Linn-Benton Community College hosted a signing-day ceremony last week to welcome 125 new students into its technical education degree programs, including eight from Philomath.
Philomath High School students that participated included Laighla Hockema (heavy equipment/diesel technology), Jackson Holroyd (heavy equipment/diesel technology), Titus Johnson (culinary arts, nutrition and food systems), Seth Jordan (computer-aided drafting and design), Sara Leonard (visual communications), Dewey Sexton (automotive technology) and Rachel Zerby (heavy equipment/diesel technology).
Philomath Academy student Benjamin Cerny (heavy equipment/diesel technology) also was on hand for the event.
Billed as National Coalition of Certification Centers Letter of Intent Signing Day, the April 17 event was designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to emphasize the importance of their career choice. The students were celebrated by their friends and families, college faculty and staff, industry partners and potential employers.
“Their commitment to technical education demonstrated their dedication to developing valuable skills that industries need,” Amy Burbee, LBCC Cooperative Work Experience Department chair, said through a press release. “When our partners attended this event, they weren’t just witnessing a signing ceremony — they were meeting the talented professionals who will soon transform their industries with fresh perspectives and expertise.”
Earlier in the month, students had the opportunity to meet faculty members and see the lab space where they would be taking classes.
