GENTRY — The ribbon was cut on Tuesday morning at the new Gentry Career and Technical Education Center, opening the new facility just one week before classes begin again at Gentry High School Conversion Charter.
The facility houses a diesel mechanic classroom and lab, a nurse aide classroom and lab and a computer lab and includes state-of-the-art equipment and training tools.
Lonnie Moll will teach a certified nurse aide class this fall and a patient care assistant class in the spring semester. The classes are a part of Northwest Arkansas Community College's early college experience offerings.
Tyson Sontag will teach the diesel mechanic classes for the school district, giving students hands-on experience in the two-bay shop.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson cut the ribbon for the new facility, assisted by U.S. Congressman Steve Womack and a host of teachers, school officials and others.
Gov. Hutchinson addressed the crowd which gathered in the diesel lab area and told them how important career training is to both students and businesses in Arkansas. He spoke of Arkansas' low unemployment numbers and said new and existing businesses are looking for employees with technical training and basic job skills.
Womack said he was glad to see Arkansans taking such steps to provide quality education and training and not waiting on Washington to get things done. He too emphasized the importance of providing such career and technical training to high school students so that they are able to enter the job market with skills and ready to meet the growing demand for quality workers in Arkansas.
Terrie Metz, Gentry's new superintendent of schools, welcomed guests and visitors and introduced the governor and congressman to the crowd of about 100 people.
Former superintendent Randy Barrett, former assistant superintendent Judy Winslett, the school board, area voters, as well as area business leaders, were commended for their foresight and efforts to make the dream of such a facility a reality.
An open house is planned at the new facility Aug. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.