RIVEROAK Technical College

Mrs. Taylor Cole is this week’s Career and Technical Education Instructor Spotlight. Now in her second year as an Agriculture teacher, Taylor shared, "I became an Agriculture educator to provide experiences to students and educate them on real-world skills like I had the opportunity to do when in school. I am very thankful for the opportunities my Agriculture teacher provided for me, and I hope to be able to do the same for my students through the years. I chose CTE because no matter what your life path is, the skills and information you learn can be applied in anything and everything. Everyone should know where their food comes from, how to publicly speak, how to work with others, and so much more!” Taylor shared how her passion comes from her family: “I fell in love with agriculture at a very early age. My mom and both older brothers were in Agricultural classes when they were young, so it only made sense I would follow in their footsteps. When I started showing animals at 8 years old, I knew I wanted to have a career in agriculture. It wasn’t until I was in middle school, I found my love for education and decided I would one day become an Agriculture teacher. I love to see the lightbulb go off for students in class when they grasp a new concept or when a student finds their place in FFA with showing, a contest, or even in a leadership role. Agriculture is such a key part of how the world turns. How could I not be passionate about it?” For students considering the Agricultural field, Taylor shared, “The biggest piece of advice for students who want to become an Agriculture teacher is to remember to embrace your agriculture experience while it is going on. I feel that nowadays, we try to rush through life and miss out on so much because of that. You want to be able to share your experience with your future students, so make yours really count. Another piece of advice is network! Make friends, shake hands, and help out others where you can. They will be a huge lifeline when you become a teacher. Agriculture is like a big family, and if your circle is diverse and full when you start, then your first couple of years will soar smoothly!” Congratulations, Taylor! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #agriculture

Congratulations to Lesly Cortes for being selected as this week's CTE Alumni Spotlight! Her Finance Academy instructor, Barrinesha Washington, shared, "Lesly was a phenomenal student of mine that graduated in 2023. She was a student intern for First Federal, which allowed her to work in the Bulldog Bank during school hours. This opportunity led her into advancing from a bank teller at First Federal to a student intern in the BSA Compliance department. I am proud of her and her accomplishments.” Lesly shared about the career opportunities that opened for her upon graduation: "After graduating, I was offered the opportunity to advance my career at First Federal Bank, where I had previously served as a student teller during my time in high school which I was able to do through the Finance Academy. Transitioning into a new role within the BSA Compliance department, I found myself immersed in a critical area that focuses on the detection and prevention of money laundering activities—a crucial concern in today’s financial system. This position allowed me to relate the theoretical concepts that I am currently learning in my Criminal Justice studies to practical applications. The hands-on experience I have gained has been invaluable, as I navigate the complexities of anti-money laundering regulations and the systems in place to safeguard financial institutions." Lesley shared how these experiences are helping her reach her career goals: "This has been a crucial steppingstone for me as I continue my academic journey toward earning a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. It not only improves my comprehension of the finance industry and the criminal justice world but also sheds light on the range of career options that can partake." We are so proud of you, Lesly! #CTEWeek #CTEAlumni #finance #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #alumni #graduate

Reminder: The Suwannee County School District will be closed on Monday, February 17th, in observance of President’s Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 18th. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday! 🇺🇸

📢 Schedule Update: March 24th Now an Instructional Day 📢 Please note that Monday, March 24th, originally scheduled as a Professional Development day, will now be an instructional day to make up for the school closure on January 22nd. 📌 Normal school operations will take place on Monday, March 24th. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

RIVEROAK would like to recognize Barrinesha Washington as this week's Career and Technical Education Instructor Spotlight. Barrinesha has been an educator for 4 years, and she is currently serving at Suwannee High School as the Finance Academy Instructor. Barrinesha shared why she became an educator: "I became a teacher at Suwannee High School because it was an open opportunity to not only teach, but to make a positive impact in the lives of the youth in the community." Concerning the rewarding impact of teaching these young people, Barrinesha shared, "It is rewarding to brighten a young person’s day by a simple question of 'How are you doing today?' before starting my lesson. I also find it important for students to know some finance skills of business and life, such as writing checks, budgeting, and the basics of accounting.” To potential students considering the financial industry, she shared the following advice: "The Finance Academy gives the opportunity for students to become certified in Entrepreneurship and Small Business. This is great for those who are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or wanting to work in business one day. You get to see the world of banking through exploring real-life bank operations. It is a life-enhancing experience!" Congratulations, Barrinesha! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #WeGrowFuturesHere #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #finance #CTEMonth

TODAY is the day! RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase begins in just ONE HOUR! Join the excitement from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you! #CareerFair2025 #careerfair #careeropportunities #career #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #CTEMonth

TOMORROW is the day! Over 70 businesses and agencies will be represented at RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase on February 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. #CareerFair2025 #careerfair #careeropportunities #career #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #CTEMonth

Suwannee Middle School offers several Career and Technical Education programs, which allow students to discover career opportunities at a young age. We are excited to see how these students excel as they transition to high school! #CTEMonth #CTE #career #technical #education #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #SMS #SuwanneeMiddle #Suwannee

RIVEROAK would like to recognize Rema Summerlin for being selected as this week's Student Spotlight! Her Surgical Technology instructor, Mrs. Mary Vickers, shared, "Rema is an exceptional student and is going to excel as a Surgical Tech. She is ambitious, attentive, and I look forward to her bright future.” When asked why she chose RIVEROAK for her postsecondary education, Rema shared, “I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about RIVEROAK. I was informed that it is an excellent college to attend in order to maintain a healthy home and school life.” Concerning her passion for Surgical Technology, Rema shared, “I’ve always had a passion to be in the medical field and care for others, but I wanted to be more hands-on. I felt being a Surgical Tech would provide me the best hands-on experience while still caring for patients.” Upon graduation, Rema plans to start her career as a Surgical Tech and then obtain her Surgical First Assistant Certification. We are so proud of you, Rema! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #YourWay #YourWayFL #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFL #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

Suwannee High School offers many Career and Technical Education opportunities for students. We are glad they can begin their CTE journey early, which will help them be better prepared for postsecondary education opportunities and the workforce. #CTEMonth #CTE #career #technical #education #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #SHS #SuwanneeHigh #Suwannee

Take a look at the exciting CTE opportunities available at Branford High School! We are proud to partner with area schools to ensure all students have access to Career and Technical Education. #CTEMonth #CTE #career #technical #education #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd #BHS #BranfordHigh #Branford

RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase is one week from today! #CareerFair2025 #careerfair #careeropportunities #career #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

RIVEROAK is at Columbia High School’s College & Career Fair today! We’re excited to meet students and share information about our 20+ career programs that can help you jump-start your future! Stop by our booth to learn more about the opportunities available at RIVEROAK Technical College.

RIVEROAK is celebrating CTE Month! Career and Technical Education (CTE) prepares students for high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. Visit www.riveroakcollege.com to find out how you can grow your future with us! #CTEMonth #CTE #career #technical #education #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

Join the excitement and plan to attend RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase, scheduled for February 13, 2025! ¡Únase a la emoción y planee asistir a la Feria de empleo y presentación de programas de RIVEROAK, programada para el 13 de febrero de 2025! #CareerFair2025 #careerfair #careeropportunities #career #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

Congratulations to this week's Student Spotlight, Emily Ross! Her Applied Cybersecurity instructor, William Hill, shared why she is an outstanding student: "Emily is a hard-working student who always strives for perfection in her coursework and is excited to learn new things." When asked why she selected RIVEROAK for her postsecondary education, Emily shared, "RIVEROAK is a great school. It's semi-local and those who graduate from RTC tend to do amazing things. I'd like that for myself and my family." Concerning her decision to enter the Applied Cybersecurity program, Emily shared, "I've always loved computers. I took a coding course throughout middle school, so once I found Cybersecurity and its many factors, I kind of fell in love with it." Upon graduation from RIVEROAK, she would like t o work in the security department of a healthcare setting or serve as an interpreter. We know great things are in store for Emily's future! #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl #EarnaCareerinaYear #preparingaskilledworkforce #YourWay #YourWayFL #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures

Mark your calendar! Join the excitement and plan to attend RIVEROAK's Career Fair & Program Showcase, scheduled for February 13, 2025! ¡Marca tu calendario! ¡Únase a la emoción y planee asistir a la Feria de empleo y presentación de programas de RIVEROAK, programada para el 13 de febrero de 2025! #CareerFair2025 #careerfair #careeropportunities #career #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd

RIVEROAK Technical College is currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 enrollment. Make plans today to grow your future with us! #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLADULTED #YourWayFLAdultEd #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #GetThereFL #CTEWorks #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #earnacareerinayear #earnacareerinayearfl

Congratulations to RIVEROAK's Faculty Spotlight, Ms. Angela Hester, Adult Education evening instructor. Having 37 years of experience in the field of education, Angela shared why she wanted to work at RIVEROAK: “I chose to teach because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Education opened doors for me that would not have been opened, otherwise." She shared why she is passionate about teaching Adult Education: “Often, students in the K-12 environment have not matured to the point of realizing how valuable their educational journey will be towards helping them meet their future goals. By the time they reach adulthood, there is a shift in mindset. This is when they return to school with a determination and willingness to take their education seriously. I believe in second chances and yearn to help them achieve their dreams. Being a part of the faculty at RTC has allowed me to do just that, as I assist them in furthering their educational goals and directing them toward future career aspirations.” For potential and current students, Angela offered the following advice: “It is never too late to learn something new!” #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #CTEWorks #GetThereFl #FlTechColleges #FloridaTechnicalColleges #EarnaCareerinaYearFl

RIVEROAK Technical College is excited to participate in Madison County High School's College and Career Day! Be sure to visit our booth to explore over 20 programs designed to help you achieve your career goals. We can't wait to meet you and share what RIVEROAK has to offer! #WeGrowFuturesHere #WeGrowFutures #CTEWorks #GetThereFL #earnacareerinayearfl #earnacareerinayear #preparingaskilledworkforce #fltechnicalcolleges #fltechcolleges #GrowYourFutureWithUs #GrowWithUs #YourWay #YourWayFL #FLAdultEd #YourWayFLAdultEd