At first glance the South County Career center appears just like any other public school. The teachers and students fill the hallways and classrooms as they would anywhere else, but, for this school that is where all the similarities end. It is what happens outside of the traditional classroom setting that draws the attention the school deserves.
The center, for students at risk of dropping out of school, offers academic classes as well as hands on learning and training in a dozen vocational programs. From culinary arts and nursing to Web design and construction, 300-350 students have the chance to make something of their lives.
The kids have no knowledge of these skills at first but after the completion of a two-year program they are skilled, ready to work and finish school with a degree.
Paul Keeney's students learn the ins-and-outs of construction including framing, painting, roofing, plumbing and wiring.
"By the end of the second year these kids are able to build a house," says Keeney, who explains that the day usually is divided up into two parts, the first half is in the classroom and the rest of the day is devoted to learning in the shop.
The center, which has been in operation since 2002, does not tell the students what programs they should attend or what career they should choose, but after applying, students take a test and are given direction by counselors.
While all skills and classes are equally popular, one of the favorite places in the center is clearly the kitchen.
Chef Carl Waite speaks highly of the kids' interest in the culinary arts and mentions how much they enjoy cooking, baking and serving the food they have prepared themselves.
"The kids see the reward of their hands after every meal and they love it," says Waite.
Seventeen year old Thomas Crews was excited as he proudly explained his involvement with the lunch preparation of the centers' upcoming graduation party which was to serve 350 people.
"We do all the cooking in the kitchen and of course we also do all the clean up too," says Crews.
While the classrooms and the shops are filled with all the necessary tools and equipment needed to learn each skill, members of the community are also able to pitch in and help the students sharpen their skills. The automotive technology program often lets students work on cars donated to the center and others brought in for repair and maintenance. Often some of the building materials the students use are donated by local builders like
K& B Homes, as well as local residents which are much appreciated by the center and are welcome by the faculty and the students.
For more information about the South County Career Center, located on 4646 U.S. 41 in Ruskin, call 233-3335.
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