Students take advantage of Sowela ‘Flying Tiger for a Day’ tours
Published 12:19 pm Friday, February 7, 2025
Lacassine High School sophomores Cameron Talbot and Natalie Willis, had an opportunity Thursday to learn about the nursing and surgical programs available at the Sowela Technical Community College/Morgan Smith campus in Jennings from Bailie Vidrine, a senior at the college. The visit also provided a chance for the high schoolers to engage with faculty and students, and to explore dual enrollment and career options. (Doris Maricle / American Press)
Sowela Technical Community College/Morgan Smith campus in Jennings hosted area high school students Thursday as part of its "Flying Tigers for the Day" open house. Electrical instructor Ranier Rada provided a hands-on demonstration to students during the tour. (Doris Maricle / American Press)
Luke Bellon, a sophomore at Lacassine High School, explores a motor control system Thursday while touring the industrial electrical and instrumentation program at the Sowela Technical Community College/Morgan Smith campus in Jennings. This week, over 400 sophomores from Jeff Davis Parish toured the campus to learn about dual enrollment and vocational programs available to high school students and graduates. (Doris Maricle / American Press)
Sowela Technology Community College hosted its “Flying Tiger for a Day” event this week at its Morgan Smith campus in Jennings.
The event welcomed over 400 sophomores from Jeff Davis Parish to campus on Wednesday and Thursday. During their visit, students had the opportunity to explore the campus, engage with students and faculty and learn about dual enrollment and career opportunities.
“This event gives students a glimpse into our offerings and allows us to showcase dual enrollment programs for high school students, as well as post-secondary education options,” Instructional Site Coordinator Adrienne Abel said.
The dual enrollment program enables high school juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credits, potentially jump starting their careers.
During the campus tour, students explored programs such as practical nursing (LPN), surgical technology, sterile processing, welding, industrial electrical and instrumentation. The college also offers online culinary arts and plans to expand its online offerings to include criminal justice and related fields later this year.
“Our goal is to introduce these students to the dual enrollment opportunities available while they’re still in high school and to highlight what we can offer them closer to home after graduation,” Abel said.
Jeff Davis Parish School Board Curriculum Supervisor Danielle Simien said the tenth graders will soon have to make informed decisions about their future paths, including college, vocational education and dual enrollment.
Cameron Talbot, a sophomore at Lacassine High School, aspires to become a hairstylist and open her own salon in New York. She believes the tours were beneficial for students who are still uncertain about their future.
“There are so many great ideas and opportunities here,” Talbot said. “This showed us that you don’t have to go far to attend college and achieve success.”
Koby Duhe, also a sophomore at Lacassine High School, remains undecided about his future but appreciated seeing the vocational options available to him.
Natalie Willis, another Lacassine High School sophomore, agreed that the tours provided valuable options for students to consider.
