Graduate helps president highlight power of technical education

TAMPA (FOX 13) - When he met President Trump, he said he felt overwhelmed, but the commander in chief was just as impressed when he heard David Thompson's story.

The 23-year-old Tampa Bay Technical High School graduate spoke Tuesday alongside President Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Gov. Rick Scott about vocational education.

"I tell every student, I say do what you love," said Thompson, who told the crowd he makes a six-figure salary. "I love to weld, so the benefit is you make good money, but also I love to weld."

During his visit to Tampa, President Trump promoted technical programs, encouraging young students to consider them when planning their professional future.

Thompson said he's honored to have been held as an example for others.

After his speech, President Trump signed the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act which aims to increase the quality of technical programs across the country.