Students sign a ‘letter of intent’ to work for a local company

Ten seniors in the Class of 2024 walked across the graduation stage to receive their high school diploma and already had a new job waiting for them. 

Just before graduation, the students were given the opportunity to participate in the Gaston County Schools Career Signing Day ceremony.  The event, which is similar to career signing days that typically involve college athletes, was a time for the students to be recognized for their achievements and to signify their intent to work for one of seven local companies. 

The Career Signing Day is organized by Gaston County Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department.  During the ceremony, the students “signed” for jobs with GSM Services, Toyota of Gastonia, United States Marines, Agriculture Center Fire Department, Gaston County Government, Covenant Village, and EdyMac Plumbing.  Each student was given a Certificate of Achievement, which was signed alongside a representative from the company.

Through the Career and Technical Education program, students can gain valuable knowledge in a particular career field, participate in internships and apprenticeships, and earn industry-recognized credentials, which gives them an advantage as they enter the workforce after high school.  All middle schools and high schools in Gaston County Schools offer Career and Technical Education classes, and three years ago, CTE was introduced at the elementary school level with fifth graders learning about healthcare and electrical technology.  

Below is a list of the Class of 2024 seniors who were recognized during the Career Signing Day program:

GSM Services
Wesley Gates, Ashbrook High School
David Ogden, Ashbrook High School

Toyota of Gastonia
Kaden Kromis, North Gaston High School
Raleigh Trite, East Gaston High School
Henry Cox, East Gaston High School

United States Marines
Jose Jimenez-Lara, Forestview High School

Agriculture Center Fire Department
Elijah Herron, North Gaston High School

Gaston County Government
Connor Jones, North Gaston High School

Covenant Village
Ranley Clayton, Ashbrook High School

EdyMac Plumbing
Omarrus Holland, Stuart W. Cramer High School