Peter Mannino:"Attending classes at the Weaver Education Center enabled me to develop skills in culinary arts that would have otherwise been unexplored throughout high school. By taking classes and focusing on my future goals, it opened doors for me in terms of gaining industry experience early on before college. The faculty was extremely supportive in seeing me reach my goals. Weaver Education Center led me towards receiving $52,000 in scholarship money to attend Johnson & Wales University to continue my hospitality education. For the past four years I have been studying the hospitality industry with an emphasis on resorts and hotels, which has enabled me to see just how diverse this industry is from many angles. There are so many jobs to go after in so many areas, and Weaver Education Center helped me to enter into the hospitality business with the knowledge and skills I needed to become successful. I am completing school at Johnson & Wales in Charlestown, SC, and am going to work for the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida as an Area Housekeeping Manager. While this position does not directly reflect my culinary skills, it does show that in this industry the sky is the limit in what can be achieved and strived for. It was not just culinary skills that I learned at Weaver: it was communication, public speaking, networking, and other skills needed to reach success in everything you do. It truly opened me up to another world in education that I never new existed!!"

Gloria R. Weeks graduated with honors from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in May 2001. Prior to her attendance at North Carolina A&T State University, she was a student at Southeast Guilford High School and the Metals Technology College Tech Prep Program at Weaver Academy. Gloria began her endeavors in Mechanical Engineering during her junior year of high school by taking Metals Technology courses at Weaver Academy and participating in the youth apprenticeship program. Through the CTP Metals Technology program, Gloria received training in the operation of milling and lathe machines, CNC programming, and Techsoft computer drafting. These skills were practiced in the classroom, as well as in local industries that sponsored and supported the program. As a result, Gloria acquired work ethics and experience, first hand. The Metals CTP program provided a foundation for her technical edification, which led her to begin building a career in the field of mechanical engineering. Wanda Weeks, Gloria's mother states "Without this program, it is not likely that her path would have led her to embark on many of the opportunities of leadership and achievements she has attained thus far". Currently, Gloria is a Patent Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, in Arlington, Virginia. In the near future, Gloria plans to obtain a Masters Degree in Business or Mechanical Engineering, as well as study law in anticipation of becoming a Patent Attorney.

David Snyder, a graduate of Eastern Guilford High School was, a College Tech Prep completer in Metals Technology. David enrolled in the Metals Technology program at Weaver Academy where he learned the basics of milling and lathe machine operation and earned certifications from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). David was part of an Automated Manufacturing team that finished first place in the North Carolina SkillsUSA competition and advanced to the national level. While in high school David was a Metals Technology apprenticeship at DEXCO and was recognized by the North Carolina Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Bureau as an “Outstanding Apprentice”. He continued his educations at Guilford Technical Community College earning an AAS degree in Machining Technology. He is currently employed as a machinist at DEXCOwhere he operates and programs Computer Numerical Controlled milling and turning centers. David also serves on the CTP Metals Business Council and assisted with the NIMS certification for the Metals Technology labs at Weaver.

Andre Zeigler is a 2002 graduate of Northwest High school was a College Tech Prep Completer in Culinary Arts. While attending Northwest, he also attended the Culinary Arts classes at Weaver Academy, where participated in the operation of the “Weaver Café” His experiences at Weaver gave him the opportunity to gain skills in hospitality, management and culinary preparation. As a high school student, Andre also participated in the youth apprenticeship program at the Revival Grill in Greensboro, NC.After high school graduation, he continued his education at Guilford Technical Community College earning an AAS Degree in Culinary Arts. Andre is currently employed as a chef with the Liberty Oaks Restaurant in downtown Greensboro, NC and volunteers to speak to others about the opportunities available to students who complete a College Tech Prep course of study in Culinary Arts.

Julie Parham is a 2002 graduate of Eastern Guilford High School and a College Tech Prep completer in Health Sciences. Julie became interested in the medical field when a grandparent had an extended stay in the hospital. She enrolled in the Medical Careers class at Eastern High School and was inspired by her teacher to choose Nursing as a profession. While enrolled in the high school program, she earned the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. Julie is currently majoring in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is utilizing the CNA certification she earned in high school by working as a CNA in the intensive care unit at Moses Cone Hospital. Julie says that as a result of the Medical Careers class, she has a "head start" on most of the students in her program at UNCG.

Jason Bunton, a 1999 graduate of Eastern Guilford High School,attended Weaver Academyand completed a College Tech Prep Course of Study in Electrical Technology. Jason was an exemplary Electrical Technology student and won first place at the state SkillsUSA competition. He went on to represent North Carolina at the national SkillsUSA in Kansas City. While in high school, Jason participated in the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Youth Apprenticeship Program withStarr Electric Company. During that time Jason had the opportunity to assist with the electrical construction of the new Eastern Guilford Middle School. In 2001, the North Carolina Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Bureau recognized Jason as an “Outstanding Second Year Apprentice”. Making the most of what he gained in the Electrical Technology College Tech Prep Program, Jason went on to complete his post-secondary education through the Starr Electric adult apprenticeship program. Jason has now completed his adult apprenticeship and is a "Journeyman" Electrician.

Travis Saunders, a 2002 graduate of Page High School was a College Tech Prep Completer in Information Technology (IT). He is attending the School of Communications and Arts in Raleigh majoring in Digital Media and Animation. Travis attributes his decision to major in Digital Media on the skills he gained in the IT Scientific and Technical Visualization (SciVis) classes which he took at Page high school. He says that SciVis was his favorite class because of the state of the art 3D and computer animation software used in the labs. Phyllis Jones, the SciVis Teacher at Page High School says that “Travis is one of the most talented 3D animators I have ever taught”

Brian Ward, a 1999 graduate of Southeast High School attended Weaver Academy and was a College Tech Prep Completer in Electrical Technology. While in high school, Brian worked as an electricalapprentice for J. H. Bowman Electric Company. Brian is a 2002 graduate ofNC A & T State University in the Construction Management program and is currently working as an Assistant Project Manager with Bovis Lend Lease in Charlotte, NC. Bovis Lend Lease manages projects for the owner which includes everything from the construction of the building to handling the money. Brian has also worked as an electrical, mechanical, and plumbing estimator with them and has had the opportunity to travel with the projects. Brian says "the only reason I was chosen for this position is because of the hands on experience I received in the CTP Electrical Technology class at Weaver Academy and in my apprenticeship with J. H. Bowman. Mr. Bowman encouraged me to continue my education. When I interviewed for the position, I was lucky to have the education, opportunity, and the experience that Ineeded. These hands on experiences I received in the CTP Electrical Technology program at Weaver landed me this position."

Ben Craddock, a 1998 graduate of Southern Guilford High School attended Weaver Academy and was a College Tech Prep Completer in Electrical Technology. While in high school Benparticipated in the youth apprenticeship program at AC Corporation in Greensboro NC. After graduation, Ben continued the apprenticeship while earning an AAS degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology atGuilford Technical Community College. In addition to earning an AAS degree, he completed the three-year apprenticeship program and earned his "Journeyman" Electrical Certification. Ben is currently employed as an electrician with in his family’s electrical contracting business.

Kate White Campbell, a 2000 graduate of Eastern Guilford High Schoolwas a College Tech Prep Completer in Construction Technology. Kate began her career in construction by working during the summers with a family friend who is a local general contractor. This experience sparked her interest in a non-traditional career. An honors student at Eastern High School, Kateenrolled in the Career and Technical Education Construction Technology and Drafting courses to gain additional knowledge in the area of her career interest. There she learned to read blueprints, use Computer Assisted Draftingprograms, and workedtowards a National Center for Construction Education and Research " Wheels of Learning" certification. As a high school senior, Kate competed in the North Carolina Department of Labor Carpentry contest held at the State Fair in Raleigh. She was the only female to compete and did very well, winning several awards. In high school Kate began an apprenticeshipwith Samet Corporation. She graduated from Guilford Technical Community College with an AAS degree in Construction Managementand continued her education at NCA&T earning a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. Kate is currently employed as a Project Manager with Bar Construction Company.

John Pasek, a 2003 graduate of Page High School attended Weaver Education Center and was a College Tech Prep Completer in Air Conditioning Engineering Technology. In Air Conditioning, John had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the Air Conditioning field from Engineering to the technician. The summer between his junior and senior year in high school John was able to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to through an apprenticeship at Central Carolina Heating and Air Conditioning. After graduating from high school, John enrolled in the Air Conditioning AAS degree program at GTCC and continued his apprenticeship at Central Carolina. He is now working as an adult apprentice at Central Carolina Greensboro.

Andrew Dorsett, a 2000 graduate of Eastern Guilford High School, attendedWeaver Academy andwas a College Tech Prep Completer in Network Engineering and Computer Engineering Technology. While in high school, Andrew earned the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) certifications. He apprenticed at Netpath, Inc., which is an ISP in North Carolina. Here he honed his C++ programming skills and assisted in the development of dynamic web front-ends and an online shopping cart system. He won "First Place" in the North CarolinaSkillsUSA Internetworking high-school division competition, sponsored by Cisco, and went on to represent North Carolina in the national competition where he also placed first in the nation. Andrew graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Computer Engineering Heinterned with the Department of Defenseperforming network and computer security evaluations. He currently works for a defense contractor, managing firewall configurations and information system security. Future plans are to obtain an MS in Computer Engineering Technology.

Tim Destasio, graduated in 1998 from Northwest Guilford High School and was a College Tech Prep Completer in Air Conditioning Technology at Weaver Academy. While in the Air Conditioning program, Tim learned the basics of design, installation, and troubleshooting air conditioning and heating systems. He began an apprenticeship as a technician for AC Corporation in Greensboroandcontinued his education at Guilford Technical Community College where he received an AAS Degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. He completed his apprenticeship with AC Corporation and is currently a technician with the company. Recently Tim was invited to speak with representatives from the National Dissemination Center for College Tech Prep. He emphasized the multiple options available to students completing a College Tech Prep course of study. Choosing to complete an associate’s degree Tim has a prosperous career with a local company.

DeVane Burnette, a 2002 graduate of Northwest High School, attended Weaver Academy and completed a College Tech Prep Course of Study in Automotive Technology. While in high school DeVane worked as an apprentice with Labonte Chevrolet and competed in General Motors and SkillsUSA competitions. After high school, DeVane continued his education in Automotive Technology at Guilford Technical Community College and continued to work part-time with Labonte Chevrolet. In 2004, DeVane placed first in the nation in the SkillsUSA Automotive Technology postsecondary competition. He has completed an AAS degree in Automotive Technology and is currently employed full-time as an automotive technician with Labonte.

Jason Brown is a 2001 graduate of Page High School and a College Tech Prep Completer in Automotive Technology. Jason enrolled in Automotive Technology at Weaver Academy because he was interested in becoming an Automotive Technician. He was impressed with the "state of the art" automotive lab, which gave him the opportunity to receive instruction with the same equipment used in "high tech" automotive service facilities. During his senior year, Jason began and automotive apprenticeship with Autotrends, an independent automotive repair facility for “high end” imports. This apprenticeship gave Jason the opportunity to extend the skills learned in the College Tech Prep Automotive classroom. He is a 2003 graduate of Guilford Technical Community College earning an AAS degree in Automotive Technology. He is currently employed full time as an Automotive Technician with Autotrends.

Geoff Jones, a 2002 graduate of Page High School was a College Tech Prep Completer in Information Technology. Heis attending the Arts School at Jacksonville University in Florida on a $22,000.00 scholarship. He is majoring in computer art with a minor in graphic animation and design. His acceptancein the program hinged onsubmission of a portfolio, which Geoff completed while taking the IT Scientific and Technological Visualization (SciVis) classes at Page High School. His mother (Beverly Jones) comments that Geoffrey was so excited after his first day of class, she could hardly calm him down. She also states that after that first day, they started searching for ways he could major in this new area. She said "he fell in love right away and wanted more". Geoff stated "SciVis was one of those rare classes that actually allows a student to learn first hand the type of career possibilities that might be available in the graphic field". Geoff attributes his acceptance to the Arts program on the skills he learned in his SciVis classes.

Chris Rutkoski, a 2001 graduate of Eastern Guilford High School was a College Tech Prep Completer in Chemical Process Technology. During his senior year, Chris was in the Chemical Process Technology dual enrollment program at Guilford Technical Community College receiving both high school and college credit for Process Operations I and II. Chemical Process gave Chris the opportunity to learn aboutthe theory and techniques of continuous batch process operations, safety and environmental protection procedures, mixing, storing, handling and distillation processes, and heat exchanges. His apprenticeship as a process operator with Stockhausen, a CTP Chemical Process business partner in Greensboro, NC, gave him the opportunity to extend the knowledge from the classroom to a practical application experience. Chris has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina A & T State University.

Matthew Allen graduated from Northeast High School in 2004 and was a College Tech Prep completer in Information Technology. Matt completedNetwork Engineering, Computer Engineering Technology and Network Administration at Weaver Academy. At the age of 15 Matthew earned the Novell Network Administrator certification in the Network Administration class. At 16, he took Network Administration - Microsoft and earnedMicrosoft Certified Professional status. As a senior, Matthew was one of the students in the first Red Hat Academy where he earned the Red Hat Certified Technician certification. Matthew won the North Carolina Skills USA competition in Network Cabling and represented North Carolina in the National Skills USA competition in Kansas City. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems.

Brad Beeson, a 1998 graduate of Northwest High School attended Weaver Education Center and was a College Tech Prep Completer in Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology (HEATT). While in high school, Brad began an apprenticeship with Piedmont Ford Truck. After graduation, Brad continued his post-secondary education at GTCC and earned an AAS degree in Diesel Technology. He also continued his apprenticeship and is now employed full time as a technician at Piedmont Ford Truck.

Jason Jobe, a 2004 graduate of Southern Guilford High School attended Weaver Academy where he completed a College Tech Prep course of study in Collision Repair. While in high school Jason had the opportunity to apprentice with Avery Body in Greensboro. He is currently enrolled in Collision Repair Technology at Guilford Technical Community College and works as an autobody technician at Avery Body.

Adam Wenner, a 2005 graduate of Ragsdale high school was a College Tech Prep completer in information technology courses at Weaver completing classes in Network Administration, Network Engineering, and Computer Programming. While in high school he earned the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) and Oracle Certified Technician. Because Adam was a College Tech Prep Completer, he had the opportunity to work as an apprentice with the County of Guilford Information Systems Department. He is currently a student at UNC-Charlotte in Computer Information Systems.

Melanie Greeson, a 1996 graduate of Southeast high school was a College Tech Prep completer in Early Childhood Education. Melanie enrolled in the Early Childhood Career and Technical Education courses because she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. After graduating from high school, Melanie completed a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Asbury College in Wilmore Kentucky. Melanie returned to North Carolina after graduating from college and began teaching for Guilford County Schools. She has been both a teacher and Curriculum Facilitator at Wiley Elementary School.