Today in Kotzebue a special graduation ceremony will honor the 2015 graduates of the Alaska Technical Center. ATC is an adult vocational school that specializes in job training for rural Alaska.
This year, 80 students—including 20 Kotzebue high schoolers—completed programs in healthcare, process technology, construction, and culinary arts.
Barbara Jordan Smith of Kiana and Michael Morris of Noorvik are two graduates—and self-proclaimed best buddies—now that they’ve conquered the challenges and triumphs of the culinary program. They’ll be standing together at the ceremony today.
“I’m so glad. I’ve learned so much—more than I could ever have dreamed of,” said Smith.
“I’m ecstatic that I went here,” added Morris. “I like to cook but I didn’t know how to cook efficiently. And it gives me an opportunity in life to make my life better. Not only for myself, but for my family.”
Smith and Morris both hope to open their own restaurant one day.
ATC’s culinary program offers three modules through which students can earn their Food Handler Card and ServSafe certification—ultimately qualifying as a cook’s helper or assistant cook. The program may be completed in stages, so students can work in between and acquire further training as needed.
In addition to the career pathways of culinary arts, healthcare, construction, and process technology, 350 trainings this year provided various industry certifications through ATC.
Assistant Director Scott Warren says he hopes all graduates go on to be life-long learners and succeed in their careers.
Stay tuned to KNOM this week for more stories about the students and educators at ATC, and the Star of the Northwest Magnet School.
