E-EDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Feb. 7, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress.net.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY ACHIEVEMENTS

Lines from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, echoed through the hall and set the tone of the event as attendees of the Black History Month Banquet joined voices in song Feb. 3.

The event recognized three life-long Taylor residents who made special contributions over the past year in education, community service and business leadership.

Yasmina Carter was named as the excellence in education honoree. Carter has been a teacher with Taylor Independent School District for 15 years. She said she is currently putting together a Black history show to be performed at Taylor High School.

Shareeta Fairley of Braided Faded Crew received recognition as the excellence in community honoree. Fairley and her organization give free haircuts and braids to kids going back to school and is dedicated to community service.

Teri Williams, owner of The Melanated Apothecary, was named the excellence in business honoree.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jesse Rivers of Huston– Tillotson University, a historically-Black university in Austin, discussed achievements by Black people throughout the history of the United States that are not widely known outside of the Black community, as well as touching on the political climate affecting Black people.

NONPROFIT BRINGS FREE MANUFACTURING EDUCATION

American Youthworks, a nonprofit that has focused on providing young people in the Austin area career opportunities since 1975, is bringing its YouthBuild program to Taylor.

YouthBuild allows young residents to receive pre-apprenticeship certifications and a GED at no cost. While learning lessons and getting hands-on work experience in the community, YouthBuild students will get paid up to $250 a week.

The training will have a focus on manufacturing skills and be taught at Shepherd’s Heart, 121 E. Second Street.

Basic program requirements include being 16 to 24 years old, having an ID, a Social Security card, a birth certificate and not currently enrolled in high school.

American Youthworks is partnered with Austin Community College to give students who graduate YouthBuild a chance to transfer their GED and continue their education.

For more information, contact YouthBuild at [email protected] or 512578-8265.

DUCKS DECATHLON DYNASTY CONTINUES CORPUS CHRISTI — Local students succeeded in the 10-leg scholastic challenge last month.

The Taylor High School Academic Decathlon team returned home from their regional competition in Corpus Christi Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 with a gold medal.

After winning its regional contest, the ACDEC team will head to San Antonio Feb. 22 for the 20th consecutive year to represent Taylor High School at the Texas Academic Decathlon state competition.

Taylor is ranked third in the state small school division. This year’s curriculum is Technology and Humanity.

DISTRICT REVEALS VACANCY NEEDS

HUTTO — Hutto Independent School District will guide aspiring educators into areas of need throughout the newly-launched apprenticeship program, the district’s administration said. The apprenticeship program essentially consists of future teachers working as paraprofessionals at Hutto ISD while they receive free education.

The participants will walk out of the program debt-free with a college degree and teaching certification with the understanding that they remain in the district for three years.

Cara Malone, the district’s superintendent of human resources, said Hutto ISD currently has 15 teacher vacancies, half are in special education. Other high-priority needs include secondary language teachers, math teachers and science teachers.

Applicants will be judged on criteria such as the likelihood they will get accepted into one of the district’s college partners.

Organizers hope to bring in at least 50 apprentices for the next school year.