By Sherri Blevins
RAINSVILLE – On February 2, 2024, at 6:00 pm, community members will gather at the Tom Bevill Center to honor the DeKalb County Technology Center during the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Tickets for the event are $35.00 and may be purchased by calling 638-7800. To conclude the evening, Comedian David Ferrell will provide the entertainment.
The Chamber chose DCTC this year for its annual award for the Center’s contribution to the City of Rainsville and the entire county. For fifty years, DCTC has provided job skills training to DeKalb County and Fort Payne City Schools students, and, over the last few years, it has added several innovative programs.
Students attending DCTC may enroll in Auto Body Collision, Auto Mechanics, Cosmetology, Drafting/Pre-Engineering, Fire Science, Law Enforcement, Masonry, Medical Science I and II, Building Construction, and Welding. Students of DCTC have the opportunity to join and participate in our Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSO) HOSA-Future Health Professionals and SkillsUSA. DeKalb County Technology Center is home to 58 State Championships in HOSA and SkillsUSA. Northeast Alabama Community College partners with DCTC to offer dual enrollment opportunities in academics and career tech such as Drafting, Fire Science, Industrial Maintenance, Medical Science, and Welding. DeKalb County Technology Center is also known for its cutting-edge programs, with SREB awarding it the 2018 and 2019 James E. Bottom Pacesetter School Award, one the most prestigious awards a career tech center or high school can receive within the field of education. DCTC offers students the opportunity to earn nationally recognized business and industry credentials prior to graduation, which leads to better college and career advancement. Outstanding technical and academic students also have the opportunity to join the National Technical Honor Society.
In November 2023, the school held a reception celebrating its 50th birthday. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter stated during the program, “For three out of the last five years, DeKalb’s Career Tech program has been recognized as one of the best across the southeast and in the nation, and it was successful because of the dedication of its directors, staff, teachers, and board. Ledbetter spoke of the impact the program has had on area students. He said, “DCTC serves 500 students on campus and 2,600 district-wide. It excels nationally in masonry, electrical, cosmetology, and more. For fifty years, generations of families have learned a trade and sharpened their skills right here in DeKalb County.”
Rainsville Chamber of Commerce Director Sandy Goff stated, “On behalf of the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce, we are so excited to honor and officially recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the Dekalb County Technology Center. DCTC’s dedication to its students in helping them develop their skills, reach their goals, and prepare them for the workforce makes it a valuable asset to the community.”