Mid-America Technology Center’s Finley Martin

High school students spend a lot of time in the classroom, learning the curriculum so that they will be prepared for the real world once they graduate. Along with the core classes, students have the opportunity to take different elective classes of things that they enjoy. It could be band, athletics, art, or
something else. Finley Martin has found another avenue that has allowed her to have fun while learning and that is to attend Mid-America Technology Center.

“I am taking the Graphic Design program at MATC in Wayne,” she said. “I enjoy creating artwork and I really like this class.”

While Martin enjoys art, she says that she is also learning other things as well in the program.

“Tech is teaching us to be professional and teaching us to work well with others,” she said. “If someone is considering MATC, I would absolutely recommend them giving it a shot. It is an awesome place to explore and prepare for the workforce.”

Finley first heard about MidAmerica Tech from people at her school and she knew she had to check into it.

“I heard my older friends in high school talk about MATC,” she said. “They said it had good programs for good jobs and that is what helped me decide to go.”

A junior at Elmore City-Pernell High School, Finley is an active member of the school’s band, 4-H, and Student Council.

As a member of the band, Finley has made a lot of memories with her friends, both during and away from competitions. But she has one that stands out as her favorite.

“I think the highlight for me would have to be during my eighth grade year,” she said. “We made it to state for concert band. It was a really great experience.”

With about a year and a half left in her high school career, Martin already has plans on what to do after she graduates.

“I would like to do some college courses and then go to mortuary school and work as a mortician or funeral director,” she said.