Career‑tech instructors highlight programs at Buchanan County Career and Technology Center

Instructors from the Buchanan County Career and Technology Center described vocational programs and student opportunities during the school board meeting.

Howard Fuller, the cybersecurity teacher, described the CyberStart America competition and explained that his course introduces students to defensive cybersecurity ("white hat" techniques) and penetration testing tools. He noted a student from Mr. Fuller’s class, Taylor Bostick, won first place regionally in CyberStart America.

Stephanie Mullins, the CNA instructor, said the two‑semester program is open to juniors and seniors and includes clinicals at local nursing homes. "At the career center here, with the CNA program, the first semester, we do a lot of medical terminology," Mullins said, adding that the center pays for state board exams for students who meet eligibility thresholds.

Steve Cole, the auto body instructor, and Rick Jackson, a carpentry instructor, described hands‑on courses that cover repair and refinishing, small‑structure construction and reading plans. Cole invited students and community members to visit the shop to see demonstrations.

Stacy Griffey, the dental assisting instructor, detailed a two‑semester dental assisting course that prepares students to take x‑rays, take impressions and support routine dental procedures; she cited the national average salary for dental assistants as context for career opportunities.

Robin Bradford described the pharmacy technician program and noted successful board pass opportunities and the one‑year program structure.

Presenters emphasized CTE’s role in direct workforce placement and connections to regional colleges. Several instructors pointed to recent competition wins and high board pass rates as evidence the programs prepare students for employment or continued education.

Board members thanked instructors for the presentations and noted the opportunities for student involvement in the new high school design and construction projects.