King of the academy
Students flourish under second-year administrator
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LEWISTOWN -- There has never been a better time to be a student at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology, according to Administrator Barry W. King.
"I am very proud and fortunate to be part of the Mifflin County Academy community," King said. "The demand for skilled and talented professionals has never been greater across virtually every employment sector."
That's good news for schools like the Academy, which welcomes students back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
Entering King's second year, their career and technical education, or CTE, programs are at capacity and other programs have wait lists. More importantly, their students are in demand. Many are already working and making a great wage.
"We are most excited to start working with our students because of all the opportunities for our graduates," King explained. "It is a great time to be a CTE student."
King is also excited about the new faces who have joined the Academy this year. They include:
• Amy Collins, health professions
• Bridget Fausey, welding
• Nicolette Fausey, agricultural education
• Travis McCullough, culinary arts
• Dr. Kristine Sunday, early childhood education/Teaching Academy
• Larry Winn, construction
"Our new teachers bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to our school and all of us are eager to work with them," King said. "We have a great team at the Academy to serve our students and families of Mifflin and Juniata counties."
Currently, there are three major projects that are underway at the Academy. School officials are moving forward with the expansion of the HVAC and diesel technology program. King expects bids to go out over the next couple months.
Additionally, the Academy has started a partnership with Habitat for Humanity where the Academy's construction and electrical programs will help build houses for the community.
Finally, the precision machine and mechatronics programs are working together as an advanced manufacturing program. The combined program uses computer numeric controls (CNCs) and a UR 10 Cobot to simulate the manufacturing environment.
"The Academy received $114,000 from the Hamer Foundation to support these initiatives," King said.
With all of the successes come some hurdles to overcome, such a lack of classroom space. "The biggest challenge is accommodating the student interest in our CTE programs," King said. "We know our instructors prepare our students for great opportunities in our community and it is difficult to turn students away because of space."
King feels like a proud father each time he hears of a student's accomplishments.
This year, electrical installation student Keagan Scyoc competed on a national stage at the SkillsUSA National Skills and Leadership Conference in Atlanta. He was awarded second place after three days completing written exams, job interviews and skill-based projects. King was one of his biggest supporters, along with other students who excelled in their arenas.
"I am very proud of our students," King said. "Our teachers continue to look at ways to mirror the workforce, so our students' transition to the workforce is seamless. Our students work hard and are committed to their field."