Carbon Career & Technical Institute alumnus Alex Groller stopped by the Joint Operating Committee meeting to update the administration on his educational journey, and to offer thanks for all that the school provided for him.

As part of English teacher Michael Wildoner’s ongoing series in which former students are invited to share their experiences on their post-CCTI activities, Groller had the opportunity to shed some light on his current endeavors, and to thank the board and instructors for everything that led him to his success.

“I was in the AST (Auto Service and Technology) program, and what I’m doing now with that is working at community college. I’m there for two years, and I’m getting an automotive degree in global automotive. It’s called an associate’s in applied science. I’m hoping to take that on to more than just being a mechanic,” Groller said.

Groller said he’s done about three years of work as a mechanic already, including the past two years that he has spent working at Lehighton Kia.

Thanks to his CCTI education, Groller is actually ahead of the curve at Northampton Community College.

“I have many articulation credits with Northampton. When I first went there, I was able to cut off three automotive classes right off the bat, that I had credits from, from this school. I think it really needs to be stressed to the students here, that that is a very, very, very big benefit of coming to a school like this,” he said.

Speaking on the value of technical education, Groller noted that there is a demand in the outside world for capable skilled workers, and great potential for those who explore those avenues at schools such as CCTI.

He pointed out how valuable the course catalog at CCTI is, providing numerous options for the interests of a diverse student body.

“I think it’s very important that there is a place locally like this, as good as this place, that can help people who have interests in cars, cosmetology, culinary, graphic design. … It doesn’t matter what it is, it’s great that there is a place where kids can get the education they want to go on further and further,” he said.

Groller’s time at CCTI seems to have served him quite well, and he’s more than happy to pass the word on to others. And he happens to have plenty of experience as a convincing spokesman as well. During CCTI’s first appearance at the Carbon County Oratory Competition last year, Groller took first place in the male category for his speech defending motocross as a sport.

“Overall, I just think that it’s really good to have a school like this that can give students what they want if they’re very passionate about something, and I think it’s very good that there’s lots of kids around here that have a passion for that kind of stuff, that can come here and who can excel. I’m going to keep up the good work, I’m very happy with what I got here, and I think there’s lots of people who will come through here that will do very well as well,” Groller said.