A group of students representing local apprenticeships met with state lawmakers earlier this month. Students participating in the WorkSMART Connector at the Career Academy of Pella met with State Senator Ken Rozenboom and Representative Barb Kniff McCulla on February 13th. The School Administrators of Iowa, the Iowa Association of School Boards, and the Iowa Area Education Agencies co-host a “Day on the Hill” at the Iowa State Capitol, with a goal to highlight innovative and successful programs within school districts that showcase students and their success. The Pella-based apprenticeship program was one of 20 districts invited to participate and display information about their specific program to show legislators the positive things happening in schools. Among the students who met with lawmakers were:

Hanson King, Manufacturing Technologies Apprentice, Pella Corporation
Nathan Hugen, Welding Apprentice, Vermeer
Emerson De Vries, Patient Care Apprentice, Wesley Life/Pella Hospital/COC
Taylor Klyn, Hospitality Apprentice, Central College/Liberty Street/Wesley Life/Country Inn & Suites

The four represent Pella Community Schools, Pella Christian, and homeschool.