A group of eight Mathews High School juniors and seniors are among the first to take advantage of an exciting new opportunity—one that could pay big dividends right after they receive their diplomas.

They are part of a pilot program with Rappahannock Community College and West Point Public Schools that will give these students the chance to earn up to five certifications in different types of welding—skills that are in high demand in today’s workforce.

As Mathews County’s Superintendent of Schools Nancy Welch pointed out, a student can get his diploma on a Saturday and turn around the following Monday morning and be working at a job where he’s making more than his teacher.

Welch, assistant superintendent Lesley Hunley and MHS principal Dr. Toni Childress were all in attendance last Wednesday night at RCC Glenns, along with the students and their parents to take part an orientation program led by Dr. Jason Perry, vice president for workforce development ...