RIVEROAK Technical College

Congratulations to this week's Student Spotlight, Julian Smith. Julian is enrolled in RIVEROAK's Brick & Block Masonry program. His instructor, Ms. Olivia Bruening, shared, "Julian consistently demonstrates positive qualities, such as leadership, creativity, and perseverance. His dedication to masonry is inspiring, and he serves as a great role model for his peers." When asked for his reason in selecting RIVEROAK, Julian shared, "The reason why I chose RIVEROAK is because I'm a very hands-on person, and I felt like this would be the place that would further my future with the masonry program." He enrolled in the masonry program because he said the world will always need masons, and because he likes working with his hands. Once he graduates, Julian plans to begin working and hopefully start his own business. We know great things are in store for Julian's future! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

Mrs. Mary Vickers, Surgical Technology instructor, is this week’s Staff Spotlight. Reflecting on her first two years as an instructor, Vickers shared, “I stepped out of the operating room and into a new environment that is teaching. I went from being an alumni of RIVEROAK to being an instructor, and I am blessed to be here." She is passionate about her field because she shared, "Surgery takes a certain kind of individual. You are the right hand of the surgeon and get to do incredible things." Within her program, she is responsible for educating students on sterility and how to assist during surgical procedures. Vickers encourages potential students wanting to enter this career field with the following advice: "Being a Surgical Tech is a rewarding career, and there will always be a need for them." #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

RIVEROAK Technical College is celebrating Constitution Day! Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens (constitutionday.com). #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

RIVEROAK would like to recognize Angelina White for being selected as this week's Student Spotlight! Angelina chose RIVEROAK because of the variety of classes and the many opportunities offered to students so they can excel and achieve their goals. Angelina's instructor, Mrs. Janie Maxwell, shared, "Angelina has worked hard and excelled in both her practical and her theory work. Her attendance is excellent, and she is always willing to take services." When asked about her program choice, Cosmetology, Angelina shared, "I couldn't think of anything or any other career I would rather be doing. I love the people, the services, and the ability to help others in such a creative way." Once she graduates, Angelina plans to work in a local salon and hopefully be in her own salon one day. We are so proud of you, Angelina! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

SAVE THE DATE! Join the excitement and plan to attend RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase, scheduled for February 13, 2025! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

Congratulations to RIVEROAK's Faculty Spotlight, Ms. Olivia Bruening, who teaches Brick and Block Masonry.  Olivia shared "I became an instructor because I have a deep-rooted passion for sharing my knowledge and helping others succeed in the field.  I find great joy in watching my students grow and achieve their goals.  The opportunity to inspire and guide minds is incredibly rewarding as an instructor." Olivia's leadership and influence have continued beyond her student years. As a graduate of two RIVEROAK industrial programs, she has served on a panel for the Florida Department of Education, providing insights on the importance of supporting non-traditional learners.  Under her guidance, the Brick and Block Masonry program has flourished, and she is actively planning a "Women in Industry" initiative to encourage and support potential students, particularly women, in exploring careers in the masonry field. Olivia's journey from a shining student to a dedicated instructor exemplifies the philosophy of "growing our own," and her ongoing contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the community and the industry. #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

RIVEROAK will be celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week September 16-20, 2024! Did you know more than 43 million adults in the United States cannot read, write, or do basic math above a third-grade level? (proliteracy.org) #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #FLAdultEd #GetThereFL #adultandfamilyliteracyweek #proliteracy #AEFLweek2024 #FLAdultEd #YourWay #YourWayFL #YourWayFLAdultEd #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #preparingaskilledworkforce

May we never forget.

Congratulations to this week's Student Spotlight, James Westberry. James is enrolled in RIVEROAK's Electricity program. His instructor, Mr. Jeremy Ulmer, shared "James is a reliable student that will be a benefit to any electrical-related industry that he decides to pursue. He has the work ethic required to succeed in this field." James chose RIVEROAK because it is local and the great opportunities it supplies to students. James has always wanted to be an electrician and his career goals are to join a local industry and work in telecommunications. We can't wait to see what the future holds for James! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

Ms. Greta Thornton, Nails and Facials Specialty instructor, is this week’s Staff Spotlight. Thornton has worked at RIVEROAK for 17 years and shared, “I began working at RTC when it was Suwannee Hamilton Technical Center as a substitute in the Early Childhood Program. I was hired as a VPK Teacher soon after. While working in VPK, I was approached about teaching a Nails Specialty Program in Madison County through SHTC. I have been teaching this program for the last 13 years. I am a licensed Full Specialist with the state of Florida and most recently began teaching the Facials Specialty program as well. I enjoy teaching others a job skill that can be an avenue to a lucrative career. I have had the privilege of teaching others skills and knowledge in this industry and that gives me a sense of pride that I can help my students make a great living at helping others." When asked why potential students should consider Nails or Facials Specialty, Thornton shared "This career path is a great way to meet people, be creative and be helpful to others. It is a skill set that can be learned and with practice you get better. With patience and building clientele, it’s a great way to make a living and make new friends." #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

RIVEROAK would like to recognize Erika Sosa-Cruz for being selected as this week's Student Spotlight! Erika's instructor, Ms. Frye, shared "Erika is taking charge of her future by pursuing her Florida high school diploma through our Adult Basic Education Program. Since day one, Erika has been a model student; attending every class, arriving on time, and consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic. Her diligence is paying off, as she's made significant progress toward reaching her educational goals. This bright young woman is laying the groundwork for an even brighter tomorrow." Erika shared that she chose RIVEROAK because she really liked the campus and it offered the program she needed to pursue her goals. Erika's career plans include attending college to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. We are so proud of you Erika! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

RIVEROAK Technical College's campus is closed today and will reopen Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Wishing all a happy and safe Labor Day! #GrowYourFutureWithUs! #GrowWithUs #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce

RIVEROAK is accepting applications for Spring Term 2025! Seats are limited in most programs, so don't delay. Applications can be accessed online at www.riveroakcollege.com or you can drop by RTC's campus. This is the perfect time to #GrowYourFutureWithUs! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #fltechcolleges #fltechnicalcolleges #earnacareerinayear #earnacareerinayearfl #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL

Patient Care Technician students have been mastering their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) skills! Did you know you can complete the PCT program in five months and earn your Certified Nursing Assistant, National Patient Care Technician, EKG Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician credentials? This is the perfect time to #GrowYourFutureWithUs! #GrowWithUs #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce

Here is a clearer image of the 2024-2025 SCSD Bell Schedule that was in the previous post. Please contact your school with any questions for school-specific information.

Due to potential for inclement weather, RIVEROAK will be closed August 5th, with plans to reopen on Tuesday, August 6th. Please check RIVEROAK's social media platforms regularly for the latest updates. To access a hurricane safety guide, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan and for latest weather updates from the National Hurricane Center, please visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/205449.shtml?cone#contents. Stay Safe RIVEROAK Nation!

Yesterday at a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, announced partnerships with 23 school districts across Florida to begin implementation of the Space Florida Academy Program within those districts. The program aims to connect students with high-demand credentials and skills necessary to work in the aerospace industry; credentials that may not have been traditionally associated with the aerospace industry. In collaboration with industry leaders, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce, the REACH Office (Reimagining Education and Career Help), and CareerSource Florida, the Space Florida Academy Program will focus on reframing aerospace job characterization by focusing on the following target areas to meet current and future industry demand: Aviation/Aerospace Advanced Manufacturing Construction Cybersecurity/IT Logistics Semiconductors “The Space Florida Academy Program offers a new trajectory for students to explore careers in aerospace by breaking down legacy perceptions of what an aerospace career requires,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida. “By bringing industry together with education, the program helps highlight these opportunities and ascertains what is truly needed now, and in the future, to meet workforce demands.” “The Space Florida Academy Program represents a pivotal step in ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the aerospace industry,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Space Florida Board Chair." By collaborating with industry leaders and educational institutions, we are creating a pathway for Florida’s students to pursue high-demand careers and secure our state’s position as a global leader in aerospace innovation.” Nearly every high school in Florida offers some level of credential and certificate programs identified as desirable by the aerospace industry. Rebranding these courses as part of the Space Florida Academy Program further highlights a pathway to potential well-paid employment with a high school diploma. The following counties participated in the MoU signing ceremony: Baker, Brevard, Charlotte, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Martin, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, PK Yonge, Putnam, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, and Suwannee.

RIVEROAK Technical College is now enrolling for the January 2025 Practical Nursing cohort. Applications are open today and will remain open until September 26th. For more information and to apply, please visit RIVEROAK's website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your nursing career! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #WeGrowFuturesHere #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear

For those planning to attend the Pharmacy Technician and Surgical Technology graduation tonight at Suwannee High School, please plan to park in the student parking area (Junior and Senior parking lots) due to on-going construction to the bus compound area. The student parking lot is located on the south side of campus, near the NJROTC and Agriculture classrooms.

RIVEROAK would like to congratulate Buddy Coleman for being this week's Career and Technical Education Instructor Spotlight. Coleman is in his 22nd year and serves as the Agriculture teacher at Suwannee High School. Coleman says, “CTE was very important to me in my education. It allows all students to achieve and thrive. Without agriculture we would not have the lives that we enjoy today.” Coleman shares, “Agriculture is a continually growing industry that will benefit you in the future.” Congratulations, Buddy! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #WeGrowFuturesHere #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear