Aiken High students inducted into society

When Jacob Goff arrived at Aiken High School as a freshman, he had no concept of engineering as a possible career.

But after taking Jason Redd's CAD class with its focus on architecture and engineering, "I love it now, and Mr. Redd's class is really fun," said Goff, a senior. "We get scenarios to work on in our field, like building our own houses. I'm getting practical experience that I hope will prepare me for Clemson."

Goff was inducted as a member and the president of the Aiken High Technical Honor Society. Students must meet academic standards and other requirements to be admitted into the society. Other officers are Shane Cole, vice president; Joshua Garvin, secretary; and Brandon Washington, treasurer.

A total of 31 students were inducted Monday. The other career and technology education teachers are Jean Gorthy, culinary arts; Linda Harmon, early childhood education; Lisa Hall, marketing education; Meghan Wood, agriculture/horticulture; Fred Pilot, electronics/computer networking; and Stevan Smith, automotive technology.

"The students we honored tonight are our future educated workforce," Gorthy said. "They will own small businesses, work for corporations, become teachers and community leaders. It is exciting for us as career and technology instructors to be part of their success."

Hall said it's fun to watch her students get into the honor society. They've worked hard, and, in marketing, they get to experience things outside the classroom through regional, state and sometimes national competitions.

Brooke Cantrell, a senior, said she has learned so much about the world and how every aspect of marketing works.

"The class has helped me decide what I want to do with the rest of my life," said Cantrell, who plans to enroll at the Savannah College of Art and Design. "Without taking the classes, I wouldn't have known anything about it. It has really been eye-opening."

Mykal Moore is another Redd student who is pleased with the skills and broadened horizons he has obtained.

"I've learned new skills before leaving high school, and that's very important," he said.

Guest speaker Brooks Smith, director of the Aiken County Career Center, told the students they are the future.

"These students know where they're going," he said. "They have the passion and the brainpower to get there."

Other inductees included Daryl Anderson, Kendra Barnes, Julian Barringer, Joshua Bryan, John Taylor Carroll, Brittni Foster, Khadeajah Gleaton, Kaylee Heath, Alexis Lewis, Allison Josey, Hanlon Maivelett, Tyson McKevie, Taylor Noyes, Jayson Oxendine, Pamela Roberson, Wayne Russell, Tara Simmons, Reece Summer, Christian Taylor, Nicholas Tice, Brittany Wacker, Kirsten Welcher, Morgan Whetstone, Johnathan Williams and Mary Williams.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.