by Joey Williams

Schools aren’t just buildings; they’re the heart of our communities, where futures are forged and dreams take flight. With the recent discussions surrounding investments in our public school system, I feel compelled to share my experience as a graduate of Leon County Schools, how it influenced my career path, and laid the foundation for both personal and professional growth.

From my first day at Leon High, I was met with a dedication from my teachers that cannot be overstated. Their passion for education created an environment that encouraged curiosity, open-mindedness, and creativity. With engaging lessons tailored to our needs, they were genuinely invested in all their student’s success.

 

I’ve always loved working with my hands, and after interning in a family friend’s workshop over the summer, I became interested in pursuing a more technical pathway. Thanks to a robust curriculum that prepares students for a competitive world, Leon encouraged AP and dual-enrollment opportunities, which allowed me to get a head start on earning college credits.

I began dual enrolling at Lively Technical College during my junior year to become an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic. This paved the way for a smooth transition to continue my education, and I was able to complete all the required airframe courses soon after my high school graduation in 2023. After this, I quickly moved on to power plant courses, and will earn my A&P Certification and FAA license this summer, just one year later.

Outside of academics, one of the most influential aspects of my school involvement was the Student Government Association. Being a part of SGA allowed me to grow as a leader and challenged my interpersonal skills. Mr. Josh Stewart, my SGA teacher, also played a major role in helping me understand what career path I was most interested in, and the steps I needed to take to accomplish this goal.

It is a testament to this guidance that just over a year after my high school graduation, I am about to begin an exciting career with Standard Aero in Augusta, Georgia, where I will operate the Test Cell, maintaining engines for corporate jets.

As I embark on my journey post-grad, I owe a debt of gratitude to Leon County Schools for fostering an environment that prepared me for life beyond the classroom and encouraged me to develop the skills necessary to work collaboratively and productively with others.

While there are many excellent choices for schooling within our community, I urge parents and students take a closer look at the world-class education and experiences available through our local public schools. I’m so glad I chose Leon County Schools, and I think you will be too.

 

Joey Williams is a 2023 alumnus of Leon High School. He is in his last semester at Lively Aviation, and looks forward to beginning his professional career upon graduation this summer.

Column first appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat on Monday, July 15, 2024. https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2024/07/15/how-attending-leon-county-schools-prepared-me-for-a-career/74386405007/