Haywood County Schools highlights CTE internships and community partnerships

Haywood County Schools recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) student internships and thanked community partners who hosted placements across healthcare, retail, public safety and other sectors.

Tuscola High School teacher Ethan Reinhart described industry-standard drafting certifications (Revit and AutoCAD) earned by students, noting two students achieved perfect scores on their certification exams. District staff highlighted grant-funded career development coordinator positions that support internship placements and urged community members to thank host employers.

Tyler Howe, a master officer assigned to community policing and public relations at the Waynesville Police Department, described the department’s experience hosting a high-school intern named Addison. Howe said the intern rotated through dispatch, evidence, investigations and patrol and "has been very much hands on," calling her "an asset" to the department. Central office staff then read a list of dozens of student internship placements at Haywood Regional Medical Center, local elementary schools, veterinary clinics, dental offices, banks and other businesses.

Students who had completed internships gave short remarks describing practical learning, workplace skills and positive interactions with host staff. District leaders said the placements are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen career pathways and workforce readiness for Haywood County students.

The board also noted that some internship coordinator roles are grant-funded and that formal approvals will be sought if future grant awards require board action.