Media Arts
Our Media Arts program here at WLGOS excels in creating innovative educational experiences for students by offering the most comprehensive curriculum. This class enables students to maximize their creative potential through the study and artistic application of emerging digital technologies. It provides learning opportunities in interactive media, web and internet technologies, film editing, gaming, and a variety of digital design applications including sound, still image, motion, and animation.
Mr. Sumter's Biography
I started teaching at Wil Lou Gray in October 2011. Before coming to “The Gray,” I taught for two years at C.A. Johnson High School in Richland County School District One as the Project Lead the Way and Media Arts Instructor. I also taught for 11 years at Ridge View High School in Richland School District 2 as an Engineering instructor for the Architectural, Mechanical, and Pre-Engineering programs. However, education was not my first career choice. Rather, I was a Design Engineer for four years with Food Service Supplies in Columbia, SC in designing restaurants and commercial kitchens. I then worked for six years at Whiting Metals in Camden, SC where I designed stainless steel chemical reactors and storage tanks under ASME Section VIII and API 620 and 650 before deciding to cross over into the educational field.
I received my Associate’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Midlands Technical College and a Dual Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Limestone College. I am a former member of the Architectural Engineering Advisory Board at Midlands Technical College. I also spent 10 years as the finance chair of my church. In those ten years, I did a Pre-Design of our Holistic Wellness Center as well as helping to secure financing for the facility. In my spare time, I like to hunt, fish, plant a fresh vegetable garden, go to concerts, watching movies, hanging out with my sons, and going to church. As an educator, I have a passion for students to grow and be successful in their career goals. I believe that they should never stop learning because life teaches you something new every day.
Automotive Technology
In Automotive Technology, students learn the functions and operational systems of vehicles as well as how to diagnose and repair them. Instruction includes accepted diagnostic and repair procedures using modern equipment updated to industry standards. Care and maintenance of tools, equipment, and vehicles are stressed throughout the program. In addition to the automotive training, most students will have the opportunity to gain OSHA certification and receive forklift training for those that qualify.
Mr. Kilgore's Biography
I’ve been married 27 years and have one son. I have 30 plus years as an Automotive Technician at the dealership level. For 12 years, I held Master Technician status for a Nissan dealership in the Columbia area. For 18 years, I served in the same capacity for a Toyota dealership here in the Columbia area. I’m certified as an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automobile Technician. This is my 13th year as an automotive instructor at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.
Since coming to WLGOS, I have become a member of the National Safety Council as a certified forklift trainer. I’m also an OSHA 30 trainer for General Industries. My hobbies include: attending classic car shows, local car meets, and basically any outdoor activities. I love teaching the students here at WLGOS because of their diverse backgrounds from across the state. The Vocational Program at WLG allows students to explore different areas of automotive repair.
Building Construction
Students will have 90 minutes to complete the Science test, which is 40 In our building construction classes, our students attain a base knowledge of the procedures, materials, equipment, and practices that are needed in building for any trade or type of construction. They also develop mathematical skills through practice and application to the construction trade. They also work on their calculations of board feet, area, volume of shapes and concrete footings, slabs, and conversions.
Our students will receive hands-on instruction to provide them with experience in the building construction trade. Students complete projects and experience working with: metal, wood, doors and windows, various finishes, and electrical work. In addition to building construction, most students will have the opportunity to gain OSHA certification and receive forklift training.
Building construction is currently under construction!
Recreational
Students are given a period of recreation every day. They participate in several different activities each day, which provides a release from the hours of study during the course of a day. The recreational period also plays a role in keeping our class sizes low in our core-content courses. Plus, our recreational period promotes leading a healthy and active lifestyle. It also enhances the social benefits of life here at Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.
Coach Arant's Biography
I’m 26 years old and from St. Matthews, SC. I received an Associate’s Degree from USC Salkehatchie and my Bachelor’s degree from Southern Wesleyan University. I also lettered in baseball at both colleges. In my spare time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and playing golf. My other interests include: watching Gamecock baseball and football. Basically, I enjoy anything dealing with my beloved USC Gamecocks.
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Get In Touch
803.896.6480
Location
3300 W Campus Rd,
West Columbia, SC
29170
Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint to the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy by phone (1-800-206-1957) or via the electronic submission form.