Walworth County, Racine County and Kenosha County high-schoolers signed letters of intent to attend Gateway Technical College in Fall 2017, at the National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day on Feb. 16.

About 400 students from 23 area high schools participated in Gateway’s signing ceremony held in the Madrigrano Auditorium in the Conference Center on Gateway’s Kenosha Campus.

“It’s cool that everyone gathers together to show each other what career they are going to enter, and getting the feel of what the real world will be like next year,” said Carolyn Brown, Westosha High School, who plans to enroll in Gateway’s Nursing program.

Gateway students were part of a national live broadcast that featured prospective technical college students from across the United States also signing their letters of intent.

“For of the students to be recognized here today at Gateway is exciting,” said a smiling Braeley Pettigrew, JI Case High School. “Gateway is an excellent college to go to, so I think it’s special for a lot of kids to be here today, to be able to also have a national signing opportunity.”

Pettigrew, who plans to enroll in Gateway’s Criminal Justice program, said the signing would be news to many people.

“I was going to keep what college I was going to a secret from my family – but I guess today they are going to find out,” she said.

Derek Hunter-Reed, East Troy High School, said he chose Gateway because of its affordability and strong programs. He will begin the Marketing program in fall.

“I thought it was fantastic to see so many people here today,” said Hunter-Reed. “Knowing it was a national event sort of put more pressure on you as you were on the stage – but it also made it that more fun.”

A video featuring Hunter-Reed, Pettigrew and Brown at the signing day can be found here: https://goo.gl/HHX3Qr. Photos of the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskRQCzfv

This national event sponsored by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. It is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of work.

For more information, please contact Jane Finkenbine at (262) 767-5904.