Athens Community Career Center Director Reginald Thomas speaks with event goers in the Athens Community Career Center Main Lobby during the organization’s biannual Future Student Fair on Feb. 2. Thomas, who has served as Director since 2021, felt the event provided parents with a unique glimpse into what ACCA could do for their kids. “I guarantee you, 80% of the parents out there won’t realize before they walk in here that their child can get college credits (through the ACCA program),” Thomas said. “(Tonight) gives them a chance to learn about all that (we have to offer).” Photo by Mykolas Kumpis
The Athens Community Career Academy hosted its biannual Future Student Fair for prospective students and their families from on Feb. 2.
The Athens Community Career Academy opened its doors to potential future students and their families on Feb. 2. The event, which lasted from 4:30 to 6:30, was a chance for the ACCA to showcase their facilities, instructional staff, and educational opportunities, as well as recruit students from schools all across Athens.
For ACCA Director Reginald Thomas, the Future Student Fair served as a way to show off what the ACCA has to offer Athens’ youth and the broader community.
“We have to recruit (and) get the word out. Our counselors and even CTAE teachers have limited opportunities to go to the home schools and talk about the program,” Thomas said. “I guarantee you, 80% of the parents out there won’t realize before they walk in here that their child can get college credits (through the program). (Tonight) gives them a chance to see.”
Audio Visual Technology and Film Instructor Michael Bosby sits at his desk in Athens Community Career Academy Room 88 on Feb. 2. Bosby has been enthusiastic about the future of film making in Athens, and believes his classes can give students a head start in finding work at the new Athena Studios, set to open in March 2023. “I’m excited that Athens (will) have (its) own movie studio. They’re gonna be producing major motion pictures here, and the (studio’s) developer wants to keep this homegrown,” Bosby said. “He wants to start with the kids in elementary school that are doing (film projects), to middle school, to high school, (to) here, then to UGA, then to his studio so that he can keep everybody (from Athens).” Photo by Mykolas Kumpis
Students and parents were allowed to explore the facility, and tours were available to guide them through various classrooms and learning areas. Most rooms were open for event-goers, including Room 88, home to Audio Visual Technology and Film Instructor Michael Bosby and his film production space. Bosby believes that his class can effectively teach a whole new generation of filmmakers, resulting in tangible professional certification.
“These (sorts of) events help promote our pathways and get parents to know what’s here. A lot of parents in the community don’t know what goes on here, (and they can) come in and they see (that) it’s not just a hole in the wall. We (use) industry equipment.” Bosby said. “You could actually graduate with a high school diploma, a college degree or college credit and an industry certification. That’s the benefit of coming here. Everything we (do makes students) job-ready, and I think that’s important.”
Parent Cierra Hector poses with three of her children at the Athens Community Career Center on Feb. 2. Hector believes that the Athens Community Career Academy and its pathways could help prepare her son for his future. “(This program) could get him ready to get out into the world when it’s time, and will help prepare his mind (with) a direction once he gets out of high school,” Hector said. “I think that’s the most important thing.” Photo by Mykolas Kumpis
For many, including parent Cierra Hector, the ACCA made a positive first impression and inspired confidence in how it could help her child, CCHS freshman Malik Hector-Reid, and his future.
“(The event) let us roam around and see what (the ACCA) has to offer, and I like what I see,” Hector said (This program) could get him ready to get out into the world when it’s time, and will help prepare his mind (with) a direction once he gets out of high school. I think that’s the most important thing.”
