Regional technical center in NK dedicated amid fanfare

Culinary student Mary Black (above) from Charles City High School serves guests while below , Brandon Fisher, also from Charles City, demonstrates how to weld a valve. At bottom, Holli Wilson (left) and Amanda Neault, both nursing students from New Kent High School, conduct a demonstration for guests at Sunday’s event. Seated in the wheelchair is a very realistic appearing dummy.

Andre Jones photos

School officials from New Kent, Charles City, and other surrounding counties celebrated the official dedication of the Bridging Communities Regional Career & Technical Center last Sunday.

Festivities started off inside New Kent High School where New Kent superintendent of schools Rick Richardson spoke on the history that the new facility has made.

“This is the first regional career and technical center approved by the state Board of Education in 25 years,” said Richardson. “We are also distinguished as we are the 14th government STEM academy in the state.”

The center offers seven programs in half-day classes. Those programs are criminal justice, culinary arts, diesel technology, HVAC repair and construction, nursing, pre-engineering, and web and game design. All of the programs are dual enrollment in conjunction with either J. Sargeant Reynolds or Rappahannock community colleges, meaning students can earn college credits while attending the programs. The courses also offer certifications as well for particular trades or skills.

“We wouldn’t be here without all the support we received,” Richardson concluded.

The center currently has 100 students enrolled drawing from New Kent and Charles City as well as King William, King & Queen, and Middlesex counties. Enrollment expected to double to 200 next year when BCCTC moves to full day programs.

Keynote speaker Javaid Siddiqi, Deputy Secretary of Education for Virginia, said the facilities and accomplishments of the five school and government localities speak for themselves in regard to the success of the center.

“When you hear students appreciate what adults do for them for their career pathway, what more is there to say?” said Siddiqi. “This regional effort is an innovation for public school systems.

“If you don’t have a sound or focused education, then businesses won’t come,” he continued. “This structure is different, but this represents the future for public education.”

The interest in building a career and technical center began in fall of 2003, with interest growing in 2004. By 2005, the idea was in motion and a budget amendment in 2006 by the Virginia General Assembly for research and planning allowed the plan to proceed. New Kent offered a plan in March 2011 for the old science building at what is now dubbed the county’s Historic School to be renovated for the center. The center was officially given thumbs up in October 2011. Renovation work was completed in time for the first day of school last month.

Several dignitaries from regional schools were present, including Charles City superintendent Janet Crawley, along with school board members from Charles City and New Kent. New Kent’s Board of Supervisors presented a plaque to commemorate the dedication of the building. A ribbon cutting ceremony inside the auditorium concluded the formal festivities.

The 500 attendees didn’t have to wait long to see what the new technical center is providing to students. Guests were treated to snacks and beverages provided by the culinary students of BCCTC. Buses shuttled guests from the high school to the technical center, where guests were given a tour by students. Students also presented an overview of the classes that are offered.

To find out more about the new Bridging Communities Career & Technical Center, call New Kent County School Board offices or check out the website at www.bridgingcommunities.k12.va.us.