Wallace State hosts 2019 Showcase for area high school sophomores

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The HVAC booth demonstrated how to gauge readings.

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College recently continued an October tradition, hosting its fifth annual college Showcase at Tom Drake Coliseum.

The event gave approximately 1,400 sophomores from area high schools the opportunity to learn more about the programs and organizations abounding at Wallace State. 

Cullman, Cold Springs, West Point, Holly Pond, Addison, Good Hope, Fairview, Vinemont and Hanceville High Schools visited the Showcase.  

“Wallace State’s fifth annual Showcase was a huge success again this year. Approximately 1,200 tenth graders from our service area attended and were provided the occasion to experience every program the college offers first-hand. They also met with the faculty that teach in the three divisions: Academic, Health, and Applied Technologies. Because many students opt to participate in either Fast Track or Dual Enrollment their junior years, the 10th-grade year is an opportune time to begin thinking about careers and educational goals,” said Dr. Beth Bownes Johnson, Wallace State’s dean of Academic Affairs. “Faculty, staff, and Wallace State students work together to provide this event, which is what makes it so enjoyable.”

Students initially arrived at the Wellness Center, where they were welcomed by the Wallace State Jazz Band and Cheerleaders and given instructions as to how to proceed. Students then visited Tom Drake Coliseum where Wallace State programs – ranging from academic, health, applied technologies and STEM majors to dual enrollment/Fast Track, success coaching, student activities, athletics and more – had informational displays and booths set up, highlighting their offerings. Wallace State’s Singers also provided entertainment.

Showcase attendees are given a passport each year and prompted to visit each booth at the event, crossing that off their passport. The visiting students are also encouraged to share their experience on social media, tagging Wallace State.

Along with Cullman County, Wallace State’s service area includes Blount and parts of Marshall, Morgan and Winston Counties.

For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

Wallace State Academy of Culinary Arts students, from left, Trent Nairemore, Chandler Smith and Anita Abbott, discuss their program to students attending the Showcase.
Wallace State students Brandon Woods, far left, and Jared Lavely apply the “Chest Vest” to Fairview student Ethan Gandy during the 2019 Showcase.
Alina Adams, Wallace State’s PTA Program Director, discusses her department with Showcase attendees.
Ashley Lancaster, Director of Clinical Education and a Respiratory Therapy instructor, converses with a Showcase guest.
The Excavator Simulator from Wallace State’s Diesel Technology program is always a popular attraction at the Showcase.