The Vernon Parish School Board’s “Capturing Better Futures Initiative”, which began this year at Leesville High School, has garnered the Vernon School System national notoriety. The program is a collaborative partnership between the Vernon Parish School Board, Capture Point Solutions LLC, and the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
A contingent from Vernon Parish attended the 2023 FECM/NETL Carbon Management Research Project Review Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from August 27 – Sept. 1. This National Convention showcased community energizing and sharing blueprints for success on over 150 projects in front of over 1,000 attendees.
The “Capturing Better Futures Initiative” began this year with 15 high school juniors and 15 seniors from all over the parish. Leesville High is the host, and daily transportation is provided for outlying students. A certified United Association instructor provides daily classroom time and hands-on work in a fully furnished and updated welding lab. All supplies and equipment are furnished. There is no cost to parents or students.
Following completion of the two-year program, students can enter the private or public sector, or they may choose to enter a United Association apprentice program.
Lisa Lohman, VPSB Curriculum Director/Testing Coordinator, told Board members at the September 7 meeting, “We put the Vernon Parish School System on the map.”
Lohman told the board how many attendees were impressed with the entire collaboration of partners and people who made this happen for the students. The presentation garnered the team an invite to Saudi Arabia, and they will be attending the CO2MNECT National Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct. 1-3. Ms. Lohman will be a featured speaker at the conference.
The Vernon program is considered a first-of-its-kind in the nation program. The “Capturing Better Future Initiative” fosters growth, prosperity and opportunity for Vernon students. For information on the program visit your school counselor or administrator.
Vernon Parish Superintendent of Schools, James Williams, praised the efforts of Lohman, District Six Board Member Vernon Travis, and all who helped showcase the Vernon School System to a national audience.
