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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

In an unfamiliar classroom at Shelby County High School, I sat down alongside the other ninth graders to hear a presentation from a staff member. She began to describe all of the opportunities that we would have during our time in high school, listing out all of the elective programs that were offered, including family and consumer science which took place in the room we were sitting in.

After learning about all of the opportunities offered, I would go on to experience none of them since all of my time with electives was taken up by concert band. The farthest extent I would experience would be art, foreign language and a singular computer science class that replaced math. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for my time in band, which forged friendships that I still have today, but I can’t help but think, “What if?”

Now, more than ten years later, I am amazed by the programs offered in schools across Shelby County with my alma mater now sporting an aviation program to teach students how to fly alongside the numerous trade programs offered at the Career Technical Education Center. Chelsea High School continues to push the envelope with its nursing program and Pelham High School’s Culinary Arts Academy has made a name for itself by competing at nationals. Thompson High School, Oak Mountain High School and Pelham High School continue to offer media programs to students helping develop future broadcasters and journalists.

THS is set to take its offerings even further this fall with the official opening of its ACS Champions Craft Academy which aims to provide a whole slew of technical and trade programs for its first class—all while continuing to allow them to participate in their favorite extracurricular activities.

I don’t regret my decisions and I’m humbled by the path that has led me to my career, but I have to say I am a little jealous—and proud—of all the opportunities our students are now offered. The earlier they can start thinking about the future, the better.

I’m also glad to see our local school systems invest in trade programs—finally signaling to young people that they don’t have to go to college to be successful. They can get their start learning now, participate in internships and sign up with a company as soon as they receive their high school diplomas.

In an ideal world, every generation would be better than the last, and it’s clear in Shelby County that we’re doing our best to give future generations as many career options as possible.