Parents were not the only ones in attendance at LeCroy Career/Technical Center’s open house Tuesday. There were also business and industry professionals who work hand-in-hand with the school — such as Mike Milwee of Alabama Power.

Alabama Power donated several pieces of equipment to LeCroy’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) program to better train members of the future workforce.

“We want to support local schools in their efforts to make the industry better,” said Milwee, a training analyst at Alabama Power’s HVAC Training Center who also serves on LeCroy’s advisory board.

The partnership between the company and the center is just one example of how career/tech courses are designed to benefit the community.

“They’re going to be the backbone of this program,” said LeCroy Director Tommy Glasscock. “These trainers are pretty much in line with what they teach in this program.”

Many parents attended the open house with their students Tuesday, touring the facility and observing projects in different classrooms.

They also got to enjoy free hotdogs and refreshments.

The open house was part of a countywide parent visitation day observed by all Chilton County public schools.

“I want my people to come out and see what their kids are doing,” said Tim Littlefield, Auto Collision Repair Technology instructor. “I think it’s good to see something you can touch and feel.”