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Success Stories

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Burton Headshot

Steve Burton is a 2007 alumnus of Hart County High School who now serves as the CTAE Director and CEO of Hart College and Career Academy. Steve completed two pathways in high school, Education and Construction, and applies what he has learned both in his personal and professional life in his current role. He furthered his education at Emmanuel College for his bachelor’s degree, Piedmont College for his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a specialist degree in Educational Teacher Leadership, and Columbus State University for his specialist degree in Leadership and Administration. His career growth demonstrates the potential opportunities that CTAE, coupled with post-secondary education, can provide. Steve began his education career at South Hart Elementary School, first as an Elementary Math Interventionist, and then moving into a position as an English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher at South Hart and Hartwell Elementary Schools. He then served as the STEAM facilitator at Hart Elementary for four years before being appointed as the Assistant Principal of North Hart Elementary School. After another four years, Steve was appointed to his current position as CEO and CTAE Director of Hart College and Career Academy.  

My passion for teaching and serving students was started in my education pathway with Mrs. Jamie Partain. While in high school, I was able to ‘test the waters’ by interning to ensure teaching was what I wanted to do.” 

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Clark Headshot

Sylvia Clark graduated from Oconee County High School in 2019 and will soon achieve a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Appalachian State University this May. Sylvia credits her experience in the Health Science Pathway with helping her get a head start in the world of athletic training, providing her with many hands-on experiences. In her time at Oconee County High School, Sylvia was able to shadow the athletic training staff for multiple high and middle school athletic programs, including shadowing her own CTAE instructor, Mrs. Katie Terrell. These opportunities helped give Sylvia experience which helped her know early on that athletic training was the career track she wanted to pursue. Sylvia participated in her high school’s HOSA chapter, including one year as an officer, and was able to get a head start on her college curriculum through her anatomy and physiology classes at Oconee County High School. Sylvia will soon begin her career as an athletic trainer with valuable experience and knowledge that goes back to high school CTAE. 

[CTAE] has allowed me to get a head start in the athletic training world. I was able to shadow at different high schools and middle schools to see the Athletic trainers throughout the area. This allowed me to see the day in the life [of an athletic trainer], which confirmed that I wanted to go into [the field].”

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Lavender Headshot

Aria Lavender is a 2021 graduate of Dutchtown High School, where she completed the Construction Pathway. Aria works as a Project Engineer Intern at DPR Construction Company and plans to graduate from Kennesaw State University this fall with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. She participated in different skills competitions, such as SkillsUSA, which helped her develop her foundational knowledge of construction, teamwork skills, and a love for building. Aria was also engaged in Work-Based Learning, which introduced her to a professional setting that assisted in her career development. In her time as a CTAE student, Aria credits the communication and leadership skills she learned as some of her most pivotal experiences. She was a team leader in skills building challenges and leading her team to win seventh place in the nation in the National Association of Homebuilders custom home building competition. In her own words, her experience in CTAE has helped her try new things and have no fear when facing new challenges.  

“Both CTAE and WBL provided me with exposure to both professional and career driven environments. I was able to become accustomed to different settings of facing challenges, allowing me to grow and develop strength while knowing I still have support. The drive and ambition I fostered in these programs have transferred to my current mentality within my career path.” 

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Ruiz Headshot

Wilmer Ruiz is a 2025 graduate of Alfred E. Beach High School, and he is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Health Science pathway completer. He currently works as an EMT for Chatham County Emergency Services through their Work-Based Learning program. Following graduation, Wilmer will attend Georgia Southern University to major in Psychology and Paramedicine, working to obtain a Paramedic license with the ultimate goal of attending medical school. In addition to his WBL involvement with the county, Wilmer has also been involved in HOSA during his time in CTAE, where he was able to participate in competitions and demonstrate written and practical skills against other students. He credits his coursework with helping to prepare him for success in his career by allowing him to gain valuable work experience, develop social skills that can be used in health care and other professional settings, and connecting him to a career he is passionate about.

“Being in CTAE/WBL has been pivotal in allowing me to work full-time in EMS. I have gained new skills and knowledge, such as critical thinking and problem solving on the spot, as well as the ability to talk and communicate with people…I apply every single experience I have had on the job to be a better provider and a better person.” ​​​​​​