Home Community Education Celebrating success in CTE with students exemplifying ‘what’s next’

Celebrating success in CTE with students exemplifying ‘what’s next’

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Celebrating success in CTE with students exemplifying ‘what’s next’
Jennifer Nguyen

By Bernadette Russoniello

February was CTE month, celebrating all things related to Career Technical Education. Maricopa High School hosted a number of events, from Future Freshmen Tours and Showcase to CPR classes, Market Day student business expo and technology recycling. What better way to celebrate CTE than to profile some of our most successful seniors?

Jennifer Nguyen (Technical Theatre) initially chose Technical Theatre because she wanted to be part of a fun, hands-on program… and to get to DJ. She was inspired her freshman year when she attended her first dance concert – she found herself more fascinated by the digital lighting, the sound and transitions than by the dancers. She found even more opportunities in Tech Theatre, including event management, show production, set design, construction, lighting, sound, rigging. She even was part of the flight crew for “Peter Pan.” She intends to pursue audio engineering as a career and will start class at the Conservatory for Recording Arts and Science this fall.

Brayden Sanders

Brayden Sanders (Computer Networking) enjoys taking things apart and learning how they work. He always has had an interest in the complexity of computers. However, it was the mentorship of teacher Brad Chamberlain who inspired Brayden to take his interests to the next level. He loves the possibilities in the Networking class – competitions, work experience, industry certifications and the potential for high paying jobs and careers. Brayden is already an IT assistant for MUSD. Brayden plans to attend a university in the fall, majoring in computer science with the goal of working as a cyber security analyst to protect companies and consumers. Brayden has already been accepted to University of Michigan, Penn State, Colorado School of Mines, New York Institute of Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology, ASU, NAU and Gus Davis. He is considering the many offers and scholarships and will make his final decision later this spring.

Hayley Mase

Hayley Mase (AFJROTC) originally joined Junior ROTC for the leadership opportunities. The core values of service before self, integrity first and excellence above all resonated with her as a ninth grader. She explains the most impactful experience in JROTC has been the personal changes, morphing her from a shy young woman afraid to speak publicly to the commanding officer for the entire program. Hayley aspires to a career in the military as a pilot and has received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and West Point. She will receive her appointment by April.

Katelyn Dayley

Katelyn Dayley (Graphic Design) was accidentally placed into graphic design her sophomore year – she never even signed up for the course. However, because of her background in art, she soon realized the potential in the program. Katelyn was fascinated realizing we are surrounded by graphic design in images, logos, social media posts, print media, TV and broadcast. She has enjoyed her ability to create while contributing to her school and community with her designs. Katelyn plans to pursue a career in graphic design and advertising. She will attend CAC on her Promise for the Future Scholarship, serve a mission for her church and eventually transfer to BYU-Idaho to finish her degree.

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Cooter

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Cooter (Marketing) chose marketing on purpose. She was new to Maricopa, painfully shy and knew she needed a program to help her get out of her shell. What she’s enjoyed most about marketing are the real-world skills – public speaking, presentations, pricing, the psychology of marketing and perspectives into the adult world. Jackie plans to major in nursing at ASU on a full-ride scholarship and knows she will take the professional skills, conflict resolution, project management and inter-personal communication skills with her into her future career.

Ivan Maldonado

Ivan Maldonado (Automotive Technologies) joined Auto because of his personal interest in cars. He enjoyed working on engines before joining the class. However, in MHS Auto Shop he learned more than he imagined possible. He credits teacher Erick Fierro with finding ways to teach both practice and theory; to demonstrate hands-on in the shop yet familiarize students with manuals and “by the book” techniques. Ivan will attend Yavapai Community College to study collision repair.

 

Alana Daniels

Alana Daniels (Culinary Arts) a comes from a family heritage of cooks; her mother is a professional chef. She entered the program as a sophomore with a passion for food and fond memories of making dough in her grandma’s kitchen. Alana has an interest in culinary arts therapy – using food and food preparation as healing. Alana will attend Johnson and Wales University in Denver, earning $70,000 in scholarships. Pending the outcome of her upcoming CCAP competition, Alana could earn a full ride from the American Culinary Federation to complete her study in culinary arts.

Tyler Griego

Tyler Griego (Computer Repair and Maintenance) had an early interest in computers. He figured taking a computer class would be an “easy A.” He was unprepared for where the rabbit-hole of technology would lead him. Tyler enjoys creating websites and appreciates the most important elements of his learning: personal accountability, time management and people skills. Tyler attributes teacher Brad Chamberlain’s caring, enthusiasm and genuine passion as a major source for his success. Tyler will attend ASU with a full tuition waiver and major in computer science with an emphasis in cybersecurity. He’s open to career possibilities in any tech-related field.


This story appears in the March issue of InMaricopa.