Lexington-Richland School District Five senior Hailey Figueroa has been selected as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Technology Champion of the Year for the Midlands.
Figueroa is a student in the Digital Art and Design program at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. She plans to attend Midlands Technical College to obtain an associate degree in Art Studio. After Midlands Tech, she hopes to attend Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Design and Game Development.
“I feel extremely honored and fortunate to be receiving this award,” Figueroa said. “This award really means a lot to me, and It proves to me that all the hard work I’ve put in did pay off. I am incredibly thankful for the people around me who have helped me along the way. They were a huge part of my success and they were truly a huge motivational factor for me. In addition, the scholarship I am receiving will help me achieve my dreams for the future. Everything counts, and I will definitely make sure this does too.”
The 2022 South Carolina Technology Champions are a select group of students who were identified by the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Career and Technology and the state’s Regional Career Specialists as the top career and technology education student in each of the 12 Regional areas. These award-winning youth are designated as “Technology Champions,” and will be recognized at the annual Education and Business Summit in June. Figueroa and the other winners receive a $250.00 award for continuing their education and a plaque of recognition.
“Hailey Figueroa is an outstanding student that has maximized her opportunities at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies,” said Will McGinty, assistant director of the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. “As a third- year student in our Digital Art and Design program Hailey has competed and won numerous awards at SkillsUSA and Technology Student Association (TSA). In addition, Hailey currently serves as the State President of SkillsUSA. Being named the Midlands Tech Champion by Midlands Education & Business Alliance (MEBA) is a well-deserved honor and we are extremely proud of Hailey and her hard work. Congratulations Hailey!”
This is the second year in a row that a student from The Center has won this award.
