Washington County High School students in the Heavy Equipment Operator pathway reached an important milestone by successfully completing their capstone assessment in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation. Held at GDOT, the hands-on evaluation marked the culmination of months of training and preparation.

A total of 12 students earned their operator certification in excavators, while 8 students earned operator certification in bulldozers. Throughout the school year, students developed their skills using simulators before demonstrating their abilities on live equipment during the capstone assessment. Students were evaluated by industry professionals, ensuring that their performance met real-world workforce standards.

This opportunity would not have been possible without the continued support of Washington County High School’s valued industry partners, including Howard Sheppard, Inc., Yancey Bros. Co., Reeves Construction Company, Georgia Highway Contractors Association, Pittman Construction, and Georgia DOT - East for hosting the event. Collectively, these partners provided approximately $1.5 million worth of equipment, allowing students to gain invaluable hands-on experience with industry-standard machinery.

Outstanding performance was recognized through the “Smooth Operator” awards, given to the highest-scoring students on the assessment. In the excavator category, the award resulted in a tie between Khris Kruz and Wyatt Baucom. Clark Trussell earned the Smooth Operator award for bulldozer operation.

It was great to see former pathway student Myles Evans at the event. He earned his excavator operator certification three years ago during the inaugural HEO capstone assessment and is now employed by GDOT, demonstrating the lasting impact and real-world success of the program.

Washington County High School is proud of these students for their dedication, skill, and achievement. Their success highlights the strength of the Heavy Equipment Operator pathway and the powerful impact of collaboration between education and industry in preparing students for high-demand careers.