Livingston ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Pack, LHS Principal Justin Turbeville, LISD Academic Advisor Debra Jenke and eight LHS students presented a program on the LHS dual credit program for CTE and academic students during Thursday’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Livingston.
Pack said he wanted to share what is happening at LHS, something that’s changing people’s lives, and that is dual credit courses.
“We want students to graduate not just holding a diploma, but holding options for their future,” he said, adding that those students who participate get to experience the rigor and expectations of college work, while also building confidence and experiencing financial savings.
“Many graduate core-complete and may even earn an associate’s degree which is 60 hours. Students graduate with certifications, are not forced to choose between college or career, but have access to a pathway that leads to something,” Pack said, adding, “Success after graduation is not one size fits all.”
LHS Principal Justin Turbeville introduced the students who each told a little about themselves and their program.
Jose Olivares Jr. is in the welding program. He said it has given him great opportunities to learn a future skill and work with his hands and that through the program he has also developed patience and focus – two things that are required in welding.
Madison Alen is in the education program. She said she goes to the elementary schools three days a week for two periods and can observe teachers and work with students and that it also provides an opportunity to give you a better idea of what you’re getting into.
Madison Scott is in the health science program and there are five classes. She said she ultimately wants to get a master’s degree in nursing and go into pediatrics.
Kaitlyn Ogden is in her fourth year of the culinary arts program. She said she gets to do a lot of catering events and gets a lot of good chances to help make food for people. She said in the beginning you learn basic knife skills and cleanliness among other things and that you can graduate with ServSafe certification. She said the program gives you lots of opportunities.
Katie Lloyd is in the agriculture program studying animal science. She said she has been raising and showing dairy goats since she was eight years old and that she is already building a college transcript. She talked about the animal checks she performs, the academic bridge and the Texas A&M AgriLife practicum models. She is presently interning at Fur Babies Hotel & Spa where she is gaining hands-on experience and learning more about animals. She wants to be a vet tech and said the program has given her a professional headstart.
Kasandra Fabela is in the criminal justice program which she said is entirely student-led. She said she has gained leadership skills and communication skills through the program. She said she plans to double major in psychology and criminal justice and that she wants to be a law enforcement officer.
Blakeli Parish is in the cosmetology program which she said is a two-year program. She said they study hair and nail diseases, learn about skin and that she finds it very interesting. She said the program has taught her patience and confidence and they participate in competitions with mannequins. An added benefit, she said, is that you can graduate with a license and go to work right after school.
“Those are all dual credit and can lead to certification, but we also have an academic track,” Turbeville said, as he introduced Madison Evans.
“I just teach seniors and it has been a pleasure having Madison Evans as a student,” Jenke said.
Madison Evans is on the academic track which she joined her freshman year. She said she will graduate in May with 40 hours of college credit. She said she has found the experience unique and valuable and thanked the administrators, teachers, counselors and advisors, adding that she cannot convey how much she and her classmates have gained from the experience. She commented that in addition to the academic achievement, it saves time and money and gives the students a much-needed headstart. She said it will allow her to face the future not with hesitance, but with clarity and unyielding resolve.
