Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) hosted the 4th Annual Career and College Signing Day on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Crestview Community Center.

• The event highlighted the hard work and dedication of local Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and their commitment to pursuing their education and careers beyond high school.

“We are honored to welcome our Career and Technical Education seniors, their families and teachers, and our community leaders to the Okaloosa County School District’s 4th Annual CTE Signing Day,” said Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Okaloosa County School District. “By participating in CTE courses leading to industry certifications or licenses, our students secure their bright futures and those of their communities.”

Over 200 students from six local high schools signed letters of intention alongside their CTE teachers, principals, family members, District staff and School Board Member Tim Bryant.

• The event supported Governor Ron DeSantis’ goals of making Florida the number one state in workforce development by 2030.

The morning’s agenda included opening remarks by Chambers and April Branscome, Program Director of Career & Technical Education.

• Bernard Johnson Jr., Regional Manager at Florida Power & Light, addressed the students as the guest speaker. Johnson, who has been with the company for 36 years, spoke to the students about hard work, being patient and coachable, and making good financial decisions as they progress in their careers.

“When kids walk across that stage in their senior year, we want you to be prepared to be able to go to college, the military or the workforce. And today, many of you are going to technical colleges, college, or the military. And that’s something that we could not be more proud of,” said Chambers.

With a diverse range of CTE programs, including carpentry, culinary, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, engineering, and automotive, students have ample opportunities to pursue their interests and secure high-wage jobs in the future.

• “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who played a role in the success of Career and Technical Education in Okaloosa County,” Chambers concluded.