Rep. Dauphinais Tours Technical High School, Student Receives Citation

HARTFORD – In order to get a closer look into the educational programs and specialized training being offered at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School, State Representative Anne Dauphinais (R-44) spent the day touring the school and talking with students about how their experiences are preparing them for life after high school.

“Ellis Tech really offers its students with the best of both worlds,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “The incredible array of programs provides students who don’t want to go to college with real world experience by preparing them with a trade they can then take with them into the workforce. For those students who want to continue their education after graduation, they are able to earn college credits without spending thousands of dollars to do so.”

Admission requirements for Ellis Tech includes submitting an application where each student receives points based off of grades that accompany their application. From there, applicants are placed on a ranked list which is determined by an overall assessment, scores, and interest in the technical school. Those who meet the criteria receive a letter which then lays out the following steps they must take in order to enroll, while the others are placed onto a waiting list.

Incoming students can choose from one of 11 trades which includes: Automated Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Electronics Technology, Hairdressing and Cosmetology, Masonry, Plumbing and Heating, and Sustainable Architecture.

In addition, students also work and train in a full-service cafeteria, hair salon, and auto shop, which by reservation and/or appointment can also be utilized by the general public. Students perform all of the necessary functions in each of these three scenarios.

Despite Killingly and Plainfield making up the largest percentage of students enrolled at the school, 18 surrounding towns also contribute to the approximately 660 total students who attend.

The school also offers juniors and seniors with a paid work-based-learning (WBL) option where they are placed out in the field of their trade for real world experience. The program consists of a rotating schedule with two week in the field and two weeks off. The criteria to participate in WBL is that students must currently be in good academic standing with the school.

For students who are seeking higher education after graduation, Ellis Tech also partners with Quinebaug Valley Community College and Three Rivers Community College offering high school juniors and seniors with an opportunity to receive college level credits for preferred classes taken at the technical school.

After the tour, Rep. Dauphinais was invited back to Ellis Tech for an awards ceremony where she presented Sydney Tetrault with a legislative citation to award her outstanding student leadership at the school.

(Above) Rep. Dauphinais presents Sydney Tetrault, a student at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School with a legislative citation for her outstanding leadership.

(Above) Rep. Dauphinais sat down during lunch with students at Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School to discuss her role as a state representative.