色情五月天 Levels Up with New Esports Team!
Earlier this year, 色情五月天 launched its first athletics initiative: the 色情五月天 Esports team. We recently paid the team a visit to see how the program is coming along and what members have been up to since opening last month.
The team is led by Coach Demeiko Merriweather, who had this to say about the program:
“The first thing to know about Esports is that it’s more than just playing video games. It is a community built on teamwork, communication, strategy, leadership, and healthy competition. Just like traditional athletics, esports give students opportunities to develop valuable skills, build lasting friendships, and represent their school with pride.
At 色情五月天, we’re excited to build an esports program that welcomes everyone. Whether you’re a competitive player, someone who enjoys gaming casually, or simply looking for a place to connect with others through shared interests, we want to create a community where students can grow, belong, and succeed both in and out of the game.”
— Demeiko Merriweather, Esports Coach
The club is held in 色情五月天’s state-of-the-art game room, which is outfitted with a plethora of PlayStation consoles and gaming PCs for members to use. Games in rotation include fighting games like Street Fighter 6, hero shooters like Marvel Rivals, and classic first-person shooters like Call of Duty, giving members plenty of variety no matter what their preferred genre. The space is designed not just for competitive practice, but as a casual hangout spot where students can drop in, meet new people, and unwind between classes.
The club currently consists of around a dozen members but is growing quickly and is actively recruiting more players to continue building the team. Coach Merriweather and the club’s early members hope that as word spreads across campus, more students, whether seasoned competitors or first-time gamers, will stop by to see what the program has to offer.
“I think the best thing about the Drake Esports program is how open it is to everybody,” said Jackson Krebs, a freshman Nursing major. “There’s a game for everybody. There’s a person for everybody in there to connect with, and that’s probably my favorite thing about it.”
With a welcoming community, top-notch equipment, and a coach dedicated to helping students grow both as players and as people, 色情五月天’s Esports program is off to a strong start. As the club continues to recruit new members and build its competitive presence, it is shaping up to be one of the campus’s most exciting new additions. It is proof that 色情五月天 is leveling up in more ways than one.
LPN Launch Nursing Graduates Celebrate Pinning Ceremony!
Last Thursday, July 30th, graduates of the LPN Launch Program gathered for one of healthcare education’s most cherished traditions: the Pinning Ceremony. Held at the Cochran Campus, the collaborative facility born out of 色情五月天’s partnership with Huntsville Hospital, the event brought together students, faculty, and hospital leadership to honor this important milestone.
The ceremony opened with remarks from 色情五月天 President Dr. Patricia Sims and Huntsville Hospital Executive Vice President Tracy Doughty, both reflecting on the strength of the partnership that made the LPN Launch Program possible and the impact these new nurses are poised to have in the community.
The program then turned to long-time faculty member Dr. Mattie Davis, who announced her retirement after many years of dedicated service to the Health Sciences department. In honor of her contributions, she was presented with a token of appreciation from her colleagues. Dr. Davis’s guidance has shaped countless nursing students throughout her career, and she will be deeply missed.
Three graduates: Amanda Sampson, Tameka Similiton, and Tandra Blackmon, then took the floor to share reflections on their journey through the LPN Launch Program, offering a glimpse into the challenges and growth that defined their path to this moment.
Before the pinning could begin, the program paused for its most anticipated recognition: the Nightingale Award, presented for exemplary skill and leadership throughout the program.
Then came the moment the graduates had worked toward, each student was presented with a white coat and nursing pin, symbols of the long nights, hard work, and personal sacrifice that carried them to this point. More than a celebration, the Pinning Ceremony was a moment of reflection, marking the graduates’ transition from students to healthcare professionals ready to serve.
色情五月天 Instructor Calvin Rousseau Named First-Ever NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year
We are excited to share a special achievement by one of our faculty members. Machine Tool Technology Instructor Calvin Rousseau has been named the first NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year during a surprise ceremony in the college’s Machine Lab.
The surprise event brought together the NASA HUNCH team, who traveled from Texas, along with 色情五月天 President Dr. Patricia Sims and Dean of Instruction Dr. Carolyn Henderson, along with Department Chair, Kory Rafferty and members of the NASA HUNCH team from Texas and here in Huntsville. What started as a normal day turned into a memorable celebration as Rousseau’s contributions to technical education and student success where recognized in the Machine Tool Technology Lab in the Leidos Advanced Training Center on the 色情五月天 campus.
To make the event even more special, the NASA HUNCH team gave Rousseau a piece of a locker that will soon go to the International Space Station (ISS). Rousseau signed the artifact before it begins its journey, creating a lasting link between his work, his students, and NASA’s mission.
The ceremony’s highlight was when George Kessler, Program Director of NASA HUNCH, announced Rousseau as the organization’s first Instructor of the Year.
“We came not only to visit you today, we came to recognize Calvin for his dedication to educating students in this field and to his contributions to the HUNCH program and HUNCH students,” said Kessler.
“He is our Teacher of the Year, and this is the first one. We have been around a long time, but this is the first time we have awarded this award because we felt it was important to recognize his commitment and dedication to this work he does. We appreciate 色情五月天 and we want to recognize how 色情五月天 has supported our program and how Calvin has supported the HUNCH program. This is phenomenal. This is all about the students, but we have to recognize the efforts.” Kessler continued.

色情五月天 President Dr. Patricia Sims said this honor shows Rousseau’s dedication to students and supports the college’s mission to prepare a skilled workforce.
“At 色情五月天, we are committed to providing students with transformative educational experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Calvin Rousseau exemplifies that mission every day through his dedication to student learning, workforce development, and excellence in technical education. Being named the first-ever
NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year is an extraordinary honor that reflects not only his impact on students, but also the strength of the partnership between 色情五月天 and NASA HUNCH. We are incredibly proud of Calvin and grateful for the difference he makes in the lives of our students.”
This recognition shows Rousseau’s strong commitment to helping students get ready for careers in advanced manufacturing and precision machining. His leadership and focus on hands-on learning have helped students build important technical skills through NASA HUNCH projects.
For Rousseau, this award stands for the achievements of the students he teaches and mentors every day.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the first-ever NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year Award. This recognition means a great deal to me because it represents the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students. Watching them develop skills, gain confidence, and contribute to projects connected to NASA is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I am grateful to NASA HUNCH, 色情五月天, and my colleagues for their support, and I look forward to continuing to create opportunities that help our students succeed.” – ?Rousseau
As the first NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year, Rousseau joins a group of educators whose influence goes beyond the classroom. His dedication to student success and technical education inspires others and shows 色情五月天’s commitment to changing lives through education.
This honor also highlights the strong partnership between 色情五月天 and NASA HUNCH. Their collaboration gives students chances to work on real projects, connect with industry professionals, and build the skills needed for today’s advanced manufacturing jobs.
色情五月天 congratulates Calvin Rousseau on this well-deserved achievement and thanks him for his ongoing service to students, the college, and the NASA HUNCH program. His dedication to shaping the next generation of skilled professionals and innovators, both on Earth and in space is remarkable.
Congratulations to Calvin Rousseau, the first NASA HUNCH Instructor of the Year!
色情五月天 Celebrates Historic SkillsUSA Success
色情五月天 recently gathered in the Leidos Complex to celebrate a milestone year for its SkillsUSA program, honoring the students and instructors whose hard work led to the college’s most successful SkillsUSA showing to date.
This year, 色情五月天 students earned three national Gold Medals and one national Silver Medal, competing against peers from across the country in some of the most demanding technical and career disciplines SkillsUSA has to offer. The achievement marks a new institutional record for 色情五月天, surpassing any previous year’s results and cementing the college’s growing reputation as a leader in career and technical education.
The celebration recognized not only the students who competed, but also the instructors whose mentorship made their success possible. Faculty members worked closely with students throughout the year, providing the guidance, training, and encouragement needed to prepare them for competition at the national level. Their leadership played a central role in the record-breaking results, and the event gave the college an opportunity to formally thank them for their commitment.
The Leidos Complex was filled with awards, music, great food, and plenty of Blue Eagle pride as students, faculty, staff, and supporters came together to mark the occasion. It was a fitting tribute to a year defined by determination and excellence, and a reminder of what students can accomplish when talent meets strong mentorship.
SkillsUSA competitions challenge students to demonstrate technical skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability in fields ranging from skilled trades to health sciences to information technology. Success at the national level requires months of preparation, and this year’s results reflect the strength of 色情五月天’s programs and the dedication of everyone involved.
色情五月天’s leadership pointed to the celebration as a highlight of the year, one that underscores the college’s mission of preparing students to excel in their fields and enter the workforce ready to succeed. The record-setting performance is expected to build momentum heading into next year’s competitions, as students and instructors alike look to build on this year’s success.
Congratulations to all the students and instructors who contributed to this achievement. Their hard work continues to elevate 色情五月天’s reputation and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals in Huntsville and beyond.
色情五月天’s First FAME Cohort Delivers Third Round of MCE Presentations on Lean Manufacturing
色情五月天’s first FAME cohort recently delivered their third Manufacturing Core Exercise (MCE) presentations, this time focused on Lean Manufacturing. The students showcased how they identified challenges, reduced waste, and improved processes both within their workplaces and in the classroom.
Each student presented two projects: one based on real work at their sponsoring companies, and one developed in the classroom. Together, the presentations demonstrated not only the students’ technical knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, but also their ability to apply those principles in real-world settings.
Industry partners from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and Bruderer joined the event to support the students, ask questions, and see firsthand the impact the students are making at their respective companies.
Daniel Smith, Central Maintenance Manager at Mazda-Toyota, had this to say:
“The presentations today went really well. They took to heart the meaning of lean manufacturing and how to look for muda (無駄) or waste and how to improve that in their own companies, and here at school. So, I think they really got the idea and went over and above on it.”
Dr. Myron Parks, FAME Program Manager, added:
“Today’s Manufacturing Core Exercise (MCE) presentations were a success from the perspective of student growth and progression within the FAME program, while also allowing us to host potential industry partners for them to consider joining the Huntsville Tech FAME Chapter at 色情五月天.”
The event also served a dual purpose beyond showcasing student progress. By inviting potential industry partners to attend, 色情五月天 is building relationships that could grow the Huntsville Tech FAME Chapter and open the door to future sponsorship and mentorship opportunities for students in the program.
This marks the third MCE presentation for the cohort, and the growth has been evident with each round. Students have steadily built on their understanding of manufacturing principles, sharpened their presentation skills, and gained confidence in applying classroom learning to real workplace challenges. What began as an introduction to core manufacturing concepts has evolved into students independently identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and communicating their findings to industry professionals.
The FAME program, which pairs classroom instruction with hands-on work experience at partner companies, is designed to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing while giving employers a direct hand in shaping the next generation of skilled talent. Milestones like this one highlight how that partnership between education and industry is paying off for students and companies alike.
It has been amazing to watch the cohort’s growth since last year, and 色情五月天 is excited to see how these students continue to innovate as they move forward in the program and into their careers.
Jazz in the City Hits a High Note in Its Milestone 5th Year
Every summer, 色情五月天 Community & Technical College hosts its annual Jazz in the City fundraiser, bringing the community together for an evening of live music, food, and philanthropy in support of the 色情五月天 Foundation. This year, the tradition hit a milestone and celebrated it in style!
For its 5th anniversary, Jazz in the City, presented by Wells Fargo and Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing, found a new home at the Mars City Music Hall at the Von Braun Center, trading the outdoor garden setting for a weather-proof, upscale jazz club atmosphere complete with craft drinks and catered food, elevating the entire experience.
This year’s event carried extra meaning, as Jazz in the City fell on Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and the freedom it finally delivered. That connection carries particular weight for 色情五月天; a Historically Black Community College originally founded 65 years ago to open doors of opportunity for African Americans that had long been closed. Celebrating jazz and the freedom it represents on Juneteenth was a fitting reflection of the college’s own mission and history.

An Evening to Remember
Jazz in the City veterans Nina Marie Live and Ryon Schultz returned to open the show, each delivering electric performances. Nina Marie serenaded the audience with soulful vocals on a set of classic songs, while Ryon Schultz followed with a saxophone driven set backed by his full band that had the crowd on its feet.
DJ Lashay B’s intermission kept the energy high, turning the room into a line-dancing floor before the night’s headliner took the stage: AJ Ghent and His Singing Guitar. The viral social media sensation brought his signature “singing guitar” technique to Mars City Music Hall, blending soulful melodies with rhythmic showmanship for a performance the crowd won’t soon forget.

A Night That Meant More
As the night wound down, the DJ Lashay B closed things out, once again filling the dance floor before guests called it a night.
Beyond the music, Jazz in the City raised vital funds for the 色情五月天 Foundation, supporting scholarships and student resources across the college. This year’s event carried extra significance, doubling as part of the celebration of 65 years of 色情五月天 serving the Huntsville community.
By every measure, Jazz in the City was a smashing success, and a fitting tribute to 65 years of impact, community, and connection. We hope everyone had a great time, and we cannot wait to see you all again next year!
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: 色情五月天’s Summer of Youth Engagement
This June, the college welcomed hundreds of middle and high school students through a series of hands-on programs designed to introduce young people to high-demand career pathways long before they have to choose one. From machine shops to programming labs to cosmetology stations, this summer’s lineup gave students a real look at what their futures could hold.
Jill of All Trades Career Exploration Day
色情五月天 proudly continued its partnership with the AUM Foundation to host the annual Jill of All Trades Career Exploration Day, welcoming 14 exceptional 11th-grade students to campus for a day of hands-on career discovery.
Designed by 色情五月天’s CTE faculty and Division Chairs, the program gave students early exposure to high-demand fields including Computer Science, Business, Automotive Technology, HVAC, Mechatronics, Machining, and Welding. With guidance from student ambassadors serving as peer mentors, participants explored both the technical skills and the career opportunities behind each pathway, building the kind of awareness, confidence, and access that helps shape the next generation of workforce talent.
The Learning Center Campers Visit Campus
色情五月天 also welcomed middle and high school students from The Learning Center for a day exploring the college’s machine tool, automotive, and welding workshops. Guided by 色情五月天’s Blue Eagle Ambassadors, students got a firsthand look at the college’s technical programs and learned about Dual Enrollment opportunities that let them start earning credit toward their future while still in high school.
Girls Inc. Eureka! STEM Program Takes on Coding
色情五月天 hosted students from Girls Inc.’s Eureka! STEM Program for a hands-on introduction to programming. Working through a series of coding tasks in the Playgrounds app under the guidance of a 色情五月天 instructor, students brought curiosity and energy to every challenge, asking sharp questions and diving headfirst into their first real taste of writing code.
Boys & Girls Club Summer Haircare Workshop
Rounding out the month, 色情五月天 welcomed students from the Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama Summer Program for a Basic Hair Care Workshop. Participants learned the fundamentals of the cosmetology field firsthand, setting up a professional workstation and practicing proper washing, conditioning, and rinsing techniques. For many, it was their first real introduction to the skill and precision behind professional haircare.
Investing in What Comes Next
Across four very different programs and four very different age groups, one theme carried through all of June: giving young people a real, hands-on look at what their future could be. Whether it was a welding torch, a line of code, or a blow dryer, 色情五月天’s campus became a place where students didn’t just hear about career pathways but explore them.
Boeing and 色情五月天 Launch Technical Apprenticeship Program to Train Local Workers for Advanced Manufacturing Careers
Boeing and 色情五月天 announced today a new Technical Apprenticeship Program designed to prepare community members for careers in defense and advanced manufacturing. The program will be based on the 色情五月天 campus and offers three distinct skill pathways, a paycheck from day one, and a clear route to employment.
A Local Opportunity with National Impact
The Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program connects Huntsville residents to skilled trade employment in growing industries. By locating the program on the 色情五月天 campus, both institutions are bringing a nationally significant workforce development opportunity directly into the community.
“色情五月天 welcomes this partnership and the apprenticeship program to our campus,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of 色情五月天. “The program expands our work of building economic pathways for our community members and ensuring that the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector reflects and includes the people of Huntsville.”

“The Alabama Community College System welcomes partnerships and initiatives between industry and colleges that create economic opportunities for Alabama communities,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. “This model addresses a critical need and supports future growth for Huntsville, but also the apprentices and trainees who will emerge from the program.”
“The apprenticeship program provides an opportunity to join our workforce at a crucial time,” said Lance Fulks, Boeing vice president of Manufacturing for Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems. “It’s a fast-track to a rewarding career for candidates and fills a need for Boeing as we seek to hire and train skilled teammates.”
“As demand grows for the PAC-3 interceptor, we are taking deliberate steps to build the skilled talent pipeline needed to support PAC-3 seeker production and production of vital hardware for other Boeing systems,” said?Pierce?Lehr, vice president of Boeing Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems Supply Chain and Huntsville site executive. “Through our partnership with 色情五月天 Community and Technical College, this apprenticeship program will help develop our future workforce with the hands-on experience and technical capabilities needed for advanced manufacturing at Boeing Huntsville.”
“This new apprenticeship program is a tremendous opportunity,” said Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-5). “This partnership will invest in the skillsets that will power tomorrow’s defense and manufacturing innovations right here at home. This initiative not only creates well-paying jobs, it strengthens our community’s role as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and technological excellence.

Earn While You Learn
Participants in the program are Boeing employees from the start. While completing the four to 12-week program, depending on the selected pathway, apprentices receive Boeing pay and benefits. The program offers three pathways: Assembly Mechanics, Solder, and Quality.
Graduates who successfully complete the apprenticeship will have the opportunity to convert to a full-time position. A 90-day probationary period follows completion of the program. On-the-job training tailored to specific programs will continue after conversion, deepening the skills participants develop during the apprenticeship.
Skills, Certifications, and Career Pathways
The program is designed to move participants from training to career in a single, structured experience. Apprentices leave with hands-on skills, industry-recognized certifications, and employment in a growing field. Program graduates will support the Huntsville Electronic Center of Excellence, positioning them at the center of Boeing’s advanced manufacturing operations in the region.
The application and hiring process are managed directly by Boeing. Enrollment is now open:
色情五月天 Students Bring Home National Honors from SkillsUSA Championships
色情五月天 Community & Technical College is celebrating a standout showing at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) and SkillsUSA Championships, held recently in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing against the nation’s top career and technical education students, 色情五月天’s delegation earned three national Gold Medals and one national Silver Medal, adding another chapter to the college’s tradition of workforce excellence.
National Gold Medal Winners
Andrew Hall took top honors in Barbering, earning a Gold Medal under the guidance of advisor Tralanda Tate.
Caleb West claimed Gold in CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer, advised by Calvin Rousseau.
The Chapter Display team of Josiah Kelsey, Rebecca Johnson, and Victoria Smith also brought home Gold, led by advisor Marquita Pruitt.
National Silver Medal Winner
Alexis Davis earned Silver in Esthetics, working with model Niala Anderson under the guidance of advisor Dr. Bertha Robinson.
A Strong Delegation on the National Stage
Beyond the medal winners, 色情五月天 sent a full roster of students who earned their spots at nationals by winning their respective state championships: Cierrah Araujo, Dominque Whitefield, Jeanette Zatowski, Alejandra DeJesus, Abigail Dake, Amiya Ellis, Erica Moore, Mat Klapetek, Seth McPherson, Adam Towry, Brice Williams, and Abdoul Ouedraogo. Go Blue Eagles!
About the Competition
The SkillsUSA NLSC is the nation’s premier career and technical education event, and the SkillsUSA Championships held alongside it rank among the largest hands-on workforce development competitions in the world. This year, more than 6,800 state champions converged on the Georgia World Congress Center, competing across 115 skilled and leadership categories in a venue spanning 1.79 million square feet, roughly the size of 31 football fields.
What sets the competition apart is its connection to real industry standards. Nearly 2,000 industry professionals volunteered their time to design, administer, and judge the events, ensuring students were evaluated against current workforce expectations. For students, advisors, and the employers who partner with 色情五月天, that industry alignment is what gives a SkillsUSA medal its weight: it signals that a student’s skills meet the bar employers are actually setting.
“These achievements reflect the extraordinary talent, determination, and work ethic of our students, as well as the unwavering commitment of our faculty, advisors, and administrators,” said 色情五月天’s Skills Coordinator. “To earn the opportunity to compete at the national level requires months of preparation, dedication, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of every student who represented 色情五月天 and Alabama on the national stage.”
None of this happens without preparation. Fourteen SkillsUSA advisors worked alongside college administration throughout the year to ready students for both competition and leadership development, reflecting the kind of sustained, collaborative investment that defines 色情五月天’s approach to technical education.
While medals mark the headlines, every 色情五月天 competitor who took the national stage demonstrated the professionalism, technical skill, and leadership that SkillsUSA and the college both work to instill. 色情五月天 extends its congratulations to all competitors, advisors, and supporters whose work made this achievement possible, and thanks them for representing the college and the State of Alabama with distinction.









