April 3, 2026 - All Shelby County high school students are invited to attend Vocational and Career Tech Day on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the John D. Windham Civic Center, 146 Express Blvd, Center, TX 75935.
The event is from 9am until 12 noon! Come learn more about technical careers, scholarships available, and local employment opportunities. This opportunity isn't just for high school seniors but for all high school students. Come explore what opportunities await you before it's your senior year.
Area colleges will be onsite to share what opportunities are available to graduating high school students as they make decisions regarding their next chapter in life. The traditional college path isn’t for everyone and vocational and career pathways are a great opportunity for a fast entry into the workforce along with competitive pay.
Business and industry representatives will be there to answer questions regarding the jobs that are available after earning certificates or the completion of vocational training.
The event is sponsored by The Bone Hill Foundation which has been a long term major contributor to the continuing education of Shelby County graduating seniors.
Our goal of the Vocational and Career Tech Day is to promote Vocational Education opportunities to all students in Shelby County including scholarships available and training offered by Colleges in the area.
Roy Blackshear, Chairman of the Bone Hill Foundation, shares, "The BoneHill Foundation is proud to support the awareness and growth of Vocational opportunities for Shelby County Students.”
Bob Reeves, a member of the Bone Hill Foundation board, explained the reason for highlighting Vocational and Career opportunities, "The Foundation's 5 year commitment to work with Schools, Industry, Colleges, Parents and Students to expand Vocational opportunities reflects our belief that a well trained workforce is a key to Economic Development in Shelby County.”
John Holloway, also a board member, shared from experience, "Working in the Poultry Industry, there is a need for a wide range of Vocational skills that provide good jobs and pay for our young people as well as other industries in Shelby County.”
The Bone Hill Foundation was established in 1967 by Will Bridges with the goal of helping those in need. Originally the property linked to the Foundation was called the Bone Hill Ranch. During a very long drought, many cows died and were dragged to the top of a hill. The story goes that since the land was more pasture than timber, for miles around a person could see the white bones of the cows… thus the name “Bone Hill Ranch.” In 1991, the board linked to the Foundation was reorganized and the focus was placed on scholarships for students to attend traditional or vocational colleges. A major part of Bone Hill assets, and what generates funds for distribution, is timber resources. A management plan has been developed that includes timber, wildlife, and the entire property providing a balanced plan for natural resources. The Bone Hill Foundation currently awards scholarships to each high school in Shelby County as well as scholarship funds to area colleges and universities.
