Accounting for governmental organizations is just one more path among the many disciplines accounting offers, according to Power in Partnership speaker Alayna Champion who recently met with accounting students at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC).
Power in Partnership is a workforce development program for high school students that brings a range of professionals to the classroom to share expertise and offer career advice, offered ATC’s partnership with Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
Champion, Director of Finance for the Purchase Area Development District (PADD), spoke to several different accounting classes across two days. Her presentations touched on governmental accounting, the importance of preventing fraud, how AI might impact accounting work in the future, and how to collect indirect costs. Students asked several questions such as how auditing works and how to become an auditor.
“I enjoyed sharing with the classes,” said Champion. “They had engaging questions about the future of accounting. Many of them already know their path, but I enjoyed giving them an option many did not know existed within governmental accounting. What a great group of students!”
Champion, a Graves County High School graduate, attended accounting classes at the ATC, so she relates well to the students and understands the questions they have about their future. She earned an associate’s degree from West Kentucky Community & Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University.
The PADD offers programs for human support, community infrastructure planning, economic development, and special projects. The PADD is governed by a board of directors representing the eight Purchase Region counties they serve, and more than 250 community members actively participate in committees and task forces that provide input and guidance to the program areas they support. Funding for these programs is provided by blending federal, state, and local funding sources.
“Alayna is an ATC success story and we’re excited to have her here, giving back,” said Josh Heisner, ATC Principal. “The students enjoy the visits and they really benefit from the experience and knowledge these professionals bring to our classrooms. We value our relationship with GCED and are so grateful to all the businesses investing in our students.”
“Alayna Champion is the ideal example of a local student who started with the ATC, earned degrees from local schools, and now has an executive role with a great local organization,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “By sharing her experience and knowledge with students through Power in Partnership, Alayna helps them see themselves succeeding the same way she has. We’re grateful to her and to the PADD for supporting the program.”
The ATC’s accounting program is part of the Business Education pathway that gives high school students foundational business, bookkeeping, and computer software skills. Focus is on financial record keeping, payroll accounting, and using spreadsheet software. The program prepares students for post-secondary education or direct entry into financial support roles.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.