CHATTANOOGA, TN -- On Thursday, May 9, incoming Tennessee College of Applied Technology students at Chattanooga State Community College gathered on campus to sign letters of intent during National CTE Signing Day. 

Students from the automotive technology, barbering, collision repair technology, cosmetology, HVAC technology, and welding programs took to the stage to commit to gaining a technical education through ChattState. 

Bo Drake, TCAT vice president, congratulated the incoming students, thanking their friends and family for supporting them in pursuing higher education. 

“To the parents, teachers, mentors, and supporters who have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of these remarkable students, thank you for your unwavering dedication and encouragement,” he said. “Your guidance has been instrumental in helping them reach this milestone.” 

Amanda Sovago-Royal, a recent graduate from TCAT’s massage therapy program, also offered future students words of advice and encouragement, reminding them that anything can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. 

“There will be hard times and tears and moments of defeat; it’s inevitable,” she said. "The good news is you can overcome those hurdles and get to the other side by actively engaging in classes, seeking out mentors, and immersing yourself in extracurricular activities. 

Congratulations to these future ChattState students:  

Automotive Technology 

• Gabriel Bradshaw, Ooltewah High School 
• Brendan Skinner, Signal Mountain High School 
• Zachary Evans, East Ridge High School 

Barbering 

• Dedrick Ownes, Red Bank High School 

Collision Repair Technology 

• Darrel Fuget, Tyner Academy High School 
• Amaurry Woods, Central High School 

Cosmetology 

• Sherry Bun, STEM School of Chattanooga 
• Olivia Meister, Red Bank High School 
• Cheyenne Zaharis, Home Life Academy 
• Anna Rogers, Chattanooga School of Arts and Sciences 
• Haley Daniels, Sale Creek Middle High School  
• Garcia Yesehida Garcia, Sequatchie High School 

HVAC Technology Program 

• Jacob Eldridge, Silverdale High School 

Welding Technology 

• Dylan Anderson, Ooltewah High School 
• Megan Foster, Sequatchie High School 
• Joshua Woolson, Home Life Academy 
• Jermare Hawkins, Red Bank High School 
• Ramsey West, Whitwell High School