Roanoke held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new Charles W. Day Technical Education Center Friday afternoon. The center is a place for high school students to learn career skills beyond regular classroom lessons.
Students such as senior Aleyah Legans refer to the school as Daytech. She is enrolled in both the Culinary Arts and Criminal Justice programs.
“This school not only prepared me for the workforce, but also provided me with a hands-on learning experience that goes beyond traditional education,” Legans said. “These classes are more than just textbooks and lectures; they are about learning practical skills that can be applied in the real world.”
Older generations may not know the new look of the former William Ruffner Middle School, which is located next to William Fleming High School. This is his second career technical center in Roanoke, similar to his ROTEC (Roanoke Technical Education Center) at Patrick Henry High School across town.
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Renovation work on the 72,822-square-foot, two-story DAYTEC began in September 2020, said Kathy Duncan, director of career and technical education for the school system.
It was a $24.5 million project with support from state and federal coronavirus recovery funds, according to school board documents. This is part of the school's behavioral equity plan.
“We now have 17 classrooms, 16 laboratories, a state-of-the-art kitchen for the culinary arts, and a new automotive building with a car lift and garage door,” Duncan said. Ta. “Cutting-edge technology that provides students with the opportunity to gain high-quality hands-on experience.”
School Board Chairman Eli Jamison said data shows that students who participate in career and technical programs are more engaged in school and enjoy better employment opportunities afterward. Ta.
“We don't know what will happen in the future with the rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence,” Jamison said. “But we are equipping our students with skills that will last a lifetime.”
Superintendent Veretta White echoed a phrase she often uses, saying this is a legacy job.
“Our students come first…our kids deserve that,” White said. “We can't stop dreaming.”
The district named the building for the late Charles W. Day, who served as principal and school board member for decades, including at William Ruffner Middle School.
Various buildings and areas of DAYTEC are named after other influential Roanoke residents.
Mayor Sherman Lee said he previously served on the school board with DAYTEC's namesake.
“This new career and technical education center will benefit our city for years to come,” Lee said. “This is truly a generational investment.”
Day's daughter, Charlene Day, said her family traveled from out of town to see a relative honored in Roanoke.
“My father would be truly moved and speechless today to hear the former Mr. Ruffner's name mentioned in his honor,” Charlene Day said. “He will be so touched that this is truly a legacy that will last for many years.”
This tradition continues through DAYTEC students like Taj Thompson, who is taking a sports medicine class with the intention of learning entrepreneurship.
“This new building will give each student the opportunity to learn from state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities, preparing them for success after high school,” Thompson said. “DAYTEC has made me more passionate about my future than ever before.”
Luke Weir (540) 566-8917
luke.weir@roanoke.com