WOODVILLE, Texas — A recent Woodville Independent School District graduate is breaking new ground in skilled trades, becoming the first student in Texas to complete a high school plumbing program and pass the state exam to enter the workforce directly.

Carmelo Castle, 18, graduated in May from Woodville High School's four-year-old plumbing program and now works at a second-year tradesman level for Local 68 Plumbing.

The achievement marks a milestone for both the student and the district's career preparation efforts.

"It gave me a chance to actually step up in life," Castle said.

Castle's path required dedication that set him apart from his peers during high school.

"The fact that I'm so young doing this stuff, I mean, you know, average teenagers are partying and stuff. See, I had to a

See Full Page