CCA School News

At the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, Eric Plants and his Construction students have spent much of the second semester building a 16’ by 19’ climate-controlled storage building that will be used to store cabinet-grade plywood, as well as other materials that will be used to build cabinets next school year.

While working on this project, the CCA students were responsible for every aspect of the building and learned to properly use various safety equipment, such as -  harnesses, fall arresters, and scaffolding.

During this process, the students learned to build forms and run rebar for the concrete footers they would pour. They framed and raised the walls, installed the trusses, sheathing, siding, trim, and metal roofing. Once that was completed, they moved inside the building to insulate and run power for the lights and mini-split HVAC system. 

They finished up the building, by painting it inside and out, as well as installing lights, power outlets, and shelving to the interior of the building.

The Teacher Academy at the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy recently held its Georgia Future Educators’ Signing Day. This is a statewide initiative through the Georgia Department of Education that takes place at the Georgia Capitol and in several school districts across the state. The students heard an address from State Superintendent Richard Woods, who congratulated them on taking this next important step toward joining Georgia's future educator workforce pipeline. Congrats to these students for not only committing to the noble profession of Education, but also for committing to teach in the great state of Georgia through the Teach in the Peach Initiative. What an incredible day for Floyd County Schools and the CCA Teaching as a Profession Pathway, as 15 students signed on to become future educators. The Teacher Academy teacher, Gretchen Brock, had this to say of the occasion: "We are so excited for the future of education in Floyd County! This senior group of signees is proven to have a heart for our county's children and will serve our profession in the best way with integrity, trust, and accountability".

• Lexi Day - Shorter University - Early Elementary Education
• Eden Jackson - Shorter University - Early Elementary Education
• Belinda Lopez - Shorter University - Early Childhood Education ESL
• Alexis Limon - Georgia Highlands College - Early Elementary Education
• Mia Aguilera - Georgia Highlands College - Early Elementary Education
• Deanna Vansant - Berry College - Art Education
• Mallory Moore - Chattanooga State Community College - Early Elementary Education
• Ella Kate House - University of West Georgia - Early Elementary Education
• Morgan Henderson - Kennesaw State University - Secondary Education
• Abigail Worthington - Georgia Highlands College - Secondary Education/Spanish
• Abigail Moon - University of West Georgia - Early Elementary Education
• Alonna Penn - University of West Georgia - Middle School Education
• Pearce Elkins - Jacksonville State University - Instrumental Music Education
• Maralea Davis - Georgia College & State University - Early Elementary Education
• Kyrie Buchanan - The University of Arizona - Early Elementary Education

• Group Picture1 (left to right) - (back row) Lexi Day, Mallory Moore, Gretchen Brock, Deanna Vansant, Eden Jackson, and Belinda Lopez. (front row) Ella Kate House, Alexis Limon, and Mia Aguilera

• Group Picture2 (left to right) - (back row) Morgan Henderson, Abigail Worthington, Gretchen Brock, Kyrie Buchanan, and Pearce Elkins. (front row) Maralea Davis, Alonna Penn, and Abigail Moon

Mr. Steven Jahng, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Group, and Ethan McGhee, External Affairs for Hyundai Motor Group, recently came and visited Kevin Van Der Horn's Robotics & Engineering program at the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy. Mr. Jahng spoke with Mr. Van Der Horn's students about all of the exciting, high-tech careers available to them at his company, based on all the training and foundation they receive from the CCA Engineering program. Mr. Jahng also highlighted and talked about the Hyundai Metaplant near Savannah, Georgia, largely considered one of the most advanced and largest factories in the world.

Mr. Jahng spoke highly of the CCA's Robotics & Engineering program and stated there is no other high school program like it anywhere in the state. Mr. Jahng was quite speechless, stating that the quantity of industrial 6-axis robots, PLC trainers, and motor controls wiring boards in the CCA lab spaces makes the program unique on a state level, and that the students are very fortunate to receive this kind of preparation.

Mr. Jahng has an impressive resume on his right. He has played an instrumental role with, and has been a trusted advisor of Georgia governor Brian Kemp, in ensuring that the state of Georgia is a Top State for Talent, is a major manufacturing and commerce hub, and that Georgia not only boasts having exciting, cutting edge careers for people to pursue, but that there is a trained and ready workforce to meet the needs of current and future manufacturers. Mr Jahng was a keynote speaker at Governor Kemp's Workforce Summit in October 2025. Mr. Jahng was also instrumental in helping to create the new Technical College System of Georgia degree program called "Automation and Robotics Technology", currently offered at Savannah Technical College, Athens Tech, and West Georgia Technical College. Mr. Van Der Horn and Mr. Jahng first met at the 2026 Georgia Engineering and Technology Educators Association's Winter Conference, back in January, which led to Mr. Van Der Horn extending an invitation for him to come visit his program.

Mr. Jahng has visited high school and technical college programs related to engineering and manufacturing across the state, promoting STEM and promoting the preparation of future generations to meet the ever-increasing workforce needs of advanced manufacturing and automation in the state of Georgia.

Students from Mrs. Burgess's science classes presented at the 2026 Student Symposium for Watershed Innovation & Management (SSWIM), sponsored by the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI).  The event was held on April 21st at Berry College.  Both groups shared their knowledge and experiences regarding their year-long environmental research project. The Honeybees group constructed and installed 4 hives and created bee watering stations. With the help of Berry Bees, they developed the first on-site honeybee management program on the CCA campus. They wowed the judges and won the Keystone Award for overall excellence and $2000. The Non-Migratory Birds group won the Habitat award for restoration impact and $1000 for creating a bird sanctuary and distributing wildflower seed bombs to attract non-migratory species to our campus.

Congratulations to Kevin Van Der Horn, Robotics & Engineering teacher at the Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy, for being selected by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), the CTAE Resource Network (CTAERN), and the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education (GACTE), to be in the 9th class of LEAD CTAE.

He was chosen to be in this elite group of 20 CTAE teachers from over 140 statewide applications. LEAD CTAE is a yearlong leadership development program designed for CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) classroom teachers and school counselors, who wish to gain valuable skills and knowledge in the areas of team building, leadership, priority management, business engagement, legislative advocacy and policy, communication, instruction, economic development, and more, through participation in six program sessions culminating at the annual GACTE summer conference in Columbus, GA the summer of 2026.

Big congratulations to Armuchee High School senior, Caden Graves!

Caden, a Robotics & Engineering student at the Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy, was recognized as the Dual Enrollment Student of the Year for the entire state of Georgia at the Governor's Workforce Summit in Atlanta! 

Through the CCA’s Engineering program, Caden takes Dual Enrollment Industrial Systems courses with Georgia Northwestern Technical College. He excels in areas like industrial wiring, 6-axis robotics, and Computer-Aided Design, and leads by example through STEM outreach and community volunteer work.

A graduate of the Rome Chamber’s 2024-2025 EMERGE leadership program, Caden has also earned multiple industry credentials, including his Snap-On Digital Multimeter Certification and Basic Mechatronics Specialist certificate.

Next spring, Caden will be interning with Georgia Power’s Transmissions Department, gaining hands-on experience alongside professional engineers. ️

We are so proud of Caden and can’t wait to see the incredible things he’ll accomplish in the electrical engineering field!

Floyd County Schools is proud to announce that Mr. Kevin Van Der Horn and his Engineering students have officially earned the Georgia Department of Education’s Industry Certification.

This achievement comes after months of rigorous work, including specialized classroom instruction, community collaborations, and competitive events. To earn this designation, the program had to meet high-level state standards that ensure students are learning the most current and relevant skills required by the engineering industry.

“This was a lot of hard work, but it is such a feeling of relief to have passed and received this certification,” said Mr. Van Der Horn. “I couldn’t have done this without the help of several individuals: my awesome students, the CCA Admin, parents, and my amazing industry partners. It is exciting for my program in Engineering to have this prestigious designation.”

Floyd County Schools congratulates Mr. Van Der Horn and his students for their dedication to excellence and for setting a high bar for career and technical education in Georgia.

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School System (FloydBOE.net) is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities that promote academic excellence for all students. Floyd County educators combine a strong focus on core academics with innovative teaching methods to create a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

Floyd County Schools offer comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare students for success in college, technical education, and a wide range of post-secondary pathways. Guided by its mission to foster productive citizens, the district is built on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust.

Located in Rome, Georgia, the Floyd County School System proudly serves 16 schools across the district.

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Students from the Film, Arts, Media, and Entertainment (FAME) program at Floyd County College and Career Academy (FCS CCA) made a big splash at this year’s Rome International Film Festival’s Media Innovation Academy.

The immersive event provided students with hands-on experiences in film cameras, special effects makeup, acting techniques, content creation, and even stunt work. It was a full day of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore various aspects of filmmaking.

The highlight of the day was a competitive student film contest featuring talented teams from FCS CCA, Rome CCA, Cass High School, Bartow CCA, Darlington High School, and Gordon Central High School. FAME students demonstrated creativity, technical skill, and teamwork, earning recognition in multiple categories:

• 2nd Place – Home Sweet Haunted House
   
• 3rd Place – Cut!
   
• Best Comedy – Copish
   
• Best Actress – Jailia Powers for Don’t Answer
   

“The students did an outstanding job representing FAME,” said Rick Williams, FAME instructor at Floyd County College and Career Academy. “This experience allowed them to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and put it into practice in real-world filmmaking scenarios. From operating cameras to performing stunts, our students embraced every challenge with creativity and collaboration.”

The FAME program continues to empower students to pursue their passions in media and the arts, fostering creativity, technical skills, and professional growth. With awards from the Media Innovation Academy and hands-on learning experiences like this, FAME students are poised to become the next generation of storytellers.

For more information about the FAME program, visit @fame_cca on Instagram or contact Rick Williams at RickWilliams@floydboe.net

About Floyd County Schools

The Floyd County School System (FloydBOE.net) is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities that promote academic excellence for all students. Floyd County educators combine a strong focus on core academics with innovative teaching methods to create a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

Floyd County Schools offer comprehensive academic programs designed to prepare students for success in college, technical education, and a wide range of post-secondary pathways. Guided by its mission to foster productive citizens, the district is built on the cornerstones of integrity, community, accountability, and trust.

Located in Rome, Georgia, the Floyd County School System proudly serves 16 schools across the district.

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