Newport Area Career and Technical Center recently celebrated 22 graduating seniors at its annual National Signing Day event. The ceremony, held with SkillsUSA, recognized students committing to careers in high-demand fields like construction, culinary arts, engineering, cosmetology, and IT.
Students signed letters of intent for their next steps, including jobs, apprenticeships, technical training, military service, and college.
Robert Young, Executive Director of Operations for Newport Public Schools, says, “NACTC Signing Day is my favorite day of the year. It’s a celebration of our students’ hard work, passion, and the future they’re building with careers that offer financial stability and make a real impact in our communities.”
Families, educators, district leaders, and local industry partners came together to witness the students’ commitments. Many graduates have already landed positions with local employers or started apprenticeships in trades and tech industries.
Kerry Clarke, Career Coordinator at NACTC, highlights two students’ achievements: “Morgan Spring, an AP student active in our Construction program, is heading to Michigan State for Engineering. Noelia Ramirez, who’s competed in ProStart and SkillsUSA, completed an internship at 22 Bowen’s, currently works at Taproot at Newport Vineyards, and will continue her education at Johnson and Wales this fall.”
Josh Klemp, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Rhode Island, emphasizes the value of CTE programs: “They show that CTE isn’t an alternative to success—it’s a direct path to it.”
NACTC, located at Rogers High School, offers hands-on training and academic instruction in various high-demand career paths. The center works with local employers, colleges, and organizations like SkillsUSA to give students real-world experience and industry certifications.
