Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center

08/14/2026

Our students' career readiness is taking off! ✈️

Aerospace Technology I classes took their first field trip to the Wi******er Regional Airport - OKV today! This opportunity to observe, learn, and engage in relevant conversations about this field of work is exactly the type of experience we hope the Innovation Center can provide our students. Thank you to the airport for welcoming them and GO Virginia Region 8 for making this collaboration possible through their GoVirginia Grant. The sky is not the limit for these kids! 🌞 Wi******er Public Schools

07/29/2026

✈️ The aerospace industry is growing fast—and your journey can start right here at the Innovation Center! Talk with your school counselor about adding Aerospace Technology I or II to your schedule!

Schedules are being finalized now—don't miss your chance to be part of this new & exciting Career & Technical Education pathway!

07/11/2026

✈️ Calling all middle and high school students and their families!

Come explore the exciting world of aviation at OKV Aerospace Night! Tuesday, 7/21 from 6-9 PM at Wi******er Regional Airport.

✅ FREE event
✅ Flight simulators
✅ Discover Aviation and Aerospace programs in our community
✅ Meet pilots and aviation professionals
✅ Airport tours

Registration is required. Reserve your FREE spot today: https://ow.ly/q6LK50ZlJUq

07/02/2026

It’s time! Bidding is open July 2-8. Thank you again to all the incredible partners who helped make this happen for the students, it would not have been possible with out the incredible support of such a generous community

Frogale Lumber Supply& Annandale Millworks and Allied Systems, Peak Roofing Contractors, Inc., Strosnyder Lyle P Inc, Elite Painting Services Llc, Elite Insulation & Poly Pro LLC, SRS Building Products, ABC Supply Co, Rexel USA, Lantz Construction Company, Warfel Construction, Design Concepts Architects PC, Painter Lewis Plc, Middle Department Inspection Agency, Ferguson Plumbing Supply, Mccrea Heating and Air

If you've followed us over the past year, you've seen updates about the 🏠 tiny house built by students at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center!

➡️ The house is officially up for auction July 2-8! It will need to be picked up by August 7. Visit: https://laughlinauctions.hibid.com/lot/302159411/tiny-house

Proceeds from this auction will directly support future student-built projects at the Innovation Center, allowing the next generation of skilled trades students to continue learning through authentic, hands-on experiences.

In-person walk throughs available by appointment only Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-3:30 pm. Call the Innovation Center at 540-678-3966.

More details available on the auction website!

06/25/2026

If you've followed us over the past year, you've seen updates about the 🏠 tiny house built by students at the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center!

➡️ The house is officially up for auction July 2-8! It will need to be picked up by August 7. Visit: https://laughlinauctions.hibid.com/lot/302159411/tiny-house

Proceeds from this auction will directly support future student-built projects at the Innovation Center, allowing the next generation of skilled trades students to continue learning through authentic, hands-on experiences.

In-person walk throughs available by appointment only Mon-Thurs 8:00 am-3:30 pm. Call the Innovation Center at 540-678-3966.

More details available on the auction website!

06/13/2026

Congratulations to Nakayla & Gracie who graduated from John Handley High School in 2025 for their recent graduation from Recruit Class 10’s Fire Academy with the Wi******er Fire and Rescue Department!

Gracie took our Firefighting program, and Nakayla took both our Firefighting and EMT program at EGSIC!

We’re proud of you both! 🔥

05/27/2026

📚 As the school year winds down, Mr. Newcome's English students took part in a Technical Assembly Challenge which was a 4-day iterative design and technical writing project.

⚙️ The idea behind this project was that in the professional world, technical writing bridges the gap between complex engineering and real work ex*****on, so students were tasked with working with their team to design and build a small lego prototype that represents a key concept from their CTE class. From there, they would reverse engineer the creation to author a complete technical assembly manual. Lastly, students would test the manual on a peer group, track any issues and revise their writing based on the hard data they received from peers.

💥 This project gave students the opportunity to practice far more than just writing skills. They had to collaborate, problem solve, think critically, communicate clearly, and respond to feedback in real time — all skills that are essential in both college and the workforce. It also helped students see how technical writing connects directly to the workforce by showing how important clear communication is when turning ideas into action. Nice job everyone!!

05/20/2026

Our Nurse Aide students had their Pinning Ceremony last night with their teacher, Ms. Markosky! We are so proud of all of these students and their amazing accomplishments in the Health Sciences programs! 🏥

John Handley High School
Wi******er Public Schools

05/20/2026

💥 Ms. Rosenberger, Ms. Schaefer and Med Lab II students received a first class tour & job shadow this week of Thermo Fisher Scientific in Middletown!

🥼 The goal of this experience was to expose students to the Quality Control (QC) laboratory and provide insight into careers in life sciences and manufacturing. Students had the opportunity to observe lab operations, quality processes, and professional workflows while engaging with experienced professionals in the field.

👏🏼 Huge thank you to Sarah Kozlowski and her team for allowing us to have this opportunity!

05/12/2026

🚧 A group of students received a construction tour yesterday of the soon to be South End Fire Hall with Dale of LCW Construction! Some of these students previously saw the project back in December so they were able to see the work that’s been done these last 5 months!

Students learned about what makes these jobs possible & spoke about future career opportunities!

Thank you Dale for your time & expertise!