Throughout May, the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Moore County Schools, hosted a series of 2025 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day celebrations. These annual events recognize high school students committing to entering technical education programs, the workforce, or military service immediately following graduation. CTE Signing Days offer a platform to honor students’ career-ready choices and to celebrate the value and dignity of work.
“We’re proud to continue this meaningful partnership with Moore County Schools,” said Linda Parsons, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber, in a media advisory. “These students are taking bold steps toward their future. Whether they’re entering a skilled trade, enlisting in the military, or going directly into the workforce, we applaud their decision and are honored to help shine a light on their achievements.”
This year, 45 students took part in the celebrations, joined by their families, educators, mentors, and career representatives. All three traditional high schools in Moore County were represented. These students are committing to various career and technical pathways that will lead them into high-demand, high-skill fields, strengthening our local talent pipeline.
“Our students participating in CTE Signing Day are energized by the paths they’ve chosen,” said Dr. Lisa Scott, director of Federal Programs, Grant Administration, and Career Technical Education. “Each of them is entering a career field that is vital to our workforce. These ceremonies are a way to publicly recognize their choices and validate every pathway that leads to success – whether that be a skilled trade, the military, or continuing education.”
The 2025 CTE Signing Day honorees and their selected career fields include:
Union Pines High School
Grayson Bryant – Tesla
Josh Vela – Sandhills Community College (Culinary)
Destiny Wilson – NASCAR Tech
North Moore High School
Luke Gibbons – Sandhills Community College/Highfalls Fire & Rescue (Fire Academy)
Carson Greene – Sandhills Community College/Highfalls Fire & Rescue (Fire Academy)
Marissa Hussey – University of Mt. Olive (Veterinarian)
Eion Keown – Black’s Tire & Auto Service
Esteban Pulido Lopez – Sandhills Community College (Plumbing)
Jacob Montgomery – United States Army (Mechanic)
Elmer Martinez Rebollar – Sandhills Community College (Electrical)
Joseph Rowell – Sandhills Community College (Automotive)
David Scott – United States Marines (Infantry)
Bradford Sutherland – Caddell Carpentry
Pinecrest High School
Jackson Akins – Sandhills Community College (Architecture)
Azaria Arrington – United States Navy
Tayler Blake – United States Navy
Lane Bormet – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Dawson Brooks – United States National Guard
Zachary Bunch – United States Army
Amauri Chalmers – United States Navy
Kiya Cole – Johnson and Wales University (Culinary)
Jaylen Dais – Universal Technical Institute (NASCAR UTI)
Jaden Davenport – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Jack Elliot – Sandhills Community College (Architecture)
Eamon George – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Aiden Holcomb – United States Army
Tanasiah Harris – United States Army
Zhair Hunter – United States Navy
Haywood Johnson – Universal Technical Institute (Ford UTI)
Jackson Lowery – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Jemma McElhaney – Sandhills Community College (Nursing)
Brody McGraw – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Katherine Parker – Universal Technical Institute (Diesel UTI)
Javier Perez – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Tanner Ratclidff – Sandhills Community College (Fire Academy)
Ramone Richardson – Sandhills Community College (Automotive)
Jade Silva – Sandhills Community College (Automotive)
Kaylee Smith – Sandhills Community College (Nursing)
Aiden Striker – Sandhills Community College (Automotive)
Reece Snyder – Universal Technical Institute (Welding)
Sadie Thayer – Sandhills Community College (Cosmetology)
Bryce Tompkins – Sandhills Community College (Automotive)
Anna White – GTC Physical Therapy Assistant
Gage White – Real Estate
Cade York – Universal Technical Institute (Ford UTI)
These events mirror the spirit of athletic signing ceremonies but instead celebrate the achievements and aspirations of students preparing to enter the workforce or continue their technical training. By committing to employers, military branches, or postsecondary institutions, these students are helping meet Moore County’s evolving workforce needs.
“The Chamber, alongside Moore County Schools and Sandhills Community College, is committed to expanding access to career and technical education options,” added Parsons. “CTE allows students to earn college credit in high school, explore meaningful careers, and gain skills that will serve them for life. These signing events are just one example of how we’re preparing the next generation for real-world success.”
To learn more or to become involved with the CTE program, visit www.ncmcs.org
Feature photo: Carson Greene – Sandhills Community College/Highfalls Fire & Rescue (Fire Academy).
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Contributed article and photos.
