Danny Jones, principal of Lanier Career Academy, said he is thrilled with the opportunities the charter school is going to bring to students.
"It's going to offer students opportunities in culinary arts and hospitality and healthcare and other things that are just going to be unique to Hall County. No one else has a program like this," said Jones.
Jones added that the school would also give flexibility in dealing with students.
Danielle Miller is a senior at Flowery Branch High School and attends the career academy for the second half of her school day. She said the experience at the academy couldn't be compared to a traditional high school.
"I have been doing this for two years and this gives you more of a hands-on experience than anything you can learn in the traditional classroom," said Miller.
Miller will not get to attend the new facility because she is graduating, but she said if she were, she would be working in the digital lab area.
Miller is also the State DECA President and that got her the opportunity to introduce Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.
Cagle spoke to those in attendance saying that 80 percent of the work force would need some type of technical training.
"This is an opportunity for the technical college and high school to come together, and not only offer a high school degree, but also a certified certificate that prepares them for the work place," he said.
Cagle added that he feels the charter school will give students the relevance to learn.
"Kids drop out of school because they don't see the relevance in what they're learning, this gives them relevance," he said.
According to Dr. Cindy Blakley, Director of Secondary Education, Cagle played a big role in getting the grants for the new facility.
"Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle lead the Georgia Career Academies Project, which provided the $2.8 for this new facility," she said.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle
Superintendent Will Schofield
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/12/225558