GICCA Celebrates National Signing Day with Local Employers
The Golden Isles College and Career Academy (GICCA) hosted its annual Signing Day ceremony on May 5, 2026, at the newly commissioned CCGA Center for the Arts, celebrating students’ achievements and their new opportunities with local employers. This event was held in conjunction with SkillsUSA’s National Signing Day, a nationwide celebration where thousands of trades students across the country officially commit to careers in skilled trades.
The ceremony brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for a morning of recognition and excitement as students officially committed to their future careers. Employers participating included Gulfstream, Jered LLC, King and Prince Seafood, Reeves Construction, Parmelee Electric, Seaside Electric, CW Matthes, and many more, representing industries from across the Golden Isles.The ceremony brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for a morning of recognition and excitement as students officially committed to their future careers. Employers participating included Gulfstream, Jered LLC, King and Prince Seafood, Reeves Construction, Parmelee Electric, Seaside Electric, CW Matthes, and many more, representing industries from across the Golden Isles.The ceremony brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for a morning of recognition and excitement as students officially committed to their future careers. Employers participating included Gulfstream, Jered LLC, King and Prince Seafood, Reeves Construction, Parmelee Electric, Seaside Electric, CW Matthes, and many more, representing industries from across the Golden Isles.
The ceremony brought together students, families, educators, and community partners for a morning of recognition and excitement as students officially committed to their future careers. Employers participating included Gulfstream, Jered LLC, King and Prince Seafood, Reeves Construction, Parmelee Electric, Seaside Electric, CW Matthes, and many more, representing industries from across the Golden Isles.
Eva Kate Martin, a standout participant, began her GICCA journey in 8th grade through the This Girl Can program, a three-night immersion into GICCA’s trades education for middle school girls designed to show them that they can succeed in male-dominated fields. It was in this program that Eva first picked up a welding torch. Through dedication and hard work, she completed the welding pathway earning multiple industry certifications and later also completed the Heavy Equipment Operations pathway. At the ceremony, Eva Kate proudly signed her letter of intent with CW Matthews Construction as a Heavy Equipment Operator, marking the start of her professional career.
The event also highlighted the success of GICCA alumni Josh Spencer, who originally participated in the 2023 Signing Day ceremony, signing his letter of intent at the time to work with Wilbur’s Welding and Fabrication. Following graduation, Josh purchased the company and rebranded it as Spencer’s Welding and Fabrication. At this year’s ceremony, Josh returned to sign GICCA junior Andrew Harrell, who will gain valuable experience working for Spencer’s throughout his senior year next Fall.
“Eva and Josh’s stories are shining examples of how GICCA empowers students to explore their passions, gain industry skills, and step confidently into the workforce,” said Brian Weese, CEO and Workforce Strategy Leader for the GICCA Foundation.. “Signing Day is not just about celebrating current students—it’s about connecting with a nationwide movement, showing that skilled trades careers are thriving across the country.”
The ceremony, complete with pyrotechnics compliments of Island Sound, included a formal signing where students committed to their career paths and work-based learning placements. The event underscored GICCA’s dedication to preparing students for success beyond the classroom, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen industries.
