Most seniors cram time into essays, letters and competing for scholarships to try to get into their most desired school. For some students, they have to pause their life for a momentand focus on the future.

Senior Cody Kirkland studied many long hours to compete at a state competition in Birmingham in which he ended up winning $2,000 in scholarship money for the Gold Medal- CNC Turning Specialist SkillsUSA Competition. Cody chose to enter a more advanced category that was not a direct part of his curriculum.

“In order to compete at this level, it meant studying long hours as well as maintaining normal class studies. A few days before competition he lost a dear uncle in a sudden and tragic truck accident.” his mom Olivia Kirkland said.

She mentions how she watched him go from being worn from all that had happened then, buckle down and refocus. Cody, from winning, is now eligible to move on and compete at a national level over the summer in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Last year, I secured a $1,000 scholarship there by competing and this year I hope to exceed that and win at an even higher level,” Cody said. “I will be the first boy in my family to enroll and attend college and that makes me very proud.”

Through the Madison County Technical Center, Cody gained the skills he needed. Jeff Breece, a teacher, spent countless hours preparing him and helping him secure a future in which he could make a good living, but also be happy. Breece has challenged Cody to obtain multiple certifications that meant extra test and studying but if achieved, would speak well on Cody’s resume and improve job placement. So far Cody has gotten five and needs two more for a total of seven to get a special merit.

With this scholarship, Cody plans to become a CNC programmer. He hopes to start out by running machines at a plant such as Toyota. So far, he is currently in the process of completing his college enrollment and plan on starting Calhoun in the fall where he will work to achieve an associates degree in machine tool technology. Eventually, he hopes to become an entrepreneur and open his own business.

“Winning has made my dream of attending college a realistic and achievable goal,” Cody said.