Lauderdale County CTE

08/15/2026

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08/15/2026

Another group first day in their new Innovation Center!

08/12/2026

First Day in their Brand New School!!

08/12/2026

Students First Day in the New Innovation Center!!!

08/07/2026

Today marks an exciting milestone for Lauderdale County and the Shoals as we celebrate the opening of the Lauderdale County Innovation Center in Florence. President Pro Temp Dr Allen Long, Assistant State Superintendent for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development Dodd Hawthorne, and I along with Senators Melson and Livingston, the Lauderdale County Delegation, numerous state and local dignitaries including Superintendent Jerry Hill, school board members and other officials attended today’s event.

This facility represents far more than a new building—it is an investment in students, workforce development, and the future of our community. By providing students with access to innovative learning opportunities and hands-on career pathways, the Innovation Center will help prepare the next generation for success in high-demand careers while strengthening our local and state economy.

Thank you to the many state, local, and federal officials, community leaders, educators, business and industry partners, and supporters whose vision, collaboration, and commitment made this project possible. Great things happen when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. The impact of the Lauderdale County Innovation Center will be felt for generations to come.

08/06/2026

It was a day we will never forget!

The Lauderdale County Schools Innovation Center officially opened its doors with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, and what an incredible celebration it was. With more than 500 people in attendance, we were overwhelmed by the support, encouragement, and excitement shown by our community.

This day represents the culmination of nearly 10 years of planning, dreaming, and hard work. Countless individuals dedicated their time, talent, and effort to make this vision a reality, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing us to this moment.

We were honored to welcome Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama's State Superintendent of Education, along with many other distinguished state and local officials. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate this milestone with us and for your continued support of public education.

From the wonderful food and music to everyone who helped organize and participate in today's ceremony, every detail reflected the pride and excitement surrounding this special occasion. We are especially thankful to those who shared inspiring words of encouragement as we begin a new chapter focused on shaping the future for so many students.

One of the highlights of the day was watching visitors tour the building. The excitement and energy throughout the Innovation Center made it clear that this facility will become a place where creativity, collaboration, and opportunity thrive.

As wonderful as today was, we know the best is yet to come.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, we will welcome our students as they step off the bus and into their new school for the very first time. We can't wait to see their smiles, hear their excitement, and begin this incredible journey together.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, believed in this vision, and helped make today possible. The future is bright, and it begins here at the Lauderdale County Schools Innovation Center!

07/20/2026

05/21/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓✨

To our Lauderdale County High Schools we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. As you step into this exciting new chapter, may your future be filled with endless opportunities, unforgettable adventures, and success in every goal you pursue.

The journey is just beginning — dream big, work hard, and enjoy every moment along the way. We are so proud of you! 👏🏻 👨‍🎓

05/21/2026

Today, we had the honor of celebrating the retirement of Joe Berrens at Allen Thornton Career Technical Center. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, memories, and meaningful conversations as friends, former coworkers, and family gathered to congratulate Joe on his incredible career.

Joe has made a lasting impact through his dedication as the Precision Machining instructor for the past 30 years, investing countless hours into teaching and mentoring students throughout the years. His knowledge, patience, and commitment to excellence helped shape the futures of so many young people, and his influence will continue for years to come.

We truly enjoyed reconnecting with friends and hearing the many stories shared about Joe and the history of Allen Thornton CTC. The fellowship and support shown today were a reminder of the strong relationships and legacy built here over the decades.

Thank you, Joe, for your years of service, leadership, and the difference you made in the lives of students and coworkers alike. You will be greatly missed, and we wish you nothing but happiness and blessings in your retirement! Joe Berrens

05/20/2026

For more than 60 years, Allen Thornton Career Technical Center has been more than just a school — it has been a place where students discovered their passions, developed valuable skills, and prepared for successful futures.

As we prepare to officially close our doors at the end of this school year, we reflect with gratitude on the thousands of students who have walked these halls since the 1960s. From healthcare and welding to business, construction, culinary arts, automotive technology, education, and so many more career pathways, generations of students have gained hands-on experience that helped shape their futures and strengthen our community.

The memories made, friendships formed, lessons learned, and opportunities created within these walls will always remain part of the legacy of Allen Thornton Career Technical Center. We are incredibly proud of every student, teacher, staff member, and family who has been part of this journey through the decades.

While this chapter is coming to a close, an exciting new one is just beginning. In August, Lauderdale County Schools will proudly open the new Lauderdale County Schools Innovation Center for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. This state-of-the-art facility will continue the tradition of excellence in Career Technical Education while providing even greater opportunities for future generations of students.

As we look ahead to the future, we are honored that a student area in the new facility will be named after Mr. Allen Thornton. We deeply appreciate the continued support from the wonderful and giving Thornton family throughout the years. Without the generosity and vision of Allen Thornton, this incredible journey and opportunity for so many students might not have been possible.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Allen Thornton Career Technical Center such a special place for over six decades. The building may close, but the impact of this school will live on for years to come.

If you attended, taught, worked, or supported Allen Thornton Career Technical Center through the years, we would love to hear from you. Please share your favorite memories, experiences or the impact Allen Thornton CTC had on your life by commenting below.

Lauderdale County Schools, Alabama