FCPS christens new Career and Technical Academy
Published 1:45 pm Monday, November 25, 2024
Students of the new Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy cut the ribbon for the new facility Thursday, Nov. 14, while being joined by state and local elected officials and community and school leaders. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
A tour group sees a space in the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy where students learning about nursing and health care can practice what they have learned. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
A tour group reaches The Stable in the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy where students learn about business. The room is set up as a store, including a mannequin modeling Franklin High School Broncos gear. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Robotics Adviser Brandon Yanna, far right, highlights to a tour group the space in the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy that is dedicated to robotics. Guests in the room include Virginia State Del. Nadarius Clark, near far left. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy students showcase their ability to use sign language, which is one of the many classes taught at the academy. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Students studying criminal justice at the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy share with a tour group some of what they have learned thus far. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Janae’ Crockett presents a shoe that she designed as part of a class at J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy. The shoes are called Pink CoCo’s. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy culinary students share some of what they have learned with a tour group on Thursday, Nov. 14. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy Director Crystal Phillips addresses those gathered for the academy’s grand opening ceremony Thursday, Nov. 14. (Photo by Titus Mohler)
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Franklin City Public Schools held the grand opening of its new Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy on Thursday, Nov. 14, giving attendees an extensive look at the many offerings of the new facility designed to prepare students to enter the workforce.
FCPS had previously moved its eighth grade students to Franklin High School. Starting this fall, FCPS also moved its seventh graders to FHS and its sixth graders to S.P. Morton Elementary School, freeing up what was formerly J.P. King Jr. Middle School to become a career and technical education center for the division’s students.
The new academy has been operating since the start of the 2024-25 school year.
State and local elected officials and community and school leaders joined students of the new academy for the grand opening event Thursday. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, all visitors were offered the opportunity to tour the facility and take in presentations from not only faculty but also students, who shared what they have been learning there this fall.
The subjects covered at the J.P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy include but are not limited to business concepts, graphic design, American Sign Language, Spanish, culinary arts, robotics, nursing and health care, economics and personal finance, computer systems information, criminal justice and early childhood education.
Some subjects include advanced classes as well.
FCPS Superintendent Dr. Carlton Carter opened the proceedings Thursday by thanking everyone for attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the academy, “where we understand that not every student is designed to go to a four-year institution, thus the importance of having this facility, which will focus on industry certifications that will prepare our students to go directly into the workforce with skills or to the community college for their training, which we know is absolutely vital.
“Thus I am happy today to dedicate this building to Franklin City Public Schools as we move forward to make all our students career and college ready,” he said.
Franklin City School Board Chairman Robert Holt then read a proclamation commemorating the opening of the academy. It read as follows:
“Whereas, on Nov. 14, 2024, we gather to celebrate the grand opening of the Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy, a significant addition to our community dedicated to fostering educational excellence and career readiness; and
“Whereas, the academy honors the legacy of Joseph P. King Jr., whose commitment to education and community service inspires us all; and
“Whereas, (with) the visionary leadership (of) Franklin City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carlton Carter and the School Board, this institution will provide students with invaluable skills and training, preparing them for successful careers in various fields; and
“Whereas, the Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy will serve as a beacon of opportunity equipping our youth with tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce;
“Now, therefore, I, Robert Holt, board chair, along with members of the Franklin City School Board, do hereby proclaim Nov. 14, 2024, as the official opening day of the Joseph P. King Jr. Career and Technical Academy. We encourage all citizens to join in recognizing the importance of this institution and to support its mission in cultivating skills and capable individuals ready to contribute for our community and beyond.”
Carter asked if one of the students would perform the actual ribbon cutting, “because this is for the kids,” he said.
After the ribbon cutting, Academy Director Crystal Phillips, joined by several students, welcomed everyone in attendance, and said, “We are invested in the commitment to our community, our school district and the future careers of all students. We want you to enjoy today. We want you to envision all the possibilities that will come from the students at this school. We thank you for your future commitment and your commitment today.”
