VO-TECH GROUNDBREAKING HELD

Seven gold shovels and a new name marked the beginning of a technological future for Cape Girardeau schools and other districts in the region Wednesday.

The shovels were used by seven area school superintendents representing Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, Chaffee, Kelly, Oran and Leopold school districts as they officially marked the beginning of construction for the new regional vocational school being built in Cape Girardeau.

"This vocational school has done a remarkable job in the past. This building will just make that stronger," said John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Mehner was one of 100 school, university and industry representatives who attended the event. Also on hand were Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, and state representatives Mary Kasten and David Schwab.

Kasten, who was a school board member when construction began on the old vocational school in 1965, said she has been involved with the vocational program as a school board member, lawmaker, and even as a student.

"My husband and I took a welding course together," said Kasten. "We didn't learn a whole lot, but it was great fun."

Harold Tilley, director of the vocational school, said the new center represents the beginning of a technological future for vocational school students.

"The state of the art structure is finally becoming a reality," said Tilley. "Our students will now have access to the latest technological advances that will help to them prepare for the technical careers they are seeking."

Prior to the ceremony, the Cape Girardeau Board of Education voted during a special meeting to update the name of its new vocational facility which is scheduled to open next fall.

The new building, being built off Silver Springs Road near South Kingshighway, will be named the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska said the new name follows a state trend to move away from using the word "vocational" in the names of schools where career skills are taught.

"That word has a much narrower interpretation that doesn't really explain what types of programs are being taught at the school," he said.

Following the board meeting, some 100 people gathered at the construction site for a formal groundbreaking ceremony.

School board president Dr. Ferrell Ervin said the new name signifies the role technology will play in the community's future.

"The renaming is an important step because it recognizes the importance technology play in all our lives," Ervin said.