Getting His Hands Dirty Pays Off

Written by Joy Galon

 Zach Hanson is the kind of person who doesn't just tolerate getting his hands dirty. He likes it. That turns out to be exactly the right disposition for a plumber.  "I don't mind working late or getting my hands dirty. I just kind of like that kind of thing," he said.  That attitude has...

Building a Career Without the College Debt

Written by Joy Galon

Owen Wilbanks has a goal: by the time his friends finish college, he wants to own a house. He's eighteen, he just graduated from Empower College and Career Center, and he's already doing the math.  Owen recently joined Southern Geotechnical Consultants as a field technician, and he enjoys the variety of job sites, traveling to test concrete for...

Eddie White Drone Program Helps Students Imagine Bigger Futures

Written by Joy Galon

There's a moment in almost every movie where the camera lifts. The city opens up below. San Francisco, maybe, the bay sliding past under a wide sweeping shot that lasts four seconds and then cuts away.  Every kid at Eddie White Middle Academy has seen many shots like that. But Dr. Micki Harris, principal of the school, says many of them ever...

His Passion Came with a Paycheck

Written by Joy Galon

Jorland Gless grew up watching his dad and grandfather work on cars. By the time he was old enough to take an automotive class in high school, it felt less like a choice and more like the next natural thing.  Now he's doing it for a living.  The recent Jackson County graduate was...

He Found His Calling in the Shop

Written by Joy Galon

He Found His Calling in the Shop  John Wingo fell in love with fabrication as a kid, watching his dad weld at a diesel shop. Now the recent high school graduate turns wrenches of his own at Ryan's Diesel Garage off Highway 11.  Everything comes through the door: tractors, lawn...

HireSmart Grants Help FCCLA Students at State Event

Written by Joy Galon

Ladd Soseby walked into the room alone.  The “Chapter in Review Display” event at the regional FCCLA competition was designed as a two-person presentation. His partner wasn't available. So, Ladd stood in front of the judges and delivered the whole thing himself.  He still placed in the top two of the region and advanced to state.  Then he went home, revamped the...