Hampton High School Celebrates Success in Career and Technical Education

Hampton High School (HHS) had a successful year for its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, launching its first Internship and Pre-Apprenticeship initiative. The program commenced in July 2025, with eleven dedicated seniors taking their first steps into real-world careers. Ten of these students successfully completed the program, keeping their employment for the school year and gaining valuable experience.

The program offered students hands-on opportunities with various local employers, including ICOR, Inc. in Hampton, which provided three students in its Pre-Apprenticeship program. Additionally, participants gained experience at Hampton Medical, Events by Zachary, LLC., Missile Mart, Dickey's Alignment, and the South Arkansas Sun Newspaper. Three seniors also had the opportunity to work with AmeriCorps at the Hampton Elementary School, enhancing their skills while giving back to the community. O'Reilly's in Fordyce also offered an internship opportunity for one senior.

Seniors who completed the program included Della Ables, Claire Beaver, Aidan Carter, Brody Ivy, Elijah Gorman, Morgan Ogden, Gunner Sanders, Ava Sweeney, Jake Southall, and Nathan Wells. Miss Courtney Ferrell, who managed the program, expressed her pride in the students' accomplishments. 'We are incredibly proud of these seniors for their commitment to learning and developing skills that will prepare them for the workforce,' she stated.

HHS is also proud to be affiliated with the Arkansas Association for Career and Technical Education, part of the National Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). This partnership supports and advocates for CTE programs, students, and educators across the state. CTE programs in Arkansas are designed to equip students with the knowledge and abilities necessary for success in specific industries, addressing technical and academic needs. These programs prepare students for post-secondary education and immediate employment opportunities by aligning with regional workforce requirements.

In recognition of individual achievements, Miss Ferrell also wanted to acknowledge three seniors deemed CTE Competitors who have excelled in Management and Business Classes. Senior Brody Ivy was honored by the Arkansas Department of Education and the Division of Career and Technical Education for completing the necessary competencies in Management. Seniors Marisa Bryant and Makenzie Jureski also received recognition for their achievements in Business Finance.

As Hampton High School looks forward to the future, the success of the Internship and Pre-Apprenticeship program underlines a strong commitment to preparing students for careers and contributing to the local workforce. The school community eagerly anticipates continued growth and success in its CTE initiatives in the future. Any student interested in additional information concerning the Pre-Apprenticeship or Internship opportunity at Hampton High School can contact the HHS Counselor, Miss Jodie Blankenship, at (870) 798-6109 or by email at jblankenship@hampton. k12.ar.us.