On Friday, May 28, Erie’s Public Schools and Erie High School  celebrated graduating seniors who have committed to play sports at the collegiate level AND students enrolled in career and technical education programs who have already secured post-graduation employment.

Participating students signed ceremonial “letters of intent” to either continue their academic and athletic career, enter the workforce, or join the armed forces.

Participating seniors included (Career and technical education students are listed with their trade and employer):

• Joelean Gibbs, machine trades, Modern Industries
• Kerry Evans, machine trades, Finish Thompson Inc.
• Victoria Harvey, medical assisting, Millcreek Community Hospital
• Tom Holman, welding, The Warren Company
• Nick Hoffer, food services, TGI Fridays
• Pla Law Eh Soe, machine trades, Penn Erie Division
• Sebastian Alloway, construction trades, Anything About Board
• Tabitha Hammond, welding, Advanced Welding Technologies
• Zack Wolozanski, culinary arts, Country Fair
• Ozma Gaughan, culinary arts, Barnes & Noble
• Isabella Nadzam, swimming, Penn State Behrend
• Marcell Banks-Beatty, basketball, Jamestown Community College
• JJ Woodward, football, Mercyhurst University
• Joshua Karnes, men’s gymnastics, Penn State University

Not present at Friday's ceremony:

• Julian Szymanski, criminal justice, U.S. Air Force
• Olivia Nola, track, Penn State Behrend

The joint ceremony, now in its third year, is a unique opportunity to celebrate student athletes and career and technical education students, and stress the crucial role vocational education plays in closing the skills gap and securing the future of our community. 

Click here for local news coverage from WJET-TV.