Wright Brothers employees, proud families, and community leaders gathered to recognize the sixth PIE Innovation Center graduating class, 18 students representing Bradley County Schools (16 seniors, 2 juniors who will return in the fall).
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The PIE Innovation Center (Partners in Industry and Education) program is a workforce development partnership that gives high school students direct exposure to the construction industry. Over the course of the program, these students gained mentorship-based, hands-on experience in heavy civil construction, along with comprehensive safety training and a strong leadership foundation. Ten of these graduates are stepping directly into full-time roles with Wright Brothers, joining 80+ others from the past five years who have made the same move from classroom to career.
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Among this year’s exceptional class, Alex Pahuamba earned the Commitment to Excellence Award, and Andrew Hickman was recognized with the Taylor Cannon “Heart & Hustle Award.”
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The event was supported by strong community involvement, including leaders from education, law enforcement, and local government. Speakers included Sheriff Steve Lawson, Gary Davis - Bradley County Mayor, and Bradley County Schools' Director Dr. Linda Cash. Wright Brothers leadership and PIE staff were also in attendance, including Training Director Jared Waldrop, President/CEO Mitchell Simpson, and PIE Educators Kyler Parris and Brady Anderson (both PIE CREW graduates).
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Congratulations to this amazing group of hard-working young men! We know that each and every one of them have a bright future ahead.