Maddox Wickline, Class of 2026, displays a recent carpentry project at Jackson River Technical Center. He is enrolled in both electricity and carpentry courses, exploring a career in electrical work while gaining hands-on building experience. Fifteen Alleghany High students are taking multiple career-technical programs at JRTC, with several on track to earn double certificates. (JRTC Photo)

Alleghany Students Explore Multiple Career Paths at JRTC   Low Moor, VA (Feb. 17, 2026) - Fifteen Alleghany High School students are taking second- or third-level courses in two different career-preparation programs at Jackson River Technical Center, thanks to scheduling flexibility and student initiative. Maddox Wickline, a member of the Class of 2026, is completing courses in both electricity and carpentry. He is exploring a career in electricity and hopes to one day help homeowners with their projects. “My great-grandpa did a lot of woodworking, and I started taking carpentry. All of my friends took electrical, and I wanted to take a class with my friends,” Wickline said. After joining the electrical class, he discovered a passion for the field. Carpentry complements his interest by showing him how contractors build houses and offices. Wickline also takes on smaller projects and has been involved in furniture commissioned by Jackson River Credit Union. He recently won first place in cabinetmaking at the SkillsUSA District competition and will compete at the state level in March, along with other JRTC students who qualified in various competitions. After Alleghany Highlands Public Schools was created in 2022, Covington High School and Alleghany High School were combined in 2023 into a single Alleghany High School campus near JRTC. JRTC’s proximity to the high school allows students greater opportunities to participate in multiple programs. JRTC offers 10 career-technical education, or CTE, programs. Some students are completing a first-year course alongside a second- or third-year course, while others are first-year students in two programs. “Program courses are strategically placed within the master schedule to allow students the opportunity to earn more than one JRTC program certificate upon graduation. Eight 2025 Alleghany High School graduates earned double JRTC certificates. Fifteen students are currently on track to graduate with double JRTC certificates in May. We are glad to be able to provide students the latitude within their high school schedules over the course of three years to expand their skill sets and versatility across multiple trades," JRTC Principal Josh Craft said. CTE programs also are offered at Alleghany High School and Covington Middle School. Options include agriculture, health sciences, and business courses. Students may also take coursework through Mountain Gateway Community College, including the MG-TEC lab school, which focuses on information technology. AHPS is celebrating CTE Month throughout February. In recognition of CTE Month, Jackson River Technical Center will host an open house on Friday, February 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., showcasing available programs and educational opportunities for students and families. Follow AHPS on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.ahps.k12.va.us.

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