Following the industry certification of 24 students in small engine technology, plant science and animal science, the Trigg County Vocational School and two of its teachers — Jodie P’Pool and Karen Nolcox — were recognized Tuesday morning at the Little Theater for their efforts during the 2020-21 school year.
Karen Pitts, a career and technical education curriculum consultant for Internet Curriculum Education Videos Online (iCEV), presented the school with a metal sign listing those certified and work-ready — noting it’s uncommon, and special, to see so many students qualify at industry benchmarks coming out of high school.
With the iCEV serving as a “third-party” organization bringing industry training to the classroom, P’Pool lauded the curriculum base — which allows them to flex their own instruction into the plan, while giving students the freedom to work through assignments at home or on campus.
Nolcox specifically noted having these kinds of training courses was ideal during the height of the pandemic, when students couldn’t be on campus and maybe weren’t as attentive in Google Meet and Zoom sessions — and instead were more interest in hands-on projects and assignments.
With 18 pathways available at the Trigg County Vocational School, students have a chance to come away with several different certifications, should they so choose to.
Senior Aidan Moore is one of the 24 students part of this class, earning a certificate in fundamentals of animal science through Elanco.
Junior Caleb Coots, who earned a certificate in small engine technology and remains undecided on his professional aspirations, said he wanted to turn a hobby into a more useful tool.
Another junior small engine technician, Tucker Futrell, plans to work plumbing when he graduates — but noted he wanted a bit of a backup plan, and is considering opening his own small engine shop if his pipe dreams don’t work.
Junior small engine techonologist Mitchell Green added there was a sense of accomplishment during the 2020-21 school year, despite the separations from the classroom.
A list of those who earned certifications can be found at wkdzradio.com.
Principles of Small Engine Technology (Equipment & Engine Training Council)
Jasper Bailey
Dylan Chambless
Caleb Coots
Tucker Futrell
Mitchell Green
Cameron Haag
Jordan Hampton
Elizabeth Hiter
Matthew Johnson
Trevas Lynch
Damon Marlowe
Eric Oliver
Hunter Shelton
Erik Staples
Jordan Wilson
Plant Science (BASF)
Noah Beaudry
Tyler Harris
Elizabeth Hiter
Joshua Ingram
Abigaile Young
Fundamentals of Animal Science (Elanco)
Evan Andl
Ellie Covington
Aidan Moore
Margaret Rogers
