Prior to their game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, April 29, the Pirates hosted the fourth annual Southwestern Pennsylvania Career Signing Day and Career and Technical Education Celebration in the Left Field Lounge at PNC Park.
During the event, 50 students took an important step toward a bright future by signing certificates acknowledging their chosen pathway to post-secondary opportunities -- including college, the military, and registered apprenticeship programs. In a joyous atmosphere, the students were joined by their families, school administrators, and representatives from the organizations that have received commitments from them.
During his address to the students, Pirates president Travis Williams said, “Today is about you. We’re here to recognize and celebrate the work it has taken for you to get to where you are today. This is a transition, a step forward for all of you.
“Some of you are going into the workforce, and you’re going to be contributing immediately. Some of you are going to college to continue your education. Some of you are going into the military, and you’re going to serve our country. And some of you are going to go into apprenticeships and will have hands-on opportunities to make an impact immediately.
“Every one of these paths matters. Every one of these paths is much needed in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We’re proud as the Pirates to play a part in this and to celebrate you. So please take this moment, be proud of what you’ve accomplished and be excited about what you have to look forward to.”
The area career and technical education schools that participated included: A.W. Beattie Career Center in Allison Park, Beaver County Career & Technology Center in Monaca, Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School in Butler, Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Stanton, Forbes Road Career and Technology Center in Monroeville, Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Mon Valley Career and Technology Center in Charleroi, Parkway West Career & Technology Center in Oakdale, Steel Center for Career and Technical Education in Jefferson Hills and Western Area Career and Technology Center in Canonsburg.
Following the signing ceremonies and massive amounts of smiles and picture taking, the students were recognized on the field prior to the Pirates’ 6:40 p.m. contest. Then, during the game, they were seated in the left-field bleachers alongside fellow students, educators and supporters in celebration of their commitment to strengthening the region’s workforce.
“This is one of the best days we have all year because it’s the culmination of our students’ hard work,” said Wesley Kuchta, administrative director of Lenape Technical School and west region president for the Pennsylvania Association of Career & Technical Administrators. “We’re grateful to the Pirates for hosting and to all our partners and staff that are on board. They know how important it is to honor and showcase the great talent coming out of these schools. They realize these students need to be celebrated for what they’ve done and what they’re about to do along the pathway to a great career.”
Kuchta also shared that the reaction of the parents is one of his favorite parts of the event each year.
“The students are honored and appreciative, of course, but when the parents walk in, we see how excited they are,” he explained. “Their son or daughter is being honored and is headed toward a great future. That’s exciting, the smiles of the parents and snapping all the pictures. When you see the pride the parents have, it’s a culmination of their hard work, too.”
State Senator Lindsey Williams, who represents District 38 in Allegheny County and serves as the minority chair of the State Education Committee, was also among the speakers at the reception in the Left Field Lounge before the game.
“You’re leaving high school with industry credibility and extra training, things that set you up for success no matter what your next steps are,” she told the student honorees. “Whether that’s moving right into an apprenticeship or into college or into the military, you are set up for success. You are on a path forward for your career, and I’m so excited to celebrate you and your accomplishments.”