Dozens of students put pen to paper recently, committing to Applied Technology programs at Wallace State Community College as part of the NC3 Letter of Intent Signing Day. St. Clair County residents signing to the Diesel Technology program include Elijah Dick and Henry Dole of Ashville, Jackson Allen of Leeds and Jared Harris of Steele.

“Today we celebrate a commitment, opportunity and the bright future of technical education,” said Jerry Murcks, Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State. “This day is modeled after athletic signing events, honor students choosing careers in skilled trades. By signing you are committing to learn, grow and make an impact in the workforce. This ceremony represents more than just signatures. It is a shared promise to invest in the future one skill at a time.”

Industry partner Rodney Richie of Snap-on Industries congratulated the students and reminded them they are part of the future of a diverse and expanding industry in Alabama and will be needed to fill jobs.

“My generation, Gen X, we’re five to eight years from retirement and we’re going to need people to fill our shoes, and you will be doing that,” Richie said. “We appreciate Wallace State and we appreciate each and every one of you.”

Will Simonton of Festo recognized Wallace State as one of the top schools in the United States for Festo NC3 certifications and applauded them for giving out over 1,500 NC3 certifications overall last year.

“At Festo we are truly committed to furthering technical education by offering a wide range of certifications with NC3,” Simonton said. “We are also focused on expanding our offerings to encompass all areas of new technology today. We truly recognize the importance of STEM centered education and undoubtably recognize the importance each of you are making today. By making this commitment to yourself and your education, you’re not only setting yourself up for success, but you are making a commitment that will positively impact the community and local industries.”

Christina Holmes of Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development encouraged the students to take advantage of every opportunity offered to them at the college, from help building a professional resume, networking opportunities and certifications to apprenticeship or internship opportunities.

‘My challenge to is you while you’re here as a student is to lean on your instructors for guidance and mentorship and then take advantage of some of the resources I’ve told you about today and make the most out of your time here at Wallace State,” Holmes said.

Travis Kress of the Applied Technologies program announced the recipient of a NC3 Skilled Trades-3M Transformational Scholarship. Jonathan Rodriguez, a dual-enrollment Welding student from Hanceville High School received $1,000 to assist in his education.

Students committing to Wallace State Applied Technology programs include:

— Agriculture/Horticulture: Avery Tipler of Gardendale, Cristy Reid of Hayden

— Aviation/Flight Technology: Christo Alvarez of Albertville, Gavin White of Haleyville, Melissa Evans of Huntsville

— Construction Management: Johnny Molina of Lebanon, Tenn.

— Culinary Arts: McKynzie Shipman of Vestavia

— Diesel Technology: Hayden McClendon of Albertville, Elijah Dick and Henry Dole of Ashville, Cooper McDowell of Boaz, Brooks Holten and Michael Smith of Cullman, Jackson Allen of Leeds, Jared Harris of Steele

— Electrical Technology/Mechatronics: Chevener Toussaint of Cullman, Adam Campbell of Guntersville, Gary Miller of Hayden, Annicka Fraley of Holly Pond, Juan Blanco of Oneonta

— Heating and Air Conditioning: Auston Wilkes of Auburn, Luke McGee of Decatur

— Machine Tool/ CNC: Clinton Phillips of Bremen, Ryan Dill and Caiden Yeager of Cullman, Christopher Putman of Good Hope, Luis Reyes of Hanceville, Gary Brown of Houston, Gannon Black of Joppa

— Salon and Spa Management: Ava Roper of Blountsville, Jordyn Thompson of Cullman, Katura Marino of Hanceville, Isabella Lopez and Courtney Parker of Holly Pond, Jasmine Carroll and Katalena Epperson of Oneonta

— Welding: Zayden Lay of Blountsville, Dylan Speegle of Cullman, Noah Roberts, Jonathan Rodriguez and Zachary Rooker of Hanceville, Ashleigh Creech of Huntsville, Alex Curd of Remlap