Ken attended the Advanced Technology College from 2001- 2003 majoring in Automotive. He was a bright, talented, and motivated young man with many aspirations and goals. He loved to ride dirt bikes. His first love was surfing, which he mostly did off of Ponce Inlet, dreaming one day to be a professional surfer. Ken was especially good at drawing portraits and Japanese Anime. He was a roofing framer, mostly on new homes. Ken also loved to watch his young nephew play with his 90 lb Pit Bull, named Bud, which he loved very much. Ken Simmons captured everyone’s hearts and will be dearly missed by the ATC, DBCC, his family and friends.
I was very privileged to be able to attend the ATC. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience in my tech field as a senior in high school. The ATC helped me become more aware of what I needed to get done and prepared me for the real world. -Amanda Null
In Jamal’s junior year he left the comfort of his home school for the chance of a new experience he would encounter at the Advanced Technology Center. When he made the decision to come to the ATC, he was very interested in the Information Systems Technology Program. He was extremely active at the ATC, as well as his home high school. In his junior year he was the Junior Class President and was the SGA Vice President his senior year. Both years he played every sport at his home high school except soccer and baseball. He graduated within the top 10 percent of his class and received his AA at the same time as his high school diploma. He earned the Florida Medallion Scholarship Award which is a 75% tuition paid scholarship to any state school. He also received another $10,000 scholarship from McDonalds. After leaving the ATC, he enrolled in Florida State University majoring in Risk Management Insurance.
Monika is a native of Columbia who fled to the United States in 1999 with her family, seeking political asylum here. After learning to speak English, the ambitious and personable Deltona High School student dual enrolled at DBCC's Advanced Technology College, taking advantage of an opportunity to get a head start in college while still in high school. There, she enrolled in computer programming, and in May 2004 - at age 17 - earned her associate of science degree with a 3.98 GPA - two weeks before earning her high school diploma. She continued her course work at DBCC, earning her associate of arts degree in May 2005. Monika is now working on her bachelor's degree in computer science at Florida State University.
During my senior year at the ATC, I satisfied my graduation requirements by interning with Daytona USA. This experience not only gave me the opportunity to learn about electronics, programming, and IMAX; moreover, I experienced hands-on experience with race cars and race bikes. The ATC gave me the ability to gain experience that I would have never received at a normal high school. -Brandon Nicolai
At the ATC, I experienced and learned things that I would have never learned at a regular high school. Yes, the ATC gave me wings. -Luis Osorio
Amber is a testament to what a bright, energetic, and ambitious teenager can do with the right motivation and guidance. She started her high school career at Deland High School, where as a freshman she was enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. But Amber said she couldn't thrive in the regimentation of traditional high school. As she put it, she didn't feel special. So she followed the path of her brother, Daniel, who was one of our first ATC graduates, and enrolled at the ATC. She immediately noticed that her natural independence was nurtured by her ATC instructors. She was given the opportunity to explore her interests and learn about technology. She was elected Student Government president, served as a student ambassador, and was an intern in the main office. Amber also completed her senior requirements by participating in a Co-op with DuvaSawko Inc. She said the biggest benefit of attending the ATC was the she had the opportunity to explore her interests and discover things about herself. In fact, she was encouraged to do so. During her second year, she set her sights on a career in business and marketing. At 18 years old, Amber has earned a high school diploma from Deland High School, as well as an Associate of Arts degree in business from DBCC through the ATC. She will attend the University of Florida as a junior in the fall.
I came to the Advanced Technology Center at the beginning of my eleventh grade year. I was extremely unhappy at my home high school and decided to try something new. I have received a superb educational opportunity at the ATC. The faculty genuinely cares about your success and well being. During my two years at the ATC, I have been able to accomplish things I never thought I could. I have been President of the Student Government Association, Vice President of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and part of the leadership team for Campus Crusade for Christ. During my senior year, I satisfied my graduation requirements by participating in a co-op. I worked as an assistant to the Executive Director, Dr. Michelle McCraney. This experience taught me the fundamentals of the business atmosphere. I was in charge of creating several of the marketing devices used around campus. I am forever grateful to the faculty and staff for their guidance and support throughout my two years at the ATC. I Know I would not be where I am today if not for the ATC. -Eric Birnie
I came to the Advanced Technology Center in the beginning of my junior year. I came to the ATC because I was really interested in the computer field and I had heard that ATC would be the place to get a superb education in that field. Throughout my two years here at the ATC, I have made many great friends that I know I will keep throughout lifetime. I also joined many clubs including Student Government Association, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Student Ambassadors. I also was a student worker in the library. In the beginning of my senior year, I also completed my senior project by completing a Co-op at Ormond Memorial Hospital. During my Co-op, I was able to work in the Information Technology department. I learned many techniques on how to work in the business environment. I will always be grateful for the education I received at ATC. I am now well prepared for the next step of my educational career, which is attending Embry-Riddle for Software
Engineering in the fall. -Austin Carroll
Li Chen from Deltona High School completed both his Associate in Arts degree, as well as college credit certificates in Microcomputer Repairer/Installer and Information Technology Technician. Li maintained a challenging college load at the ATC in the Computer Engineering Program and has maintained a 3.7 GPA his senior year. Li plans to attend the University of Florida where he will major in biology and pursue a career in medicine.