On the morning of Tuesday May 2, six of Dawson County High School’s seniors signed certificates signifying their intent to go to college and enter into the teaching field.
During the school’s annual Future Educators signing day, family, friends, college representatives and school administrators gathered at the high school’s College and Career Academy to celebrate the students and their goals and to show their support as the seniors each signed their certificates of intent.
Each of the students introduced themselves, saying where they plan to go to college, what they hope to teach and which teacher or teachers have made the biggest impact on their lives during their time in elementary, middle and high school.
Before signing their documents, the students heard an address by guest speaker Reggie Stowers, who spent years of his life in the education field and is now a part of the Dawson County Retired Educators Association. Stowers described his own pathway to deciding to become a teacher and encouraged the students as they prepare to embark on their own journey to entering the education field.
“Becoming a teacher is not just choosing a career; God has chosen you,” Stowers told the students. “Everyone in here is His masterpiece; we’re all different, we all have different goals, but what God has created is a wonderful thing. You hold in your hands the key; it’s up to us to work for what God has for us in life.”
Stowers added that he was very encouraged and happy to see the students’ excitement and anticipation to begin their journey to becoming teachers.
“When I came into the room today, I felt excitement just walking in,” Stowers said. “You’re ready to go. Be excited, jump in and be encouraged that these people and many, many others are here with you supporting you.”
Stowers also presented DCHS senior Noah Burnett with a scholarship on behalf of the Dawson County Retired Educators Association. Each year, the association presents a $500 scholarship to a student like Burnett who plans to enter the education field.
During the ceremony, several of the school’s administrators and teachers also made remarks and encouraged the students who will be following in their own footsteps to become teachers.
“You guys are awesome; you’ve all done a very good job on all your placements and you’re all shining stars, so you should be proud of yourselves,” Education Pathway Teacher Lori Grant said to the students.
“We’re excited; we know what you all are capable of and we know that the future is bright,” CTAE Director Amy Smith added.
The six students who signed certificates of intent to become teachers on this year’s Future Educators signing day were Noah Burnett, Hailey Rickett, Hannah Rickett, Amy Sanders, Avery Yarbrough and Maddie Castleberry.