Wilkes Career and Tech Talk
May 2024
Congratulations, Mrs. Robin Stanley!
After 20 years of dedication to the Wilkes County Schools Career and Technical Education Department, we must proudly announce the retirement of our CTE Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Robin Stanley. Robin has served many CTE Directors during her time with Wilkes County Schools. She assists teachers and other staff members on a daily basis while working closely with the school level bookkeepers and the Wilkes County Schools (WCS) Finance Department. Robin has been an active member of the North Carolina Association of Educational Office Professionals (NCAEOP) during her employment and served as President of the Wilkes County chapter.
Robin is a native of Wilkes County. She is married to Rocky Stanley and is the proud mother of Dustin and Devin Stanley. Robin is a East Wilkes High School Alumni where she was involved in Future Farmers of America. Robin has been in love with Career and Technical Education ever since and we have been blessed to have her on our team.
Thank you, Robin! We are grateful for your loyalty and wisdom.
Congratulations on your retirement!
⭐🌟CTE Senior/8th Grade Student Spotlights🌟⭐
Central Wilkes Middle School: Mckenzie D.
Teacher Testimonial:
This student has been working hard to bring up her grades.
She is looking forward to moving on to High School.
~Anonymous
Central Wilkes Middle School: Holden C.
Teacher Testimonial:
This student gets his assignments done on time. He will help others when needed. He keeps up his grades.
He is looking forward to high school.
~Anonymous
North Wilkes Middle School: Wysdom H.
Teacher Testimonial:
Wysdom has a positive attitude and just quietly and respectfully does her assignments. She is responsible, and has calm demeanor which adds to a cooperative classroom culture.
~Mrs. Lisa Ward, Career Development Education/Business, Finance, and Marketing Education
North Wilkes Middle School: Noah T.
Teacher Testimonial:
Noah T. is proactive in completing his assignments, and gives his best effort. He gets along well with others, and is respectful to his teachers and classmates.
~Mrs. Lisa Ward, Career Development Education/Business, Finance, and Marketing Education
North Wilkes Middle School: Ethan E.
Teacher Testimonial:
Ethan E. brings excitement and energy to the CTE classroom. He has a positive, "can-do" proactive attitude. He collaborates well with other students, but can also work independently. He has excellent communication skills, and excelled at the Mock Interviews.
~Mrs. Lisa Ward, Career Development Education/Business, Finance, and Marketing Education
North Wilkes Middle School: Hayley P.
Teacher Testimonial:
Hayley P. is always on task, working to exceed expectations
on her assignments. She is very intelligent,
and always gives her best effort.
Her attention to details on her TinkerCad
designs was very impressive!
~Mrs. Lisa Ward, Career Development Education/Business, Finance, and Marketing Education
North Wilkes Middle School: Heaven M.
Teacher Testimonial:
Heaven M. enjoyed learning about careers and other CTE concepts. She kept a positive attitude at all times, and was respectful to her teachers and classmates. Heaven even remained positive and understanding when she had to miss a field trip due to circumstances out of her control. She shows compassion and empathy to others here at NWMS.
~Mrs. Lisa Ward, Career Development Education/Business, Finance, and Marketing Education
West Wilkes Middle School: Levi H. and Jacob V.
Teacher Testimonial:
Both of these young men have been in my class for both semesters of this school year. Their creativity, diligence and work ethic are second to none and both of them have not only executed their own projects but have been super supportive of the other CTE students, offering assistance or advice along the way. They have inherent technical abilities and I look forward to witnessing and following their journey throughout high school and adulthood. I am very thankful for both of these students and wish them Godspeed in their next adventures!
~Mr. Ralph Sutton, CTE Middle Grades Teacher
East Wilkes High School: Madison C.
Teacher Testimonial:
Madison is a great example of CTE at work. She earned her CNA last semester. She is now working part-time as a CNA and will be entering the WCC Nursing program in the fall.
Additionally, she has been very active in HOSA.
She was co-president of our chapter this year and served as
vice president of the Northwest Region.
Mrs. Cindy Cooper, Health Science Education
East Wilkes High School: Mikalah P.
Teacher Testimonial:
Mikalah has been a big part of our FCCLA chapter through
her 4 years of high school on top of making outstanding grades in
all her classes. She is always willing to help her peers
and has never met a stranger.
~Mrs. Carrie Vestal, Family and Consumer Sciences Education
North Wilkes High School: Noah H.
Teacher Testimonial:
Noah has completed seven CTE courses during his four years at North Wilkes High School. He completed two CTE Internships in two different pathways that correlated with his two different CTE concentrator pathways. He is a conscientious and kind person who will make us proud. We wish Noah much success!
~Ms. Sherry Baird, Internship Coordinator/CIMC/CDC
West Wilkes High School: Micah E.
Teacher Testimonial:
Micah is among the most gifted students I’ve had in the Adobe Academy. And believe me, we’ve had lots of talent coming through this program. His graphic design skills are phenomenal. If you’ve been on the West Wilkes High School Facebook page, the cover profile - he designed it. And the senior yard signs offered for sale by the WWHS Academic Boosters - that’s his design too. Having Micah in the Adobe classes at West Wilkes has been a privilege.
Micah also serves as the President of the National Technical Honor Society. He did an excellent job leading the Recognition Ceremony.
He will be successful in whatever he chooses to do. He’s just that type of young man.
Well done, Micah!
~Mrs. Jill Woodie, Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education
West Wilkes High School Nursing Fundamentals and Practicum Honors Students
Teacher Testimonial:
I would like to recognize the 15 seniors that have obtained their Nurse Aide I certification during high school. They provided high quality and compassionate healthcare as they showcased their passion and dedication to reaching their dreams. I am very proud of each of them!
- Hannah B
- Camryn E
- Madison G
- Samantha G
- Ava H
- Rylee H
- Isaiah L
- Kylee M
- Hollyn M
- Abby P
- Aeris S
- Morgan T
- Samaria W
- Trinity W
- Lenzie W
~Mrs. Megan Gambill, Health Science Education
Hannah B.
Camryn E.
Madison G.
Samantha G.
Ava H.
Rylee H.
Isaiah L.
Kylee M.
Hollyn M.
Abby P.
Aeris S.
Morgan T.
Samaria W.
Trinity W.
Lenzie W.
Wilkes Central High School: Kasi L.
Teacher Testimonial:
Kasi has excelled in the healthcare classes and demonstrated excellence in her abilities as a CNA. I am so proud of her achievements. I am sure she will be a wonderful nurse!
~Ms. Vicki Combs, Health Science Education
Wilkes Central High School: Faith R.
Teacher Testimonial:
Faith has demonstrated excellence throughout the health science program. I am beyond proud of her and I am excited to see what her future holds!
~Ms. Vicki Combs, Health Science Education
Wilkes Central High School: Faith C.
Teacher Testimonial:
Faith has made me more proud than she will ever know. Not only as a mother, but as her teacher. I have enjoyed watching her grow in her knowledge and love of healthcare.
I am beyond proud of you Faith!
~Ms. Vicki Combs, Health Science Education
Wilkes Central High School: Addisen F.
Teacher Testimonial:
I am so proud of Addisen. She is always willing to help and offer a hug or helping hand. Her smile and warm personality are contagious. I know she is not going into healthcare, but she is a caring and loving soul who will do great things.
~Ms. Vicki Combs, Health Science Education
Wilkes Central High School: Kimber A.
Teacher Testimonial:
Kimber is a kind and caring young lady who is always thinking of others. She is going to be an excellent nurse and I would be happy to work along beside her! I am super proud of how much she has grown and excelled through this healthcare program.
~Ms. Vicki Combs, Health Science Education
Wilkes Central High School: McKenzie R.
Teacher Testimonial:
Mckenzie R. has been an outstanding student in our Business Education/CTE Classes at Wilkes Central, throughout her high school career. I applaud and appreciate her effort, attention to detail, positive attitude, and leadership. McKenzie has a bright future ahead of her - best wishes and great job McKenzie!
~Mr. Matt Hagaman, Business, Finance, and Marketing Education/
Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education
CONGRATULATIONS to our May CTE Teacher of the Month! 🤩
Mr. Mac Taylor, Trade and Industrial Education
Mr. Mac Taylor is one of our Trade and Industrial Education Teachers at Wilkes Central High School. He teaches Construction Core, Carpentry I, and Carpentry II Honors. Mr. Taylor and his students volunteered to construct a new conference table for the WCHS staff conference room. Mr. Taylor picked out the piece of wood to use and based on the picture below, he picked a beauty!
Congratulations Mr. Taylor and great job Eagles!🤩
Staff Testimonial:
Mr. Taylor worked with his carpentry students to produce a beautiful new walnut conference room table for our school. He went above and beyond to go pick out the piece of walnut to be used, and he engaged his kids in learning about the entire process as he allowed them to be part of creating such a beautiful piece for our school. This table will be a wonderful addition to The Nest
for many years to come!
~Dr. Heather Freeman, WCHS Principal
NORTH WILKES MIDDLE SCHOOL
7th Grade CTE Field Trip with Mrs. Ward
Mrs. Ward planned and executed an amazing field trip experience for her 7th grade CTE classes. The students enjoyed touring Surry Community College and eating on campus at the Knight's Grill! They learned about many Engineering Technologies career pathways including HVAC, Electronics, Welding, Mechatronics, Automotive and Diesel Mechanics, Construction, and Electrical Systems. Science and PE careers were also discussed with the students.
The second part of the field trip was to an agri-business called Crooked Creek Highlands where the students learned about raising and caring for Scottish Highland Cows, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Donkeys, and a Pony! Learn more about Crooked Creek Highlands by
clicking this link to explore the Facebook page.
A special thanks to Mr. Brown at Surry Community College, Evan and Megan White at Crooked
Creek Highlands, and to Mrs. Ward for continuing to plan valuable experiences
for these CTE students!
Manufacturing Company Research with Mrs. Ward
Mrs. Ward's CTE classes researched local manufacturing companies as part of the Exploring Careers and Employment course. Students created "recruitment" posters to share what they
learned about the many manufacturing
companies in Wilkes County.
A special thanks to Window World for providing
the cool logo items for the students!
Agricultural Education
Horticulture I with Mr. Bauguess
Students in Horticulture I with Mr. Bauguess had the opportunity to learn first-hand about strawberry farming. The students learned about ordering plants, planting, row covers, and picking. A huge thank you goes out to New Castle Farm for making accommodations on a rainy day to allow the agricultural students to pick strawberries for the EWHS staff.
Learn more about New Castle Farm by clicking this link to go to the website.
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Bauguess
Food and Nutrition I and II students in Mrs. Bauguess' classes do more than just cook in class. These students learn about all of the different aspects of nutrition. Food and Nutrition II students learned about common problems and concerns involved with
pregnancy, infant, and toddler nutrition. The students also discussed the importance
of choosing healthier options at popular fast food restaurants.
Food and Nutrition I students dissected eggs during a hands-on learning lab activity.
Food and Nutrition I with Mrs. Bauguess
Students in Food and Nutrition I with Mrs. Bauguess learned how to make homemade
biscuits and gravy. Yum Yum!
Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Bauguess
Food and Nutrition I students in Mrs. Bauguess' classes made homemade hot pockets and these are always a class favorite! Food and Nutrition II students in Mrs. Bauguess' classes discovered that Welsh cakes are a cross between pancakes and scones. The Food and Nutrition II students thought that Welsh cakes were very yummy!
Food and Nutrition II with Mrs. Bauguess
Students in Food and Nutrition II with Mrs. Bauguess put a twist on tamales in celebration of Cinco de Mayo! The students love getting festive in the classroom and especially
when it comes time to taste test!
Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Bauguess
The final lab for EWHS Food and Nutrition students is always a two day event that requires more meticulous skills than other labs completed throughout the semester. Food and Nutrition I students finished with focaccia bread by making creative artwork out of their food. Food and Nutrition II students made California rolls. Some students were more successful than others, but they all agreed that everything still tasted great.
Health Science Education
Congratulations and Godspeed, Mrs. Cooper!
After years of dedicated service and countless student successes, Mrs. Cindy Cooper, Health Science Education teacher at East Wilkes High School, has reached retirement. Mrs. Cooper has been an active HOSA advisor in addition to teaching the Nursing Fundamentals and Practicum Honors courses and other Health Science Education courses over the years. During her time in education, Mrs. Cooper taught both of her sons and both sons pursued careers in healthcare. One son is a pharmacist and one is a paramedic. Mrs. Cooper has been a major influence in the lives of EWHS students by sharing her knowledge, expertise, and skills. We are grateful that she chose Wilkes County Schools and wish her nothing but the best of luck in her future.
Congratulations, Mrs. Cooper!
Thank you for everything you have done for
Wilkes County Schools Career and Technical Education!
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Darnell
Students in Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Darnell stayed busy in the kitchen making delicious items this month. During the first few weeks of the month, the Food and Nutrition I classes made vegetable quiche and the Food and Nutrition II classes made no-bake protein energy bites with lemon blueberry smoothies. These Viking students are taking it to another level!
Food and Nutrition I and II with Mrs. Darnell
Mrs. Darnell's Food and Nutrition classes wrapped up the semester of cooking experiences with a yummy buffet meal celebration. These students have had a great semester!
CTE CONNECTIONS
Caleb H. is an 11th grade student at West Wilkes High School. Caleb is an active member of the Creek Commanders Robotics Competitive Team and an active CTE course participant. Caleb created the promotional video below using skills learned in Drone Technology I and II (with Mrs. Kastl) and Adobe Video Design I (with Mrs. Woodie).
Amazing work, Caleb! 🤩
Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education
Adobe Visual Design II with Mrs. Woodie
At the request of the West Wilkes Academic Boosters Club, Adobe Visual Design II student, Micah E., designed the Senior Yard Sign.
GREAT JOB, MICAH! 🤩
Adobe Visual Design II with Mrs. Woodie
Max D. and Cynthia R. are two students in Adobe Visual Design II with Mrs. Woodie this semester. Max and Cynthia created social media content to promote the
Food and Nutrition pathway by using Adobe InDesign.
You can see the great work produced by these two amazing Blackhawk students below.
Adobe Visual Design I with Mrs. Woodie
Congratulations to Adobe Visual Design I students for earning the Adobe Certified Professional credential(s). Students could earn the Adobe Certified Professional-Graphic Design and Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator credential and/or the Adobe Certified Professional-Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop. If the students passed both exams, they received a bonus credential-Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design.
Congratulations Blackhawk students!🤩
Adobe Visual Design II with Mrs. Woodie
Congratulations to Adobe Visual Design II students for earning the Adobe Certified Professional-Print and Digital Media Publication Using Adobe InDesign credential.
Way to go Blackhawk students! 🤩
Microsoft Excel Honors with Mrs. Woodie
Congratulations to Microsoft Excel Honors students for receiving the Microsoft Office Specialist credentials in Excel 2019 and Excel 2019 Expert!
Awesome job Blackhawk students!
Health Science Education
Nursing Fundamentals and Practicum Honors with Mrs. Gambill
Congratulations to the newly credentialed CNA students!
Best of luck in the future! 🤩
2024 NC HOSA State Leadership Conference
In April, WWHS HOSA competed in the 2024 NC HOSA State Leadership Conference. Below are a few short bios, best wishes, and photos shared on social media for the
first place students from the HOSA advisors.
"Cassie G. is an eighth grader who has been competing for 2 years now! We are so proud of what you have accomplished at such a young age!
We can’t wait to see what the next 4 has in store for you!"
"Natalie P., Parker R., Eden V., Micha S., & Adalyn S. are all freshman! We are so proud of what you have accomplished in your first year! We can’t wait to see what the next 3 has in store for you!"
"Lenzie W. is a HOSA senior! We are proud of all the things you have accomplished! Good luck as you pursue your career in healthcare!"
Trade and Industrial Education
Technology Engineering and Design with Mrs. Kastl
Technology Engineering and Design students in Mrs. Kastl's class transported green beans from the greenhouse to the pollinator garden. The food and Nutrition classes will be able to harvest these green beans and use them in recipes. Mrs. Kastl and her students strive to make the world more sustainable with locally grown produce.
Curriculum Extension with Mrs. Kastl
Mrs. Kastl is leading her students to save the world, one step at a time. Students in Technology Engineering and Design classes and students in the Sustainable Design Club all researched and selected seeds for the greenhouse plants, herb raised gardens, and the small area of garden behind Mrs. Kastl's building.
The students planted, transplanted, and planted the pollinator and vegetable/herb gardens outside.
Drone Technology Fundamentals, Drone Technology I, and Drone Technology II students used the drones to fly through and monitor the plants.
There is a section outside of the greenhouse that is dedicated to the Food and Nutrition classes. The plants in this area are located here to allow quick access for these students to harvest fresh herbs and vegetables to use in class labs.
GREAT JOB Mrs. Kastl and Blackhawk students! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Drone Technology with Mrs. Kastl
The students in the Drone Technology classes participated in piloting a lesson involving communication latency that occurs in space. The students simulated flying drones and controlling rovers while experiencing communication latency in controlling their devices on a simulated exoplanet terrain.
This lesson was developed by Mrs. Kastl for the NC Space Education Ambassadors (NCSEA) program that is a statewide network of master teachers who deliver NASA educational content to their local students, schools and communities.
Trade and Industrial Education
Drone Technology I with Mr. Flay
Congratulations to Matthew G. an Aiden P., Drone Technology I students in Mr. Flay's class! Matthew and Aiden earned the CFR 14 Pt 107 UAS Remote Pilot License.
Way to go, Eagle students and great job, Mr. Flay!
CTE Teacher of the Month for April 2024
*Click the title above to learn more about MBI Builders.
Congratulations to all CTE Students of the Month for April 2024!
Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses help NC students graduate with more than a diploma. Industry-recognized certifications and credentials ensure that students graduate from high school globally competitive for work and postsecondary education. #CTEforNC
The tools and experiences learned in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes make school more RELEVANT, and ensure students are ready for the real world. #CTEforNC