Roberta Axson is a registered nurse and Health Sciences teacher in the Newton County School District who credits her time in CTAE and the Health Sciences Pathway (formerly Health Occupations) with providing her resources to become a successful professional in dual careers. Giving birth at age 15 to her first son altered Roberta’s CTAE experience - after multiple doctor visits, she uncovered a lifelong passion for health care. The classroom learning and clinical connections brought relevant experiences as she heard medical jargon and witnessed clinical skills first-hand. Committing herself to technical instruction and a never-give-up attitude, Roberta graduated from high school in 1990 and began working as a Licensed Practical Nurse after finishing her practical nursing program in 1992. She became an RN in 1998, followed by her first foray into teaching Health Sciences in 2005. Fast-forward to 2024, Roberta has been a nurse since 1992 and has prepared future health professionals for nearly twenty years. In this role, Roberta sees an opportunity to invest in the next generation of students and give them the knowledge and instruction needed for a successful career. Roberta also serves as a HOSA advisor in Newton County. In addition to all of her work in health care and education, Roberta has continued her own education. In December of 2023, she graduated from Mercer University with a master’s degree in educational leadership.

“I'm most grateful for the opportunity to invest in Newton County School District students and provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed beyond the Health Science course. Some of my most cherished CTAE memories are the bonds I formed with both my teacher and fellow classmates… Today, as I guide and empower my students, I can forge meaningful connections and help them grow, just as we did through our shared CTAE experiences.”

Emily Nebb is a 2024 graduate of Calhoun High School and serves as a part-time talent acquisition coordinator with Mohawk Industries. When Emily first enrolled at Calhoun High School as a sophomore, she looked to a CTSO, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), as a way to get involved and make friends. As a senior, she served as president of her FBLA chapter and has engaged in a variety of different CTAE and workbased learning opportunities. Along with serving as FBLA president, Emily completed the Graphic Design Pathway and gained the Adobe Certified Professional credential because of her high school courses. She has also had the opportunity to pursue dual enrollment through Chattahoochee Technical College, the high school’s local Technical College System of Georgia partner. However, it was her work-based learning placement with Mohawk Industries that has proven to be one of the most formative aspects of her high school education. Mohawk Industries has given Emily the chance to gain real-world job experience and learn more about the company’s diverse workforce. Emily intends to continue her education this fall as she enrolls at Kennesaw State University to pursue a major in business entrepreneurship.

“The CTAE/WBL program has helped me in so many ways. I’ve learned extremely important skills, had several opportunities to get real-world experience, and received dual enrollment credit through Chattahoochee Technical College... I’m very thankful for the opportunities these programs have given me, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”