The Roanoke Rapids Schools Foundation is reaching out to Roanoke Rapids High School Alumni and the community to raise money to transform the former maintenance shop on the campus into a vocational center.
The non-profit group is launching “A Week of Giving” December 13-20.
“We need to raise about $1.5 million to outfit the former maintenance shop to offer additional hands-on programs like Welding, HVAC, Masonry, Electrical Trades, and Plumbing. We believe this will be a game-changer not only for our students but our community,” said Jay Carlisle, RRSF Chairman.
Roanoke Rapids High School currently serves approximately 850 students. More than 500 of them are enrolled in various Career Technical Education (CTE) programs like carpentry, marketing & business, EMT, and health sciences training. “This center would expand those offerings to reach even more students,” Carlisle added.
Roanoke Rapids High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. “This next chapter for RRHS requires visionaries who are committed to helping the district provide students with the necessary skills that will translate into a job right out of high school with industry certifications. We strongly believe the skills gained here will open up opportunities for our students to be employed in our own community, stay here, and ultimately give back,” said Dain Butler, Superintendent.
The Roanoke Rapids Schools Foundation was established in 2017 to enhance the experiences of public education for students and teachers in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. The non-profit is governed by the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees. Those interested in donating can mail a check to the Roanoke Rapids Schools Foundation, 536 Hamilton Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. The check should be earmarked “RRHS CTE Center”.
A video outlining the plans for the proposed center is available on the district’s site: