Career and Technical Education

Greetings CTE Teachers,

As we have closed the month of March, I wanted to take a moment to share some key updates, reminders, and encouragement as we continue to support our students' educational journeys.

1. CTE Credentials and Compliance

Please remember to continue to upload your CTE credentials into Google Drive as soon as completed. A record of certification must be sent for a student to be marked in PowerSchool. A schedule for compliance reviews will be sent within the next couple of weeks.

2. Professional Development

3. Student Competitions and Recognition

Spring is a busy season for student competitions! Many of our programs will be participating in state-level competitions, and I encourage you to support your students through practice and preparation. Whether in SkillsUSA, FBLA, FCCLA, HOSA,TSA or other relevant competitions, this is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skills and dedication.

The LHS/NCTHS drill team competed in the final drill meeting for SY 25-26, the Alabama State JROTC Drill Competition held at Alabama A&M. Resulting in our JROTC Drill Team placing in the following events:

1st Place Armed Color Guard

1st Place Unarmed Platoon Inspection

1st Place Unarmed Platoon Regulation

2nd Place Armed Duel Exhibition

3rd Place JLAB Knowledge

3rd Place Armed Inspection

Job Well Done!!!!!!

Lee/ NCT

HCT students are collaborating with HCT Athletics Director, Mac Howard and assisting the track team at Milton Frank Stadium by modifying parts, in equipment used for the long jump.

(L to R) - John Berry (JHS), Jaylen Cambell (CHS), and Mathias Newman (JHS)

We are incredibly proud to highlight three of our standout Work-Based Learning (WBL) seniors who are gaining invaluable, real-world experience as Huntsville Hospital Assistants. Committing 10–20 hours each week, these students are bridging the gap between the classroom and the clinic. Aileen is currently thriving in the Women & Children’s surgical unit, where she’s getting an early look at her future career. “I know I definitely want to be a nurse when I’m older,” Aileen shares. “It’s a great learning experience to be in a hospital setting immediately... I am in the surgical unit, but we’re right next to the NICU, so I get to see the babies and talk to the moms!”

Meanwhile, Hannah and Norah are stationed at a busy OBGYN physician office, mastering both the clinical and administrative sides of medicine. For Hannah, this placement is a dream years in the making: “From kindergarten, I knew that I wanted to work in the healthcare field... It’s helped me to be more detail-oriented.” Norah emphasizes the essential "soft skills" she’s acquired, noting, “Huntsville Hospital has taught me how to do clerical work... It is absolutely necessary to know how to navigate patient charting and a company’s software, and Huntsville Hospital was able to equip me properly.” We are thrilled to see these young women excel as they prepare for their bright futures in healthcare!

Hannah & Nora

Norah

Hannah

Aileen

Ms. King & Aileen

HCT Greenpower recently competed at the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix, placing 1st place in Advanced Modified. Teams 10, 11, and 12 are ranked 5th, 8th, and 12th, nationally.

April 24- Weather Day

May 6- Senior Recognition Night

May 15- Last Day for HCT students

CTE Signing Day

It is time to prepare for the HCT Senior Recognition. This event is to recognize seniors at Huntsville Center for Technology that are going into industry after graduation. This is for students that intend to pursue a technical career pathway post high school graduation in a related field from your pathway at Huntsville Center for Technology.

988- Suicide and Crisis Hotline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The Huntsville Center for Technology recently hosted a Mock Interview Event designed to prepare all senior students for success beyond graduation. This hands-on experience gave students the opportunity to participate in professional, one-on-one interviews with representatives from Huntsville City Schools Human Resources as well as respected members of the local community.

Each senior had the chance to respond to real interview questions, receive immediate feedback, and build confidence in a supportive, real-world setting.

The involvement of HCS Human Resources and community partners added tremendous value to the experience. Their insights and guidance helped students better understand employer expectations while also allowing them to make meaningful connections with professionals in the Huntsville area.

Events like the Mock Interview Day are a vital part of preparing students for life after high school no matter if they plan to enter the workforce, attend college, or pursue technical training. By engaging in authentic interview experiences, HCT seniors are gaining the tools they need to stand out and succeed in their future careers.

The Huntsville Center for Technology is proud of its seniors for their professionalism and dedication, and extends a sincere thank you to all community members and HCS HR staff who made this impactful event possible.

Scholars from Columbia, Lee, and New Century High Schools recently spent an inspiring day with Huntsville Fire & Rescue’s recruitment team, led by Captain Cory Green. The visit offered students a firsthand look at what it takes to become a firefighter in the City of Huntsville and the rich history behind the department. (photo below)

Captain Green opened the day with an engaging presentation on the path to becoming a firefighter. Students also had the privilege of hearing from Fire Chief Howard McFarland and Deputy Chief Wesley Cole.

Chief McFarland, whose legendary career spans 42 years, shared heartfelt stories from his time in the fire service. He spoke candidly about the joy, purpose, and deep fulfillment he has found in serving the community. Students were eager to ask questions, and he took time to answer each one with sincerity and wisdom. (photo below)

After the presentation, students toured Station One to experience a day in the life of a professional firefighter. They explored the station’s living quarters, workout room, and even watched Captain Green, Captain Parker, and Firefighter Berry demonstrate the district’s only slide pole — a definite highlight.

The tour also offered a glimpse into HFR’s proud legacy. Students saw the department’s first hose cart from the late 1860s and the first motorized fire engine placed into service in 1927. These historic pieces helped students appreciate how far the fire service has come. (photo below)

The visit continued at the Huntsville Fire & Rescue Training Facility, which is shared with the Huntsville Police Department. Upon arrival, students witnessed HPD officers practicing the PIT maneuver (precision immobilization technique). Captain Green jokingly reminded everyone that HFR is still the cooler department.

Division Chief Hubert McKalvey welcomed the group before leading a tour of the classrooms, auditorium, and training structures. A memorable moment came when Engine 9 Driver/Engineer Seikel showed students the tools firefighters use on various calls, giving them a hands-on understanding of the profession’s technical side. (photo below)

By the end of the day, several students expressed genuine interest in pursuing a career with Huntsville Fire & Rescue. Their excitement and curiosity were clear signs that the visit made a meaningful impact.

All in all, the experience was a tremendous success — one that may very well shape the next generation of Huntsville’s firefighters.

Email: zachary.mcwhorter@hsv-k12.org

Website: hcs.org/district/career-technical-education

Location: 2603 North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL, 35810

Administrative Assistant/Office Manager: Jan Minor

256-428-7810 (ext. 96103)