WVU Parkersburg celebrates future skilled professionals at Annual CTE Signing Ceremony

Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 27, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg celebrated the next generation of skilled professionals during its annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Ceremony held Friday, April 24, in the Caperton Center. The event recognized high school students who have committed to pursuing technical education at WVU Parkersburg beginning in fall 2026.

The ceremony was part of the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) National Signing Day, a nationwide initiative uniting more than 75 community and technical colleges in honoring students entering high-demand technical fields. The event highlights the value of career and technical education while strengthening partnerships between secondary education, higher education and the workforce.

“After 13 years of education, you’re making the right choice by continuing that journey with WVU Parkersburg,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg. “We’re excited to welcome you into our family and to see you build on the skills you’ve developed through your CTE programs.”

A total of 40 students were admitted to WVU Parkersburg, pursuing in-demand career pathways including nursing, welding, cosmetology, electricity and instrumentation, engineering technology, computer science and criminal justice. Those students included: Haylee Bell; Hannah Biles; Lillian Blair; Shyanne Dearth; Reagan Engle; Jayden Ervine; Annabell Gibson; Tori Green; Trinity Hardman; Lillie Hamilton; Alea Hess; Emma Huber; Hanna James; Addison Jackson; Eli Johnson; Jayden Johnson; Connor Joy; Brayden Lewis; Payten Mackey; Gavin Maxwell; Emma Miller; Maci Miller; Brock Modesitt; Shayle Montgomery; Benjamin Morris; Andriella Perkins; Elayna Porter; Anniya Powell; Ashley Reaser; Corell Reck; Abigail Roberts; Savannah Rutherford; Annabelle Sandy; Karli Short; Kaylie Smith; Kendall Smith; William Watts; Katlyn Wood; Abigail Young.

Dr. Jason Hughes, director of the Wood County Technical Center and Caperton Center for Applied Technology, emphasized the role of career exploration in shaping students’ futures.

“Many of these students discovered what they want to do through career and technical education,” Hughes said. “They’ve had the opportunity to build real skills, and now they’re choosing to continue that path at WVU Parkersburg.”

Valerie Tucker, WVU Parkersburg CTE Early College liaison, highlighted the significance of the moment for students and their future careers.

“This is more than a ceremony, it’s a recognition of the hard work and determination these students have shown,” Tucker said. “Career and technical education builds a foundation for lifelong success, giving students the experience and confidence to move forward with purpose.”

During the event, students formally signed their intent to enroll, marking an important step toward careers in technical industries. Financial aid and academic advising representatives were also available to assist students and families with next steps in the enrollment process.

The annual CTE Signing Ceremony serves as both a celebration and a commitment, recognizing students’ achievements while reinforcing the growing importance of skilled trades and technical careers in the region’s workforce.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s Early College program, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/early-college/. For questions or to speak with someone in the Early College office, email earlycollege@wvup.edu or call 304-424-8237.