Dual enrollment students from Arlington High School attend double graduations

By Chris Caldwell

Arlington High School dual enrollment students
David Grinstead and Seth Haslip stand beside
Southwest technologies instructor Antonio
Hayes (middle).

Dual enrollment students David Grinstead and Seth Haslip spent their senior year preparing for two commencements.

They first graduated with a high school diploma from Arlington High School on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 and a few days later, walked Southwest’s commencement stage on May 21 to receive a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Technical Certificate.

Grinstead and Haslip wrapped up their spring semester completing the 16 credit hours necessary to earn a credential as a CNC Machine Operator. They also managed during their two years of study to complete five National Institute for Machining Standards (NIMS) certifications.

Grinstead and Haslip at Southwest's 2022 Commencement.

The NIMS certification program is taught at Arlington High School by Southwest Engineering Technologies Professor Antonio Hayes, who began his teaching profession and the NIMS certification program in 2018. It is offered to dual enrollment students – sophomores, juniors and seniors— who want to earn college courses for credit before graduating from high school. Under Hayes’ tutelage, Haslip and Grinstead are the first in Southwest’s dual enrollment program to complete the requirements to receive their CNC technical certificate.

“The NIMS program goes beyond teaching a skill set – it qualifies these students with the industry knowledge they need to be competitive in today’s workforce,” Hays said. “The certifications are industry designed and require candidates to know both the theory and performance side of the industry.” Hayes said individuals who successful complete a NIMS certification can be eligible for jobs such as a CNC operator, quality assurance inspector and medical device manufacturing technician. “Memphis is one of the few top markets for medical device manufacturing – there is a high demand for technicians in this field locally,” Hayes added.

“I'm proud to have completed this dual enrollment program and to have the privilege of walking the commencement stage at Southwest,” Grinstead said. “I plan to attend Tennessee Technical University in the fall and will likely seek a job in the machining profession. It has been an honor to take these classes through Southwest and to have a teacher as great as Mr. Hayes.”

Haslip said he enjoyed literally honing a new craft that could help prepare him for a future career. “It is very satisfying to know that all the hard work we put into completing this program has finally led to this moment of achievement,” Haslip said. “I plan to take all the knowledge I learned from Mr. Hayes into a job in the welding or machining industry.”

Grinstead and Haslip were not the only ones at Arlington High School to receive a certification. By the end of spring semester, Hayes had 14 students who completed more than two NIMS certifications.

“I’m proud of all my students and their determination to learn these skills,” Hayes said. “Coming in as first-year students, having no knowledge of the industry, and then successfully completing the course requirements is to be applauded. I’m excited for their future prospects."

Congratulations to all the students in Mr. Hayes’ class on completing their certifications!

ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NIMS CERTIFICATIONS – SPRING 2022

Completed two certifications in Measurement, Materials, & Safety and Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout
Ian Hopkins

Completed three certifications in Measurement, Materials, & Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout; and CNC Milling Operations
Ethan Getman

Completed four certifications in Measurement, Materials, & Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout; CNC Milling Operations; and CNC Lathe Operations
Lake Wallace
Corbyn Drew
Coleman Brandt
Andrew King
Nathan Richards
Ryan Chung
Elijah Leoncio
Owen Watterson
Sam Briggs

Completed five certifications in Measurement, Materials, & Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout; CNC Milling Operations; CNC Milling Programming; and CNC Lathe Operations
David Grinstead

Completed five certifications in Measurement, Materials, & Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout; CNC Milling Operations; CNC Milling Programming; and CNC Lathe Programming, Setup, & Operations
Logan Corbitt
Seth Haslip

Pictured with instructor Antonio Hayes ( middle) are students from one of his NIMS classes at Arlington High School.

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Dual enrollment students from Arlington High School attend double graduations

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