Next up in our Freeburg High School graduate spotlight series is Eli Slightom.
Eli will be attending Heavy Equipment Operating Academy in Arkansas, where he will spend three months earning certifications on nine different machines as well as obtaining his CDL.
Here’s a bit of what Eli shared about his CEO experience:
“This year, I grew in the area of knowledge. Overall, I learned so much that I never could have imagined learning. As a teenage boy, you always think that you know it all. This program really brings you back to reality and shows you that there truly is so much to learn and value in everyone. Sometimes talking, trying to answer everything, or having the mindset that you know it all just isn’t right. Go in and be ready for whatever, but some of the most important things you can do are simply sit and listen.”
“A skill I developed through CEO was being able to hold a conversation with anyone, find common ground, and build stronger connections. With the long list of people I met, I’ve used those connections to my full advantage by allowing people to help me when necessary. It all started from a simple conversation, which can lead to so much more.”
Eli brought energy, personality, and a willingness to learn into our program every single day. Watching his growth this year has been incredible, and I know his strong work ethic and ability to connect with others will take him far.
Congratulations, Eli. We are proud of you and excited to see where this next chapter takes you.
