Yes We Can! sponsors tours of Dothan schools

Local attorney Joe Chambers left Dothan Technology Center on Wednesday with a new perception of the career technical program.

“You see the kids all well-behaved, they seem to be engaged and nobody’s messing around,” he said.

Chambers was part of a group of local residents who toured the school Wednesday as part of a series of visits to the Dothan City Schools, organized by Yes We Can! Dothan.

Twyla Williams, a spokesperson for the education advocacy organization, said the tours were intended to improve community attitudes about the city school system.

“Lots of people have a perception of the schools and that negative perception isn’t always reality,” she said.

Williams said about 150 residents have signed up for the visits.

During Wednesday’s tour, visitors got to see DTC’s automotive, health occupations, masonry, drafting, graphic design and other programs.

Jocquette Carrol, masonry instructor, said he was pleased his program was getting a little publicity.

“Yes We Can! is causing the students to get excited about showing off all the work they’ve done,” he said.

Dothan Municipal Judge Rose Evans-Gordon was on the tour and said she was impressed by the skills being taught to the students and by the number of female students taking an interest in traditionally male-dominated fields, like masonry and automotive technology.

“I love that the children are learning how to do something,” she said. “The way the economy is today, it could never hurt to have a second occupation.”

Tanesha Walker, a masonry student, said she was learning useful skills in the masonry class.

“One day I may want to build me a house,” she said.