CITA and SkillsUSA Celebrate Future Skilled Trades Professionals
The Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) proudly celebrated SkillsUSA National Signing Day, recognizing students who are taking the next step toward high-demand careers through industry partnerships, internships, higher education and workforce opportunities.
Observed nationwide, SkillsUSA National Signing Day honors the next generation of skilled professionals and highlights career pathways that are essential to America’s workforce. Schools across the country host signing day celebrations to recognize students as they commit to employment, apprenticeships, internships, or continued career and technical education opportunities.
This year, CITA celebrated SkillsUSA National Signing Day and students participating in career opportunities through partnerships with Wellstar Health System and GreyStone Power Corporation, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers beyond graduation. This year the following student participated in the SkillsUSA National Signing Day event:
• Adan Corral-Capital GMC
• Allison Quijado - Chattahoochee Technical College
• Andrea Martinez - Steve Rayman Chevrolet
• Azjani Robinson – Colorado State University
• Dexter Newkirk- Reliable Heating & Air
• Dipanvita Basdeo – Chattahoochee Technical College
• Hector Estrada - Maceda-Vantix Electrical
• Jason Garcia – Pugmire Lincoln and Ford Asset at Gwinnett Technical College
• Jehiel Lael Gomez - Kennesaw State University
• Jenny Luu - Kennesaw State University
• Jordan Prince - Steve Rayman Chevrolet
• Joseph Uriel Botello - Chattahoochee Technical College
• Josiah Maurice McCalla - Chattahoochee Technical College
• Kevin Mejia - Vantix Electrical
• Kevin Moeun - Hennessy Ford
• Magdiel Rodriguez – GA Tech
• Michael Warman - Reliable Heating & Air
• Nick Briere - University of Northwestern, Ohio High Performance Program
• Osman Garcia - Capital GMC
• Pamela Hernandez - Jim Ellis Mazda
• Reynaldo Levy – GA Tech
• Steven Bernal – CW Matthews
Beer-Hardy - Maxair Mechanical
 Jonathan on NSD program and Mr. Gray's opening remarks |  Industry partners and Jordan and Jason signing letters of intent |
 Mr. Gray's NSD chant and CITA Auto Alumni with Mr. Hagan |  Mr. Martin pictured with Magdiel and Dipanvita. Yasmine signing with MaxAir. |
 Steven signing with C.W. Matthews and Mr. Branning pictured with Joseph |  Dexter signing with Reliable Air and Mr. Gray pictured with Allison |
 Mr. Gray pictured with Jenny and Michael signing with Reliable Heating & Air |  Mr. Branning pictured with Josiah and Hector signing with Vantix Electrical |
CITA and Wellstar Celebrate Future Healthcare Professionals
One of the highlights of the celebration was CITA’s continued partnership with Wellstar Health System, a historic and transformative collaboration that continues to create career opportunities for students pursuing healthcare pathways.
The unique $2 million partnership between CITA and Wellstar continues to flourish, resulting in 5 graduating seniors signing letters of intent to join Wellstar as employees. During a special signing ceremony held at CITA, students were recognized as trailblazers in an innovative workforce development initiative that bridges education and industry.
Following graduation, the students will transition directly into employment with Wellstar beginning in June, gaining hands-on experience while launching careers in the healthcare field.
“This partnership represents the power of collaboration between education and industry,” said CITA leadership. “We are incredibly proud of these students as they take this exciting next step and begin serving in one of the nation’s most vital industries.” This year the following student signed letters of intent to work with Wellstar:
• Kiana Ellison • Melanie Baza • Helen Gonzales • Yamilet Fraire • Naiah Johnson (not pictured) |  Group Wellstar photo with Kiana Ellison, Melanie Baza, Helen Gonzales and Yamilet Fraire |
GreyStone Power Invests in Future Energy Leaders
CITA also celebrated students signing on to participate in GreyStone Power Corporation’s summer internship initiative, a program designed to expose young talent to careers in the energy sector.
Through the six-week internship experience, students will work alongside GreyStone linemen in the field, learning the fundamentals of electrical line installation and maintenance. Participants will gain firsthand exposure to wiring techniques, safety practices, material selection, and the daily operations of a leading electric cooperative. Gustavo Solares signed a letter of intent with GreyStone to do a lineman internship.
The partnership underscores GreyStone Power’s commitment to strengthening ties within the local community while investing in workforce development for future skilled professionals.
Ms. Keyser with GreyStone team and Gustavo Solares
CITA Celebrates the Cobb County CTAE Work-Based Learning and High School student of the Year.
The Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) is proud to celebrate two outstanding students recognized among the district’s highest honors in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE): High School CTAE Student of the Year and Work-Based Learning Student of the Year.
The annual CTAE Awards recognize exceptional students and educators who exemplify excellence in career and technical education through academic achievement, leadership, innovation, and workforce readiness. Nominees were evaluated through a comprehensive portfolio process that included a resume, application essay, and detailed record of educational experiences and extracurricular involvement.
CITA proudly celebrates Haylie Vicente, named as the district’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) Student of the Year
Ms. Shannon Shaw, WBL SOTY - Haylie Vicente and Mr. Calvin Gray
Star Leslie Orji, recognized as the district’s CTAE High School Student of the Year.
CTAE High School SOTY -Star Leslie Orji
Building Pathways to the Future
CITA’s SkillsUSA National Signing Day celebration showcased more than student achievements, it highlighted the strength of partnerships that help students transition successfully from classroom learning to career opportunities.
By connecting students directly with industry leaders such as SkillsUSA, Wellstar Health System and GreyStone Power Corporation, CITA continues to fulfill its mission of equipping students with real-world skills, career readiness, and opportunities for long-term success. CITA proudly celebrates the accomplishments of Haylie Vicente and Star Leslie Orji, whose achievements exemplify excellence, leadership, and the lasting impact of career and technical education.
As these students prepare to graduate and embark on their professional journeys, CITA proudly celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to seeing the lasting impact they will make in their respective industries.
