The 1st Annual Dr. Willie Fred Johnson Jr. Vocational Day at South Oak Cliff High School was special for at least two reasons.
One, the event was the first of its kind named after the current SOC principal. Two, the event gave students a glimpse of what their reimagined school will look like. Since January, SOC has been housed at Dallas IDS’s Village Fair building while work is performed at high school.
Representatives from Kai Texas, the architectural firm that is handling the South Oak Cliff High School project attended the Vocational Day. An animated video provided an idea of just how different – and better – the renovated and expanded school will be once complete.The project is being funded by the 2015 Bond Program.
Students could also touch samples of materials that will cover the walls and floors, and representatives shared the importance of architecture as a career.
At the Oct. 16 event, students were able to speak with representatives from trade schools and community colleges to learn how to apply for admission and financial aid. One table focused on Dallas County Promise, an initiative from the Dallas County Community College District Foundation that allows area high school graduates to attend selected local colleges for two years tuition-free with additional resources to boost their success.
Other participants included The Art Institutes, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Cedar Valley College, El Centro College, The Ogle School, Texas Barber College and Richland College.
The Vocational Day was sponsored by DML654 Masonic Lodge.
