Lexington School District Two students celebrate employer signing day
Ten ambitious seniors from the Lexington Two Innovation Center marked Sign Day by committing to local companies and promising to join the workforce following their graduation. The event serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the Innovation Center, which prepares students to either join the work industry directly or participate in specialist training programs linked with their signed companies.
Signing Day deems a pivotal moment in the lives of students Luke Boozer, Octavio Martinez-Montes, Gared Aguirre-Santos, Naashon Fosu, Miguel Jimenez, Josh Walker, Rahsann Dow, Dylan Morey, Daniel Samayoa and Justin Linden. These students will move onto respective companies like Zeus Industrial Products, Michelin Tires, No Grease Barbershop, On The Road Again, Fogle and Sons Electric, and Central Controls Inc.
Director of the Lexington Two Innovation Center, Joni Coleman proclaimed her pride for the event attendees. “Our students get to start their careers right out of high school and apply their skills and competencies learned to work immediately. We get to do our part to help our business partners fill vacancies in their companies,” she stated.
The ceremony was attended by prospective employers, Innovation Center students, and their families, along with the faculty and staff. Companies in attendance expressed the Innovation Center’s importance in bolstering the community’s workforce.
Zeus Industrial Products’ human resources manager, April Donley-Chesser, praised the Innovation Center for developing the next generation of technicians. “The Innovation Center has given us the opportunity to recruit, engage, and educate the next generation of machinists and maintenance technicians,” she said.
Lexington Medical Center lauds 30th anniversary of doula program
The Lexington Medical Center is marking the 30th anniversary of their established doula program. Since its conception, more than 12,100 babies have been born with the assistance of doulas at the hospital.
Kelly Cutter, the director of nursing at Lexington Medical Center, extolled the dedicated work of the doulas. “Our award-winning, state-of-the-art Birth Center welcomes more than 4,000 babies each year, many whose mothers have used doulas to help welcome their child. We are proud of our doulas who have helped play a role in supporting thousands of women and families during one of the most important times of their lives,” she commented.
Saluda Shoals Park uncovers new trail
Saluda Shoals Park unveiled a new TRACK trail on April 25 in collaboration with Kids in Parks, the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission and Dominion Energy. The trail aims to enlighten children about the wonders of nature.
Director for Kids in Parks, Jason Uroz, described the ultimate goal of the TRACK trails in the park. “With each of our TRACK Trails, we hope to engage children in the joys of outdoor exploration. Our ultimate goal is to help families fall in love with nature, helping them realize the value our parks and public lands hold for their lives,” he said.
Midlands Rivers Coalition jump-starts the water monitoring season
The Midlands Rivers Coalition has embarked on its eighth consecutive year of monitoring the water quality of Columbia’s three major rivers. The operation runs from May to September, where weekly samples are collected and test results posted on their website. The data aims to provide river users with water quality insights while also offering swimming alerts whenever necessary.
