New career exploration center opens in Gaston County

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Over 30,000 students and nearly 2,000 teachers will be returning to the classroom in Gaston County Wednesday morning.

As students return, multiple new things are being highlighted by the district.

School leaders said a new career exploration center will be opening this school year. In it, students will be able to use simulation and virtual reality to experience potential jobs.

Also in the lab, there will be a recreation of an ambulance where students can see what it is like to be an EMT.

Some of the virtual reality components include industrial painting and work on utility trucks.

The district said it is also expanding its farm-to-school gardening program.

Hunter Huss High School will also be opening a new cosmetology lab for students.

Wednesday also marked the first year for Gaston County Superintendent Morgan Houchard.

“I have spent 30 years in education. This starts my 31st year and my first year as superintendent. It has been a wonderful journey since February,” Houchard expressed.

Houchard said his goal is to make sure students will be career-ready when they leave the school system.

“We are taking resources and directing them to how we can support the teaching and learning that goes on in our schools so students can achieve academically,” Houchard explained.

Clevelanrd County and Lincoln County schools also returned back to the classroom on Wednesday.

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