Surrounded by many local officials, Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle cut the ribbon for the Newton College and Career Academy yesterday at the school.

The academy offers students at all three Newton County high schools courses specifically geared towards careers in high demand. The program's aim is to better train students for their future academic or career path.

In collaboration with the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, DeKalb Technical College and other prominent community leaders, the Newton County Board of Education supported the building of the academy to give students industry skills that coincide with their career paths.

The academy offers 18 Career Pathway programs like cosmetology, culinary arts, construction and healthcare.

The academy is equipped with high-tech, state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories for the students to utilize.

The courses will offer students real-life experience in their field of interest. For example, the public will soon be welcomed to have their hair styled or cut by those in the cosmetology program. The early childhood education program will also allow students to teach Pre-K students.

Others who spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony were: James Woodard, Principal of Newton College and Career Academy, Dr. Gary Mathews, Superintendent for the Newton County School System, Eddie Johnson, Chairman of the Newton County Board of Education, Danny Stone, Chairman of the Academy's Board of Directors, Hunter Hall, President of the Covington/Newton Chamber of Commerce, Larry Teems, Interim President of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Ashley Greene, Associate Board of Directors for the Academy and Georgia Sen. Rick Jeffares.