4C Academy Hosts Business and Education Summit

AUGUST 15, 2018— Albany, GA—The Albany area will be the center of attention for the State’s business and education leaders on Monday, August 27th as the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy, 4C Academy, hosts Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s 2018 Business and Education Summit.  Economic trends, workforce development and jobs of the future will all be topics of this year’s conference which is titled, “Georgia’s Success:  Building a Workforce Second to None.”     

Commenting on the upcoming summit, 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher, shared, “We are excited to host this year’s Business and Education Summit and we have a great agenda in store for those attending.  In addition to learning about economic trends in Georgia and discussing strategies that impact workforce development and economic development across our state, attendees will hear from a panel of our local leaders who will share how technology has impacted, and will continue to impact, our workforce needs.  I am also looking forward to the segment of the agenda where the Lt. Governor will moderate a panel discussion with some of our 4C students.”  

Event participants will include Dr. Roger Tutterow, Sr. Economist, Kennesaw State University; Ronnie Lee, President, McCleskey Cotton; Maurice York, Brewery Vice President, MillerCoors; Dr. Robert S. Owor, Professor Computer Science and Software Engineering, Albany State University; Alan Amling, Vice President, UPS Ventures; Philip Hardin, CEO, YouScience; and Casey Cagle, Lt. Governor, State of Georgia.

One of a network of over 40 College and Career Academies across the state, the 4C Academy was chosen to host the event in part because of the school’s exceptional relationship with the community and local industry. “We as a region understand how important advancing workforce development is for our local economy and this is demonstrated by our strong partnerships. Our business, education and community leaders have come together to invest in this effort to prepare our young folks for the jobs of today and tomorrow.  This is all about bringing new jobs and industries to Georgia and to our region of the state.”  Mr. Hatcher continued.  

The 4C Academy will also host an afterhours reception at Pretoria Fields Collective on Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “This is an opportunity for community members to meet our event speakers including our guest speaker, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. Tickets are $30 per individual and may be purchased by emailing Kerry.Joiner@4CAcademy.org.  

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Hatcher
CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Ph: 229-431-1562
Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:
The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

Back to School Schedule

Open House:

-Dual Enrollment- New Students- Thursday, July 26th @ 6 PM

-Dual Enrollment- Returning Students- Tuesday, July 31st @ 6 PM

-High school- New and Returning 4C Students pick up schedules- Wednesday, August 1st from 8 AM to 2 PM or 6 PM to 8 PM

School begins Thursday, August 2nd!

4C Academy AV Team Tours Broadcasting Facilities

May 04, 2018-- Albany, GA-- Students in the Audio Video Technology and Film pathway at 4C academy, led by Ms. Stephanie Burke, boarded a bus and toured some of Albany’s beautiful broadcasting facilities (WALB, WFXL, Cumulus).

The first stop on their trip was Albany’s very own WALB, where they were met by First Alert Meteorologist, Chris Zelman. Students were excited, being that it was their first time in a real-life news station. When they entered the studio, Marketing Director, Mike Leach, was putting together a promo video to introduce Tesia Reed, Karla Heath-Sands replacement on WALB’s “Today in Georgia.” Leach briefly taught terms such as three-point lighting, which includes the terms key light, back light, and fill light. They even got a behind the scenes look at WALB’s control room where they broadcast shows such as, The Ellen Degeneres Show, New Girl, and even The Voice. The students also learned the importance of being factual, resourceful, and punctual. 

Next, they made their way to WFXL where they were guided by News Manager, Kerri Copello. Copello shared stories of her seven years working at the station, including some rules and regulations, dress code violations, and what to expect. The students were then introduced to Multimedia Journalists, Danielle Ledbetter and Mary Green, who spoke to them about their daily work efforts and experiences in the field. They even allowed the students to hop in front of the green screen and get a first-hand look into the life of a weather forecaster. This was definitely an unforgettable experience!

Taking a break from the news theme, scholars visited Cumulus, a local radio station, where they got an inside look at life inside the studio. 4C’s very own, Stephanie Burke, who you may know as ~God’s Princess~ on V101.7 FM acted as a tour guide as students explored the building. The first room on the list was the sales floor. Here, Katy Edwards, Executive Assistant/Promotions Director, described her occupational duties. She also explained the company’s motto, “HABU.” Employees are expected to align their work ethics with the acronym, which stands for the “Highest And Best Use of…” Students were encouraged to get the highest and best use of anything they do. Next, they made their way upstairs to see where the magic happens! They were introduced to the studio in which many on air personalities, including Burke herself, record and edit commercials. While walking through the halls of Cumulus, students had the opportunity of meeting the program directors of both WJAD-FM and WKAK-FM. The students left the station with new knowledge of the ends and outs of radio broadcasting.

The group ended their adventure at The Rocket, not before getting group pictures at each location. What a delicious way to end such an eventful outing! 

This has been The WEY at 4C Academy, signing out! 

– Written by: Wesley Williams, Elizabeth Jones & Yaz’myne Moye. 

4C Academy Robotics Qualifies For FIRST Championship

4C Commodores Qualify for FIRST Championships

APRIL 9, 2018— Albany, GA— The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) Robotics team, the Commodores, will represent the 4C Academy at the FIRST Robotics (FRC) Championship in Houston, Texas April 18th through April 21st.   

After competing in two district qualifying competitions and the FIRST Robotics State level event, the Commodores finished 22nd out of 82 teams in Georgia. According to the team’s Co-coach and 4C Academy IT instructor, Darren Hagler, “The Commodores have done an exceptional job this year, especially considering their rookie status. This is the second time in southwest Georgia FRC history that a team from this area has qualified for the FIRST Championships.”  

In addition to building a competitive robot, the Commodores were awarded the title of Georgia Rookie All Star team, which is presented to the rookie team that best exemplifies the mission of FIRST Robotics. Hagler explains, “A team must receive the Rookie All Star award at the district level to be eligible for the award at the State competition.  By winning the Georgia state Rookie All Star award, we secured a place at the World Competition in Houston.”   

Commenting on the announcement, 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher said, “Winning the Rookie All Star award for the State of Georgia is an exceptional honor for our team as well as the 4C Academy. To be eligible, rookie teams must demonstrate professional skills including team work, collaboration, work ethic, marketing, and professional appearance.  This award is particularly exciting to me because these are the very skills that we work on every day at the 4C Academy.”

“We couldn't be prouder of the 4C Academy team and what they've been able to accomplish," Dougherty County School System Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said. "Even above the technical aspects of their achievement, they've been recognized for exhibiting skills such teamwork and collaboration, which are critical for success. The Commodores are an excellent example of what we strive for in the DCSS, excellence both inside and outside of the classroom.”

In preparation for the trip to Houston, the Commodores will conduct several fundraising efforts and are offering sponsorship opportunities. Additional information is available through the 4C Academy.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Hatcher

CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy

Ph: 229-431-1562

Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org

Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

About FIRST®  
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $50 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org

4C Academy Robotics State Bound

4C Commodores State Bound

APRIL 4, 2018— Albany, GA— The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) Robotics team, the Commodores, will represent the 4C Academy this weekend at the FIRST Robotics State Championship competition in Athens, Georgia.

After an outstanding performance at the Procter & Gamble FIRST Robotics district qualifying event held at the Albany Civic Center last month, the Commodores earned their seat in the Championship event and were awarded the title of Rookie All-Star Team, which is presented to the rookie team that best exemplifies the mission of FIRST Robotics.

Currently, the Commodores rank 18th in the State. According to the team’s Co-coach and 4C Academy IT instructor, Darren Hagler, “The Commodores have done an exceptional job this year, especially considering their rookie status. If we perform at the State Championships like we did in the Procter & Gamble event in Albany, we are very likely to qualify for the World competition being held in Houston, Texas April 18th through 21st.”

Commenting on the team’s success, Hagler continues, “Each team is given only six weeks to build their robot and become proficient in its operation. We are very fortunate the 4C Academy houses one of only four practice locations in the state with a full-size field and all field elements. Our team put in countless hours of practice to prepare. So, we were very comfortable going into the district competitions and feel very prepared for the State level.”  

According to 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher, “In addition to learning the technical aspects of building and programing robots, our team members are also practicing their team-work, problem solving and management skills.  I have been very impressed with our team’s outreach to encourage our area’s younger students to get involved with Robotics.  They hosted several work sessions for elementary students and also helped put on the FIRST Lego League tournament that was held at Monroe High School earlier this year. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our rookie team and look forward to their continued successes.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Hatcher

CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy

Ph: 229-431-1562

Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org

Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

4C Academy Robotics Prepares for Albany Event

Students preparing for competition.

MARCH 14, 2018— Albany, GA— The 4C Academy Robotics team, the Commodores, is making final preparations for the Procter & Gamble FIRST Robotics district qualifying event to be held at the Albany Civic Center this weekend, March 16 and 17.  This will be the second event for the 4C Academy team after an impressive showing at the Peachtree district qualifying event that was held in Gainesville, GA on March 3.    

According to the team’s Co-coach and 4C Academy IT instructor, Darren Hagler, “The Commodores scored 32 district points during the match in Gainesville, Ga over the weekend, which places us approximately 15th in the state. This is a spectacular placing for a rookie team in their first event.”  This score also earned The Commodores the Highest Rookie Seed award and positions the team competitively going into the second district qualifying event.

“If we perform at the Procter & Gamble event like we did in Gainesville, we are very likely to qualify for the State Championship being held April 6th,” Hagler explains. Each robotics team must compete in two district qualifying competitions; scores are combined to determine the top teams that will compete at the State level, then move on to the World Championship in Houston, Texas. This weekend’s event will be r will be held at the Albany Civic Center March 16th and 17th and is open to the public.

Commenting on the team’s success, Hagler continues, “Each team is given only six weeks to build their robot and become proficient in its operation. We are very fortunate the 4C Academy houses one of only four practice locations in the state with a full-size field and all field elements. Our team put in countless hours of practice to prepare. So, we were very comfortable going into our first competition.”  

According to 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher, “In addition to learning the technical aspect of robotics, our team members are also practicing their team-work, problem solving and management skills.  I have been very impressed with our team’s outreach to encourage our area’s younger students to get involved with Robotics.  They hosted several work sessions for elementary students and also helped put on the FIRST Lego League tournament that was held at Monroe High School earlier this year.    I am very proud of the accomplishments of our rookie team and look forward to their continued successes.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Chris Hatcher

CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy

Ph: 229-431-1562

Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org

Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

4C Academy Hosts Robotics Scrimmage

February 15, 2018— Albany, GA—With only a few weeks until the first GeorgiaFIRST Robotics competition of the season, the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) will host a regional practice scrimmage this Saturday, February 17, 2018.

According to GeorgiaFIRST Robotics, “Teams from all over Georgia are invited to test their robots on FIRSTRobotics competition fields, provide and receive technical training in conjunction with other teams, and network with other students and coaches in the FIRST community.” The 4C Academy represents one of four practice locations that offer contestants a full-size field with all field elements, and inspection officials on-site. The other three sites are located in Atlanta, Marietta and Columbus.  

Regarding the opportunity to host the scrimmage, 4C Academy team Co-coach and Information Technology Instructor, Darren Hagler, says, “This is an opportunity to showcase the 4C Academy as well as assist other robotics teams from across the region. During the FIRST Robotics annual kick-off event, we hosted teams from as far away as the Savannah area because our location saved them an additional two hours of drive time.”

“However, these competitions represent more than robotics,” continues Mr. Hagler. “Of course, teams must possess IT and engineering skills, but they are also encouraged to demonstrate marketing and management skills by organizing community events and promoting their team.”       

One of five GeorgiaFIRST Robotics district competitions will be held at the Albany Civic Center on March 15, 2018. Each robotics team must compete in two district qualifying competitions; scores are combined to determine the top teams that will compete at the State level, then move on to the World competition in Houston, Texas. The district qualifying events are open to the public with more information available at www.georgiafirst.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Hatcher
CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Ph: 229-431-1562
Email: chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

4C Academy Nursing Students Dress for Success

February 13, 2018— Albany, GA—The Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy (4C Academy) Healthcare Services pathway instructors, Jessica Blanchard, BSN, RN and Jeanifer Hill, BSN, RN, received multiple donations of scrubs to be worn by 4C Academy nursing students.

According to Blanchard and Hill, “We know that for our team members to be successful, they must be dressed for the part. Here at the 4C, we ask our team to “Dress for Success” once a week in either scrubs or business attire.” To assist team members unable to secure proper healthcare attire, both instructors reached out via their personal social media to ask for donations of gently used scrubs. “We are very appreciative of the donations received, many of which came from anonymous donors,” says Blanchard.   

4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher agrees, “Our goal at the 4C Academy is to prepare our students for the real world. This includes teaching them about situational appropriateness - in which students learn the social norms within their desired field. For medical professionals, this often means wearing scrubs.  Our healthcare labs allow our instructors to simulate a variety of healthcare settings  such as a hospital room, a medical office or the home care environment.  The scrubs allow the instructors to further the simulation as our students prepare for their next steps.  We appreciate each and every donation!”     

The donated scrubs will be assigned to students in the Healthcare Services pathway. Additional donations are needed and may be dropped off at the school during regular school hours.   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING HOW TO DONATE:
Jessica Blanchard
Healthcare Services Instructor, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Email: Jessica.Blanchard@4CAcademy.org
Or
Jeanifer Hill
Healthcare Services Instructor, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Email: Jeanifer.Hill@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Hatcher
CEO, Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy
Ph: 229-431-1562
Email: Chris.Hatcher@4CAcademy.org
Web: 4CAcademy.org

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems. 

4C ACADEMY LAUNCHES GROUP-UP INITIATIVE

February 6, 2018— Albany, GA—The 4C Academy announces the launch of Group-Up, a collaboration and problem-solving initiative developed under the school’s Sharpen-Up professional and soft skills program.

Designed to promote problem solving and collaboration, the Group-Up initiative is an 8-week project in which student teams are charged with developing a solution to a real world “opportunity” impacting our region of the state.  Successful teams will utilize their research, critical thinking and presentation skills in this group activity.  An external review committee will evaluate the presentations and the winning solution will be presented to community leadership.

This year, teams have been asked to consider the unprecedented growth in population predicted for the Atlanta and North Georgia markets compared to a decline in population in more southern and rural areas of the state.  Teams will be challenged with the following question, “What can we do as a community to take advantage of the enormous growth projected for Georgia over the next 12-15 years and reverse the projections for population decline for southwest Georgia.”

According to 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher, “Our goal with this project is two-fold. First, this activity will teach our team members the professional skills they need to thrive in the working world such as collaboration, team-work and critical thinking. Second, by challenging our students with a real-world scenario impacting our community, we can engage them at an early age while providing local leaders with different ideas that may have yet to be considered.    

The Sharpen-Up Professional and Soft Skills Program incorporates all of the school’s professional skills initiatives including the Shake-It-Up handshake competition, Listen-Up speaker series, and Gather-Up community service project. Each initiative aims to equip students with the different skills demanded by today’s employers. 

4C Academy Hosts Ribbon Cutting

January 12, 2018— Albany, GA—Students from the 4C Academy join CEO Chris Hatcher, left, Principal Angie Gardner, right, and 4C Academy Board Chair Chandu Kuntawala in cutting the ribbon of the final phase of the school Friday afternoon. The first-of-its-kind hybrid educational facility is fully operational following a multi-million overhaul of the building that formerly housed Southside Middle School.

According to 4C Academy CEO, Chris Hatcher, “The completion of phase 4 of the 4C Academy is a historical event for our community.  This incredible community asset is the product of a true public/private partnership where we were able to learn the current and future workforce needs from our local business and industry and build a state of the art, high tech facility - able to prepare students to meet those needs.  We appreciate all of our partners and would like to especially thank the Dougherty County School System for going above and beyond to make this place special.   For the past few months, we have concentrated on the soft skills imperative to success in the business world. Now, with labs in phase 4, we can also begin teaching the technical skills required by industry leaders.”

Students at the 4C Academy spent the first half of the 2017/2018 school year utilizing only portion of the Academy’s building as the remaining labs and facilities were under construction. Beginning Tuesday, January 16th, classes will be open in the newest portion of the building, which includes a modern student center, STEM gym, logistics lab and film studio. 

A formal dedication with members of Commodore Conyers family and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is planned for the coming weeks.

About 4C Academy:

The mission of the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy is to produce college and career ready graduates with relevant skills and education and exceptional work ethic who can compete and succeed in the real world.  Our partners include local business and industry, the Dougherty County School System, Albany Technical College, Albany State University, the Albany/Dougherty Economic Development Commission, and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, we have partnered with the Calhoun, Terrell and Baker County School Systems.