Right before winter break, Hillview Academy officially opened its Paxton Patterson Lab, giving students hands-on exposure to six high-demand career pathways:
Plumbing
Emergency Medical
Culinary
Electrical
Welding
Home Maintenance
These 10-day vocational units allow students to explore different career options and begin building real-world skills similar to those available in career-focused opportunities at the high school level.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 18, led by Alternative Program Coordinator Jason Cox, who recognized the tremendous support that made this lab possible. Special thanks were extended to Superintendent Dr. Willie Foster, the Board of Education, Chief Student Supports Stephen Rucker, and Chief Academic Officer Amanda Butler for their continued commitment to meeting the academic and vocational needs of Hillview students. The completion of the Pax Lab was made possible through Dr. Fosterโs vision and leadership.
Cox also acknowledged Leslie Slaughter, Director of Transition, Workforce, & Innovation, for securing grant funding and partnering with Christy Rogers, Senior Education Consultant with Paxton Patterson Labs, who helped select equipment and units best suited for our students.
A heartfelt thank-you was shared with Earl Browning of Kentucky Farm Bureau, a longtime supporter of the district, whose sponsorship provided a fully equipped working toolbox for each vocational station.
Cox also recognized staff member Savannah Swift and the students who worked tirelessly to prepare demonstrations for the event, many of whom completed their coursework early to help bring the lab to life:
John Turner
Breanna Cecil
Amelia Powell
Amelia Baird
Shaun Milburn
Brayden Ulery
Evan Mills
Following the ribbon-cutting by senior students and district leadership, attendees watched students demonstrate what theyโve already learned in the lab.
This incredible opportunity was made possible through a partnership with the Spencer County Educational Foundation (SCEF) and grant funding from Kentuckiana Worksโ โAfter the Tasselโ initiative.
We are proud of our students, staff, and community partners for helping make career exploration a reality at Hillview Academy!