KTECH proudly celebrated the graduation of Class 23 during a ceremony held at the Isenberg Event Center on the Kids to Love campus, marking a significant milestone not only for the graduates, but also for the program’s 10-year anniversary of workforce training and student success.
Graduates completed KTECH’s intensive technical training programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and emerging technologies. Family members, instructors, community partners, and supporters gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the Class 23 cohort.
Students in the Mechatronics program completed comprehensive hands-on training in electrical systems, mechanical systems, robotics, soldering, and industry-recognized Snap-On certifications. Mechatronics graduates included Wilson Boas, Alexander Costal, Dorian Gambino, Kaleb Goerling, Timothy Heathershaw, Donald Prince II, and Todd Shoulders. These graduates also earned credentials across multiple technical disciplines, including Snap-On, Soldering, Robotics, and Life Lab Academy, demonstrating both depth and breadth of technical skill.
The ceremony also recognized students completing the KTECH VR Academy, a specialized program focused on virtual reality technology and immersive learning applications. VR Academy certificate recipients were Micah Holley, Tongpang Khanthavong, Alexander Zhmaylo, and Ava Zimmerman.
Today’s certification awards bring the total certifications offered by KTECH over the last 10 years to 742.
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KTECH honored exceptional student achievement through its annual awards program. Donald Prince II received the James Palmer Lindberg, Jr. Trajectory Award, recognizing outstanding academic performance, growth, and commitment to excellence throughout the program. Alexander Costal was presented with the Lawrence Haney Work Ethic Award, honoring leadership, consistency, and dedication both in and out of the classroom.
In addition to these honors, Donald Prince II and Alexander Costal were each awarded scholarships to Calhoun Community College. The scholarships were presented during the ceremony by Calhoun Community College President Jimmy Hodges, recognizing their academic achievements and continued pursuit of higher education and workforce advancement.
During the ceremony, KTECH also presented the Stronger Together Award to the Downtown Rescue Mission in recognition of its longstanding partnership and shared commitment to workforce development. Through this collaboration, approximately 20 KTECH graduates over the years have come to the program through the Downtown Rescue Mission, creating meaningful pathways to training, employment, and long-term stability. The award highlights the impact of strong community partnerships in expanding access to opportunity and supporting student success.
As part of the ceremony, graduates were challenged and encouraged by Willie Reeves, KTECH alumnus, who shared his personal journey and offered words of inspiration as students prepared to transition into the workforce or continue their education. His message emphasized perseverance, accountability, and the importance of applying technical skills with purpose.
The ceremony also included remarks from Lee Marshall, Kids to Love CEO and KTECH President, who reflected on the program’s growth over the past decade and reaffirmed KTECH’s mission to equip students with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed.
With the graduation of Class 23, KTECH continues its legacy of developing a skilled workforce while creating meaningful pathways to employment and opportunity. As these graduates move forward, they do so prepared, credentialed, and supported by a community invested in their success.
