The inaugural “Eden in the Evening” was held at the start of the school year to welcome everyone back to school. The event was held at Eden Career Technical Center and all 2009-2010 incoming students as well as their parents/guardians were invited to attend.

ECTC Director Christy Moore said guests enjoyed food, entertainment by local band Gray Sky Morning, door prizes, local vendors and business representatives, special guests, meeting with instructors and each other.

By the end of the evening, over 175 guests had attended including St. Rep. Jim McClendon; St. Clair Schools Superintendent Jenny Seals; St. Clair County Board of Education members Scott Suttle, Terry Green, and Randy Thompson; Ragland Principal, Jeff Hardy; and St. Clair County High School Principal, Brian Terry.

“I was thrilled by the large turnout,” Moore said. “From what I have been told, it is the largest turnout for an event at ECTC ever. It was nice to meet all these people on a casual basis. We have so many people and businesses to thank for helping us get this event off the ground. So many supporters all gave donations and/or services to assist us in making this event a reality. This is a wonderful opportunity for all committed to the future of our county and education of our 21st Century Workforce.”

Moore said they primarily focused on students who were returning to ECTC this year.

“We just wanted everyone to come see our campus, get a feel of what we do, how we do it and why we do it,” Moore said. “We really want to bridge our community with our school and also bring in the local schools.”

Moore hopes this is the beginning of a tradition that will continue into the future.