As a Carroll County native, Kevin States has a personal connection to the community he serves. Now, as the new counselor at the Carroll County Area Technology Center (ATC), he has an opportunity to build on that connection by supporting students as they prepare for their futures.
A 2012 Carroll County High School graduate and class valedictorian, States took an unexpected path into education. After earning an undergraduate degree in marketing and management, he operated a sign business before a conversation with the high school athletic director sparked a career change to education.
States began teaching English at CCHS in 2017 after coaching soccer the previous year. During his nine years in the classroom, he taught freshmen, sophomores and seniors and served as English department head.
“I really want the community to be better, and I think education is one of the ways to help the community and the people in the community,” States said. “Helping the kids in the community was appealing to me.”
His desire to help others began long before he became a teacher. As a student, he enjoyed helping classmates understand difficult concepts and tutored other students. Education was also part of his family history, as his grandparents were teachers.
His teaching experience helped him appreciate the different stages of high school, from freshmen adjusting to a new environment to seniors preparing for life after graduation. His involvement in project-based learning at CCHS also helped spark his interest in the ATC.
“The last few years I've been part of the PBL (project-based learning) program at the high school, and that non-traditional approach to education is appealing,” States said.
At the ATC, that approach takes shape through hands-on learning, shop experiences and opportunities to create products while developing practical skills. The school has prepared students for opportunities beyond the traditional classroom since 1969.
The counselor position also offers States a chance to reach more students and work alongside staff throughout the building. Serving students from five counties extends that impact beyond Carroll County and helps prepare young people for careers across the region.
“Kevin brings a wonderful balance to the existing strengths of our building with his unique skill set and knowledge. He very much thinks outside the box like I do so our dynamic and already great working relationship with each other will only let us continue to build on the good things happening at the Carroll County ATC,” said Principal Mackenzie Wright.
States and his wife, who is also from Carroll County, are raising four children, two of whom attend Carroll County Schools. Having children in the district has given him another perspective on local education and the work educators do each day.
“I do care about where I live, and I've always wanted to help it improve,” he said, noting he finds satisfaction in seeing former students establish themselves in the community and succeed in life.