Brett Keasler, Principal at Cherokee County Career & Technology Center and County-wide Career Tech Director is pleased to announce the 2021 Career Tech Scholarship recipients.

GENE HAAS FOUNDATION PRECISION MACHINING SCHOLOARSHIP

“The Gene Haas Foundation recognizes that the future of manufacturing in the United States – and around the world – depends directly upon the availability of skilled workers. Expanding the pool of skilled workers hinges on recruiting more young people to pursue careers in manufacturing and creating state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training programs to ensure that graduating students have the
skills necessary when they enter the workforce.

One of the primary goals of the Gene Haas Foundation is to provide financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Scholarship programs are available through career centers, technical schools, community colleges, and universities. Foundation funding goes directly to those training programs to attract prospective students.

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high quality manufacturing technology training worldwide.”

(https://ghaasfoundation.org/content/ghf/en/education-grants.html)

The Gene Haas Foundation Precision Machining Scholarship recipient is:

Hannah Dale

Hannah Dale (Sand Rock High School) completed the Precision Machining Career Pathway qualifying her
to become eligible to receive a Precision Machining – Basic CNC Technology Short-Term Certificate from
Gadsden State Community College next fall. Hannah plans to continue her education at GSCC working
toward a Long-Term Certificate in Precision Machining. Hannah will use the knowledge and skills learned
in precision machining as she eventually pursues a degree in the Arts.

D.P. WHITTEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The D.P. Whitten Memorial Scholarship is provided by the family of Mr. Whitten as a memorial to his
distinguished service to the Cherokee County School system. Mr. Whitten served as an Agriculture
Science teacher for 34 years and was the first Career Tech Director in Cherokee County. During his
tenure, he served in many leadership positions including both Secretary and Treasurer of the Alabama
Vocational Teachers Association and both President and Vice President of the National Vocational
Teachers Association.

The 2021 D.P. Whitten Memorial Scholarship recipients are:

Caleb Seth McDaniel

Caleb McDaniel (Cherokee County High School) completed Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Multimedia
Design, and Microsoft Office qualifying him as Completer in the Business and Marketing Career Pathway.
Caleb’s eagerness to learn and helpful nature make him an outstanding student to teach. In addition to
Business, Caleb also took courses in Electronics and Robotics under Instructor, Logan Shook. Although
Caleb was unable to become a completer in the Electronics Program of Study due to scheduling, he
made the most of his time, competing in the East Alabama Best Robotics Competition as well as the
local SkillsUSA Electronics competition where he tied for first place. Caleb has tested for the ETA EM1 DC
Technician’s Certification.

Hannah Mercedes Davis

Hannah Davis, (Sand Rock High School) completed the Healthcare Science Career Pathway and received
her Patient Care Technician Certification under Instructor Jessica Green, MSN, RN. During her three
years in Healthcare at the Career Tech Center, Hannah served as both Vice President and President of
the career tech student organization, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Hannah, who
was also named Valedictorian of Sand Rock Class of 2021, is described by Mrs. Green the ideal student—
respectful, dependable, and caring.

CAREER TECH FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP

Each year CTE Teachers select an outstanding student to receive the Career Tech Scholarship. These
students embody these qualities: respectful, kind, and cooperative with peers and adults; eager and
motivated to learn; exceptional contribution to class; exemplary behavior; and present, on time and
prepared for class.

The 2021 Career Tech FACULTY Scholarship recipient is:

Tristen Bailey Guice

Tristen Bailey Guice (Cherokee County High School) completed the Cosmetology Career Pathway and
earned the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) Certification through the American Hotel &
Lodging Educational Institute. The CGSP program prepares students for the hospitality industry. Certified
students have proven guest service skills including the ability to anticipate guest needs, to deliver
memorable experiences, and to turn around difficult situations. These valuable skills provide students
with a “marketable edge” when applying for their first hospitality job. Tristen has also been an active
member of the SkillsUSA Career Tech Student Organization. Tristen’s teachers describe her as
hardworking, honest, and intelligent.

CAREER TECH BUSINESS DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP

The Business and Marketing Pathway is a great program for students who have an interest in the
world of business, finance, and marketing. Students interested in this pathway enjoy helping,
leading, and working with people, are comfortable working with computers, enjoy organizing and
planning activities or events, and have an interest in working in a business environment.

The 2021 Career Tech BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Scholarship recipient is:

Savannah Drew Hooper

Savannah has completed the Business and Marketing Career Pathway, earning Microsoft Office
Specialist certifications in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. MOS Certification ensures that Savannah will
enter the workforce with proven office skills and enhanced professional performance that will help her
stand out from the competition in a tough job market. Savannah has served as President of her local
FBLA Chapter and is described by her teachers as extremely focused and hardworking.