesome that Wallace State cares about its students and hosts this event,” said John Foles of Sumiton, who’s enrolling in Wallace State’s Mechatronics/Electronics/Robotics program. “I enjoy fixing things and understanding how they work. This program is perfect to help fulfill my career plans. I’ve also applied for the FAME program.”

Wallace State has participated in the NC3 Signing Day since its inception in 2016. Out of an abundance of caution because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NC3 hosted many prerecorded signing videos this year.

“Congratulations to all of our students. We’re so proud to have you here at Wallace State,” said Wes Rakestraw, Wallace State’s Dean of Applied Technologies. “I’m excited to be celebrating National Signing Day 2021 with NC3. We love NC3 and our partnership with them. NC3 offers us a great opportunity to share wonderful training and curriculum to our students. Our students walk away with nationally recognized certifications. It’s a great partnership.”

Added Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics: “We are excited you have chosen to continue your important journey at Wallace State. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of career technical education. The demand for those professions is exceedingly great and growing exponentially every day, especially in Alabama.”

Emily Edwards was among the students to commit to the welding program.

“There are different opportunities and jobs I can take with this degree,” Edwards said. “I first had an interest in welding from my dad’s friend, who’s an underwater welder. As I’ve got older, I’ve become more and more interested, and Wallace State’s program is a natural fit.”

Wallace State’s Welding program consistently features females enrolled in its program. Anna Reese, of Locust Fork, was another female to commit to the program.

Nick Marcum and Tanner Nolan are also incoming welding students.

D.J David, Emma Brock, Elyse Koloski and Fiayla Herc pledged their commitments to the Salon and Spa Management program.

For Engineering Technology, Gabriel Weems and Kelson Moore attended the signing, while John Foles, John Michael Landers and Russell Walker committed to the college’s Mechatronics, Electronics, & Robotics program.

Wallace State’s Diesel Technology recognized three students, Hunter Wright, Sean Perejda and Robert Lee, entering the Kubota Tech program, which offers certifications in pre-delivery inspection (PDI), preventive maintenance inspection (PMI), electrical I and II, hydraulics, engine, power transmission and power train brakes, steering and suspension.

“On behalf of Kubota and more than 1,100 dealership locations across the United States, we want to congratulate you on the great choices you’re making to continue your education. We’re proud to be working with the people at Wallace Sate Community College and we’re confident this is a place that you can acquire the skills you need for a great career and to make a great livelihood,” said Stacy Schroeder, Senior Manager of Kubota Tractor Corporation.

Each incoming student was recognized individually, signing with their respective programs as their future instructors and Rakestraw looked on. Students received a Wallace State hat upon signing and had the opportunity to tour their department on campus.

For more information about NC3, visit http://www.nc3.net/

For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

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