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Lt. Gov. Hampton Tours Paducah Area Tech. Center

Lt. Gov. Hampton Tours Paducah Area Tech. Center
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By Bill Hughes
May. 16, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY
By Bill Hughes May. 16, 2016 | 07:31 PM | PADUCAH, KY
Kentucky Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton visited the Paducah Area Technology on the campus of Paducah Tilghman High School Monday morning.

Hampton got to speak to students and instructors in "classrooms" for Automotive Maintenance, Collision Repair, Welding, and Cosmetology/Nail Technician. She was joined on the tour by Mayor Gayle Kaler and County Judge-Executive Bob Leeper.

The center offers several other hands-on courses and serves students from Paducah Tilghman, McCracken County, Graves County, Livingston Central, and St. Mary High Schools, as well as Community Christian Academy.

While visiting with Welding Instructor Brandon Wilber and his students Darrius Wesley and Andrea Thompson, Wilber pointed out that they are working to set up partnerships with local unions and industries to create work opportunities immediately out of high school. He said while some get degrees and amass student loan debt while struggling to find jobs, this type of career choice isn't discussed nearly as much.

Hampton agreed, saying, "We're not talking about the options, so I'm talking about the options. You guys are ahead of the curve."

After the tour, Hampton repeated that sentiment as she spoke to the students in a conference room, offering encouragement as they learn skills for future careers, and commenting on programs like these for students.

"College is great, but there are other options, too, and I just don't think we talk about those options enough. I was talking to the welders - welders are in demand - you're ahead of the curve, there. And then of course, Health Sciences are just growing, especially as we Baby Boomers age. So, I'm really excited to see these kinds of programs," Hampton said.

Kentucky's first black woman elected to statewide office took questions from the students, and told her story of rising from poverty in Detroit to working her way through college. That was followed by 7 years of service in the Air Force, then working for a box manufacturer, where she eventually became Plant Manager. She told students that they should pursue their dreams with persistence, continual learning, joy and no regrets - even if their path changes after a few years.

Hampton's visit to Paducah also included stops at the National Quilt Museum and the Peace Officers Memorial at the McCracken County Courthouse.
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