Selma High School student Rontterious Tabb has recently been chosen as the Go Build Alabama Future Skilled Workers of America Student of the Month.

The statewide program spotlights students from different areas in Alabama every month following recommendations from instructors and a process of the organization selection committee.

Each student is also awarded a $1,000 scholarship and invited to an annual banquet.

Tabb, who will be a senior in the fall, has been taking construction courses since his freshman year and said the projects and competition opportunities that have come his way are one of the main reasons he would like to go into a skilled-based, hands-on profession.

“I’m happy that I have been recognized and hope to use it when I go to college to further my career,” Tabb said.

“I like the field because I get to work with my hands.”

Once he graduates from Selma High next spring, Tabb plans to go to Wallace Community College Selma to major in construction.

He said he feels it is a good thing for Selma High to give students access to trades in addition to other classes like history and math.

“Not everyone can learn in a class where they just sit and take notes. Some people, like myself, learn better when I can do something hands-on. I get the concept better and can apply the skills in the job force,” Tabb said.

Selma High School Agricultural Construction Instructor George Pullom has taught Tabb for two years in a class that shows students how to build homes.

He said he saw the nomination tab on the Go Build Alabama website and Tabb crossed his mind as a good pick for a chance to win student of the month.

“Tabb is hardworking and a very detail-oriented person. No matter what he decides to do, he will be successful.” Pullom said.

Albert Jongewaard, who works with Go Build Alabama, said he feels it is important to recognize students across the state for their skill-related performances in the classroom.

“One thing that got us into doing this to begin with is because of the worker shortage in the construction industry. We want to honor and recognize students who are working hard to build a career in the industry,” Jongewaard said.