40 STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY 

PRINCIPAL TALKS ABOUT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CHANGES

  Career and technical education has come a long way over the years and today's students reflect that in the courses they are pursuing and the excitement they show in their chosen courses of study at Bossier Technical School.

  Tuesday 40 students marched across the stage to accept a handshake and congratulatory wishes from principal Carol Jean Johnston, as well as a certificate and pin in recognition of their induction into the National Technical Honor Society. This is a big honor given the criteria students must meet to be considered. Emphasis is placed not only on technical and career education, but also academics. Students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, have no failing grade in any class and be recommended by their instructor. 

 "The kids I have here are because they want to be," Johnston said. "The courses they take are not required, but interest them." 

  Courses run the gamut at Bossier Technical School, from welding and graphic arts to computer networking and health sciences. If the Bossier School construction bond issue passes April 21, Johnston said the new, state-of-the-art technical school to be built in Bossier Parish would enable them to expand their course offerings. 

  "We'll have twice as many classes and increase the size of some of the more popular classes like welding, nursing, graphic arts, those in the health occupational field," Johnston said. Some students wanting to pursue some of those courses have had to be turned away, Johnston added, because of the current facility's lack of space.

  The Bossier Technical School's principal of 15 years is also anticipating the expansion of the program if voters approve the bond issue. Johnston hopes to add courses in oil and gas, TV/filmmaking, Cyber Security/Information and others, offering students an even more diverse education and the business industry a more highly skilled workforce.

  "People are beginning to understand how technical education has changed as the world's technology changes," she said. "Career and technical education is no longer looked at as for the 'non college-bound.' It's now about technology and advanced learning, preparing students for a more technical world, which is essential for the workforce and economy."  

  The students inducted into Bossier Technical School's 10th National Technical Honor Society class, no doubt, offer promise to the future workforce. For now, though, they are focused on learning all they can and applying for $1,000 scholarships being offered because of their inductee status to further their efforts. Congratulations to all 40 of you!