The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — Alleghany High School announced its 2025 honor graduates on April 3, celebrating 38 students who have excelled academically with a GPA of 3.55 or higher. Over half of these high-achieving students have also completed at least two courses focused on specialized job skills through the career-technical education programs offered by the school division.
For these CTE “completers” – an educational term for students who have finished multiple courses in a specific area of CTE – this means they are not only smart in their regular schoolwork but also have learned important skills that will help them in their future careers.
“It’s especially exciting to see so many students not only achieving strong GPAs, but also completing CTE programs that give them real-world skills and a head start, no matter where their path leads,” said Principal Derek Cantrell.
Jacob Morris, a Class 2025 honor graduate, is an example of how academic excellence can extend beyond the classroom. Morris has showcased exceptional talent and ambition in the skilled trades.
In May, he will receive his diploma for AHS, having completed electrical courses at Jackson River Technical Center and Mountain Gateway Community College. Currently, he works at J&K Electric, a local business based in Covington. Morris has also completed carpentry coursework at JRTC. In 2024, he placed first in the regional SkillsUSA electrical competition, ultimately placing third in the state.
“Always follow your dreams no matter what gets in your way,” said Morris, whose career goals are to be a master electrician and a contractor.
“I have learned a lot by taking JRTC classes. The things that I have learned at JRTC have carried over into my ability to work for J&K Electric the past two years. I completed my first year at Mountain Gateway, where I will graduate next May with my electrical and instrumentation degree. JRTC has definitely helped me in many ways pursuing my dreams of becoming an electrician. I plan to get my journeyman’s card after I graduate
from MGCC,” he said.
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools provides many career-technical education pathways that have expanded since the school division was created in July 2022. AHPS was formed when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center consolidated. AHPS is funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. The pooling of local resources has allowed the school division to expand offerings to students at a more efficient cost to taxpayers.
CTE courses are available at Covington Middle School, Alleghany High School, Jackson River Technical Center, and Mountain Gateway Community College. Starting this fall students will have a new opportunity at Mountain Gateway through the new MG-TEC lab school.
The lab school is being designed to give high school students a head start in IT careers through college-level courses, certifications, and practical experience.
Leaders of AHPS, Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, emphasize the value of CTE courses for a diverse range of students, including those pursuing military enlistment, employment, or enrollment in higher education, known as the “3Es” in education circles.
“CTE coursework is very helpful to students planning to enter the workforce directly, and it is also helpful for many students planning to take other paths such as immediate enrollment in college,” continued Halterman. High school level CTE course options are offered at both AHS and Jackson River Technical Center.
Ready to embark on their chosen career paths or further their education, many graduating seniors from JRTC are on the cusp of earning CTE completer status, a testament to their dedication in multi-course programs.
“Each senior who completes a multi-course program at Jackson River Technical Center achieves CTE completer status as a graduate. I am poised to award 69 JRTC certificates to 57 graduating seniors pending successful completion of their programs who will be fully prepared to either enter the workforce immediately or continue their training at a trade school or institution of higher education. I enjoy taking part in this exciting time of their lives,” said JRTC Principal Josh Craft.
About Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students in the Alleghany Highlands. Stay updated on the school division’s news and events on Facebook (AHPublicSchools), Instagram (ahpublicschools), and its website (www.ahps.k12.va.us).
