Congratulations to Vidalia High School Student Jackson Crawley for completing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pathway and becoming the first student to become eligible for FAA Part 107 license. According to Instructor Amy Gillies, "Jackson worked diligently to pass the knowledge test. He is a hard worker with an impeccable work ethic. "

Congratulations to Dusty Meeks! Dusty Meeks is a 2019 graduate of Treutlen High School. During his high school career, Dusty enrolled in Work-Based Learning and excelled as a part-time employee and student! Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Donna Collins, placed Dusty in the Youth Apprenticeship Program, and over the past couple of years, Dusty has completed the program requirements to earn his Georgia YAP Certification. Dusty currently works for Pike Electric, a leading provider of turnkey infrastructure solutions for electric and gas utilities. Dusty continues to represent his school and community as a productive, successful member of our workforce!

Pictured left to right: Dr. Jameson Travick, Treutlen High School Asst. Superintendent, Dusty Meeks, 2019 THS Graduate/YAP Completer, and Donna Collins, WBL Coordinator

The second cohort of area high school students to finish the SECCA Energy Pathway course sequence has recently tested for their end of pathway certificate. The certificate is granted upon passing the Energy Industry Fundamental (EIF) exam administered by the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). This challenging exam certifies that students can demonstrate knowledge in areas important to the energy industry,

Energy Pathway Instructor Dr. Hart noted “We look forward to our SECCA program being the first step for our local students toward rewarding careers in the energy industry, including with our local partners. Our students are putting in the hard work, and we are proud of what they are accomplishing."

SECCA Energy EIF Certificate bearers for second semester 2020-2021.
Top Row: Alex Castro (Toombs), Tucker Copeland (Toombs) Jackson Davis (Toombs), Martin Granados (Toombs), Will Hamilton (Vidalia), Josiah Hill (Toombs)
Middle Row: Josh Lindem (Vidalia), Diego Lopez (Toombs), Jonathan Lopez (Toombs), Om Patel (Vidalia), Riken Patel (Vidalia), Phoenix Polke (Toombs)
Bottom Row: Lance Saleh (Toombs), Carlos Sanchez (Toombs), Rome Thornton (Montgomery), Aidan Usher (Toombs), Caleb Worth (Toombs)
Not Pictured: Dawson Partin (Toombs)

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) partnered with Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) through a donation of a quality assessment vehicle for their automotive program. Vehicles donated by Kia serve as an education tool. They donate models with the latest technology so students will be properly equipped with automotive knowledge that will help them succeed. Through the generosity of KMMG, students in an automotive career will have the opportunity to learn on state-of-the-art Kia vehicles built in Georgia. According to Shelly Smith, SECCA CEO, “We applaud Instructor Betsy Avellaneda’s initiative in reaching out to Kia and securing a place for SECCA in their automotive grant program.”
Pictured left to right are:
David Avery, SECCA Director of High School Programs; Coleman Edwards, Automotive student; Betsy Avellaneda, SECCA Automotive Instructor; Jaylen Jones, Automotive student; and Shelly Smith, SECCA CEO.

Dawson Lumely from Vidalia High School passed his End of Pathway Assessment and is now ASE Certified in basic maintenance and light repair. Congratulations!

John Bridges from Toombs County High passed his End of Pathway Assessment and is now ASE Certified in basic maintenance and light repair. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Cameron Coleman for winning the gift card giveaway! Principal Avery presented the Walmart gift card valued at $50.00. Cameron is a student at Montgomery County High School and is an Energy Program pathway completer! Congratulations, Cameron!

Congratulations to the students who finished the 3 required courses and tested for their end of pathway certification in Energy: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.
Row 1: Uriel Barbosa-Perez – Toombs, Austin Beck – Treutlen, Cale Brantley – Treutlen, Lorenzo Carreon – Montgomery, Danny Carter– Toombs, and Cameron Coleman – Montgomery
Row 2: Connor Coleman – Vidalia, James Collins – Vidalia, David Copeland– Toombs, Gavin Jackson – Vidalia, Walker McCord – Vidalia, and Mason Moxley – Vidalia
Row 3: Brannen Tatum– Toombs, Konnor Thornton – Treutlen, Cristina Tinoco– Toombs

The training for General Industry provides “training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces.”

Work-Based Learning students are taking advantage of their opportunity to "learn and earn". Students from Treutlen and Vidalia School Systems have enrolled in the WBL program as an added learning experience. Vidalia WBL student Thomas Allen works at Kilgore Animal Clinic. Mr. Allen is pursuing a career interest as a veterinarian.

The Teaching As a Profession (TAP) students have enjoyed their first experiences in the classroom. Primary, elementary, and middle school teachers are mentoring TAP students in order for them to learn more about the teaching profession. Lydia Baker, TCHS TAP student, is teaching students in Mr. Rustin Wright's 6th grade Social Studies class at Toombs County Middle School.

Dr. Kip Hart’s introductory Energy Pathway students have explored a variety of issues related to the industry, including pollution. As a part of their study of environmental responsibilities, laws, and regulations, the students took a moment to create “smog in a jar”. This facilitated a discussion about pollution production and its negative impacts. Students agreed that the industry should always take a careful, proactive approach to any potential negative environmental consequences.

A veteran educator has been named the drone instructor for Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA). Amy Gillies, a Vidalia City Schools teacher for the last fourteen years, will be taking over the drone program in August. Mrs. Gillies brings a wealth of knowledge from the public-school setting and aerospace industry. She holds an education specialist degree in teacher leadership from Valdosta State University and is FAA Remote Pilot sUAS certified.

McDonald's of Vidalia has been selected as a SECCA Business Partner. McDonald's has been one of the longest, dedicated business partners with the SECCA Work-Based Learning Program (WBL). They have been successfully employing and mentoring high school WBL students for many years.

Vidalia 10-Minute Lube is a part-time employer for SECCA Work-Based Learning (WBL) students. Owners Vince and Charlotte Meadows and their mechanics offer students hands-on opportunities to learn about automobile service.

Dennard Drugs of Soperton has been selected as a SECCA Business Partner! Dennard Drugs is a major supporter of our Treutlen High School Work-Based Learning Program. Mr. Dennard and his staff serve as strong, professional role models for Viking students enrolled in WBL. Dennard Drugs offers students valuable work opportunities and experiences that will better prepare them for their future. Pictured: Mr. Richard Dennard and Logan Powell

Students in the Energy Pathway at Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) now have a transformer for closer study thanks to the recent donation of local Georgia Power and manager Greg Hudgins. The transformer includes a cutaway window to study the interior structure. Students are transitioning from the study of electrical generation to transmission and distribution. Pictured are students from Toombs County High School and Vidalia High School, and Georgia Power Employees. Left to right: Mason Moxley (VHS), RIken Patel (VHS), Chad Rogers (GPC), Scott Branch (GPC), Eli Bridges (TCHS), and Cristina Tinoco (TCHS)

Twenty representatives of local manufacturing and logistics companies along with Toombs-Montgomery Chamber executives met recently at Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA) to launch a new program, Make It - Move It, a high school pathway on designing and shipping goods. By partnering with local businesses, SECCA can provide work-ready graduates who will be motivated team members in local industries. SECCA Board of Directors initiated the program and is working with Shelly Smith, SECCA CEO, and SECCA staff to make it happen.

Pictured: SECCA Board Member Don Betts and SECCA CEO Shelly Smith

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan celebrated College and Career Academies across Georgia by hosting the 12th Annual Business and Education Summit. The event was held on December 9th at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville. Surrounded by educators, students, and business leaders, Duncan congratulated the award winners and recognized the significant impact College and Career Academies are having throughout Georgia. During the Summit, Lt. Governor Duncan made a presentation for College and Career Academy Approved Certification for Southeastern Early College and Career Academy (SECCA). Sabrina Campbell accepted the award on behalf of SECCA.

SECCA's Energy Program recently supported an event hosted by Southern Nuclear and Georgia Power to expose area girls to careers in energy. Students from are high schools traveled to Plant Hatch to learn more about 'Women in STEM' and career opportunities in the energy industry. The group heard from energy industry female professionals, participated in activities on electricity, toured the plant site, and enjoyed lunch.