Kenneth Hernandez and Melissa Waldren of Vista Grande High School were recognized Tuesday, March 2, as the Casa Grande Union High School District’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Students of the Month during the district’s regular monthly school board meeting.
Kenneth was nominated by his Automation Robotics teacher, Mr. Ramon Estrada-Vega who stated, “Kenneth always has a positive attitude towards learning new things and helping others. He follows directions as instruction takes place in the classroom and the online platform. He works hard on his projects with the VEX technology and completes assignments and robotics activities on time and with quality while demonstrating excellent teamwork and collaboration skills. He also demonstrates safety in the workplace when working with electrical and mechanical systems. He is a team player who is always willing to help others by assisting them with technical support to ensure his teammates can succeed in their learning.” Kenneth’s parents are Raul and Arianna Hernandez of Stanfield.
Melissa was nominated by her teachers at Vista Grande High School to represent the Graphic Design program. Melissa’s teachers stated, “Melissa always goes above and beyond the expectations. She has a positive attitude and respect for the school-wide goals. We always appreciate a student who puts that amount of effort into everything she does. She is a true Spartan who models positivity, respect, integrity, and determination. She is the true definition of Striving for Excellence.” Melissa is one of two Student Ambassadors who represents the Graphic Design program on recruiting trips to feeder schools and was recently filmed for the program’s recruitment video. Upon graduation, Melissa plans to attend college and study Animation and Graphic Design. Melissa’s parents are Donald and Juanita Waldren of Casa Grande.
Graphic Design and Automation Robotics are new CTE programs in their second year at Vista Grande High School. Both programs are off to a strong start and are looking at increased enrollment next year as student interest in these two programs is extremely high.
Over 1,600 students are enrolled in the thirteen Career & Technical Education programs offered in the Casa Grande Union High School District. Each month, a different program may nominate a student for this recognition program.