Careers Center Graduates 8th Class

Family, friends, educators and construction industry leaders packed the Harris-Stowe State University auditorium last night to support the eighth graduating class of the Construction Careers Center High School (CCC). This class of nearly 60 graduates is one of the largest graduating classes in the school's history. Over 40 of the graduates will continue their education at the college level

The 2012 commencement exercises included opening remarks by Valedictorian Victoria White who will be attending St. Louis Community College in the fall. The keynote speaker for the program was Abe Adewale, Principal at ABNA Engineering, Inc., who told the graduates that "taking advantage" may be construed as something negative but in the right context, it can mean preparedness, dedication and achievement.

Adewale's message to the CCC graduating class of 2012 encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity, be it small or large, to help secure a better future for them and their families. A mindset of preparedness graduates are in a position to take advantage of opportunities in education, training, and new responsibilities. Abe's charge to the Class of 2012 is to go out into the world and Take Advantage of opportunities before them.

The Class of 2012 is the eighth to graduate from the CCC, the first charter high school in the nation dedicated to preparing young people for careers in the construction industry. The school, founded in 2001 by the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis to help bolster the quality and availability of skilled construction professionals and trades-people in the St. Louis region, boasts nearly 90 percent of graduates working or continuing education.

The CCC provides a four-year, fully accredited high-school-level curriculum and broad exposure to the construction industry and relevant career and technical educational preparation. The school's construction curriculum is specifically designed by the industry to prepare students for direct employment, apprenticeship training, a community college or a four-year degree institution.

"The AGC is proud of our 2012 graduates," said Leonard Toenjes, AGC president. "The construction industry is still facing tough economic times, but the need for preparing young people for entry into our industry in the future continues. We are confident that through our post-high school placement program we can offer each student the opportunity to define their future path."

The Construction Careers Center is currently accepting enrollment applications for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. Students may apply online at www.constructioncareerscenter.com or by calling (314) 588-9991.

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