News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Seniors from Alpena High School signed their letters of intent to continue Career and Technical Education at Alpena Community College on Tuesday.

ALPENA — On Tuesday, 21 seniors from Alpena High School made a commitment to continue their career and technical education at Alpena Community College.

Students came to signing day to officially declare their commitment to continuing their education at ACC. In a similar fashion to an athletics signing event, the 21 seniors sat at a table by their name tag, signed their letters of intent, and received a certificate and ACC swag.

Families, friends, and educators all came to the event to support the students in their future careers.

ACC President Don MacMaster spoke to the audience.

“Students, I commend you for taking this first step in preparing for a rewarding profession,” MacMaster said. “…This is a first step for a career, a way to make a life, to build a family, to do things that you want to do as adults.”

“Education is truly lifelong, and we will be here for you every step of that journey,” MacMaster said.

Alpena Public Schools Superintendent Dave Rabbideau also spoke to those gathered in the Besser Technical Center commons.

“This is the third year, and it’s great to see the crowd get bigger each year,” he said.

Rabbideau then addressed the students.

“You took advantage of resources that are available to you in Alpena Public Schools and ACC,” he said. “They are world-class opportunities available to you. Kudos to you for recognizing you have this option to explore what it looks like after high school.”

Rabbideau expressed his gratitude for the partnership between ACC and APS. He explained that the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offered at AHS provides students with industry credentials and certifications recognized by the workforce.

Students at the signing event today are now choosing to continue on the CTE pathway at ACC.

APS Director of Communications Lee Fitzpatrick said that CTE signing day happens across the country around this time of year.

National CTE signing day began in 2014, and it was meant to mimic athletic signing days, Fitzpatrick said.

CTE programs have been offered for over 12 years at APS, and students have shown continued interest.

“We’ve found that when kids can see a clear pathway, they’re more likely to choose that,” Fitzpatrick said.