Dec. 14 is graduation day for more than 150 South Central Louisiana Technical College students.

These men and women have made it through the daily grind of classes and hands-on training for the better part of two years and have successfully completed their programs of study.

It marks a special day, as it is the first day of the rest of their career. A new career with better pay, benefits and the opportunity to build their future right here at home.

Local people buying and building homes, having families and enjoying being a part of their community.

South Central students give back to their communities, in so many ways, because they work and live here in the River Parishes.

Students stand proud of what they have accomplished. Our communities can be proud that their daughters, sons and grandchildren have reached their goals.

Our Graduates are confident that they have been well trained and are ready to take the next step in joining local Industry in making a future.

Our local Industry partnerships support the campus and the students in so many ways, including donations of equipment, scholarships, internships and apprenticeships.

Some Industry partners donate Instructor time and provide field trip opportunities. Industry also supports our graduates with their participation in our Career Fairs and our JOBS class “Mock Interviews.”

While South Central Louisiana Technical College supports Industry by keeping the training up to their needs and standards, not enough can be said of the support from local Industry.

The task of training would be nearly impossible without this special collaboration. Whether it’s serving on an Advisory Council for a program, hosting Career Links, devoting time and talents to soft skills training, it all takes a joint effort between community, Industry, school and student to make this special day a success for everyone it touches.

And it does touch everyone.

Penelope Freeman is Campus Dean for South Central Louisiana Technical College. She is at the Reserve Campus. Email her at penelopefreeman@scl.edu.