Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center hosted its first signing day to provide recognition for outgoing students entering the workforce, both through apprenticeships or employment, and those advancing to a technical college in a related field.

“Our overarching goal is to recognize the students who aren’t always recognized for their achievements,” stated Charles Kinsey, TCC director. “Folks come here and see signing ceremonies for successful athletes and students accepted into Ivy League schools or what have you. It was high time the Poplar Bluff community and our sending schools recognized our CTE students the same way.”

For the inaugural event series, which kicked off on Wednesday, April 13, representatives from a dozen technical institutions, colleges and businesses participated in helping congratulate the TCC’s soon-to-be graduates as students signed letters of intent with support of school officials.

The concept came from networking with other career and technical education institutions and was presented to the Board of Education pre-pandemic, noted Kinsey. But a decision was made to hold off until restrictions eased up so families could celebrate in person.

Initial participation was voluntary and, while Kinsey said he was pleased with the turnout, he looks forward to building upon the new tradition going forward. The TCC maintains an annual placement rate of over 95 percent out of the 130-150 students who go on to the workforce, college, further technical school or the military, according to Kinsey.

“That’s our mission here is to be the place that industry wants to come and recruit,” Kinsey continued. “We aim to produce students who are desirable for local employers with our programming for our greater area, and this only tightens our bonds with our partners, whom we are always looking to find new ways to serve.”

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Cutline: (From left) Daniel Colvin of Baldwin Chevrolet, TCC Director Charles Kinsey, student Terry Stevens, TCC auto collision instructor Denni White and Southern Reynolds Principal Jake Hime.