TECH-CENTERED Newsletter

Tech-Centered is the Career Tech Center's quarterly update on how CTC students are exploring and accelerating their careers. Important dates, Student of the Month nominees and winners, and Success Story videos can be found in each edition. We hope you enjoy it!

On January 29, Environmental/Veterinary Sciences students competed in the 2025 FFA District Leadership Contests in Montague. In the Demonstration Contest, Team #1—Kendall Hibbard (North Muskegon), Andrew Strick (Fruitport), and Jordan Smith (Fruitport)—earned second-place gold, advancing to the Regional Competition at Michigan State University (MSU) in March. Team #2, Raelynn Scheel (Reeths-Puffer), Chloe McLouth (Oakridge), and Sabella White (Fruitport), placed seventh silver.

In Prepared Public Speaking, Zoie Goll (Fruitport) and Riley Koehler (Fruitport) earned fifth and sixth-place silver rankings. In the Job Interview event, Mansah Waller (Whitehall) placed tenth gold, Alexandria Smith (Holton) eighth gold, and Olivia Carlson (Montague) fourth-place gold, outshining 19 competitors.

Timekeepers Jasmine Rosenogle (Oakridge), Nancy Oteney (Whitehall), and Kamina Furman (Whitehall) ensured smooth operations.

Instructor Eric Moser commended the students for their hard work, noting, "This is one of the toughest district contests in Michigan, and we are proud of their achievements. Our regional qualifying team is the first from CTC since 2018."

Kendall, Andrew, and Jordan now look ahead to the regional contest, aiming to advance to the state competition at MSU in March, marking a significant milestone for the CTC program.

This winter, Health Science Academy (HSA) students launched a Project-Based Learning (PBL) experience with Hackley Community Care. On January 9, Dr. Kingsley’s office staff, including Kingsley, Ryan Hanks (Pharmacist), Nisa Williams (Medical Receptionist), and Jennifer Harris (Medical Assistant), visited the HSA program to discuss their roles.

In the weeks to follow, student teams then assumed healthcare roles, diagnosing and treating volunteer patients from Career Tech Center staff. They conducted interviews, assessed symptoms, reviewed medications, performed mental health screenings, and even addressed medical billing.

On February 12, students presented their grand rounds to the visiting medical staff. Teams reflected on their challenges, such as difficulty following up with an out-of-town patient as shared by Anthony Camacho (Ravenna). In response, teammate Paige Touzel (Muskegon) said that their group used the extra time to conduct additional research.

“That was really smart and adaptable,” praised Dr. Kingsley.

Students found the experience insightful. Brynleigh Tenhove (Fruitport) enjoyed her role as a medical assistant. “I felt very involved in all aspects of the patient’s care—even during physical therapy because I was able to assist by taking SOAP notes.”

This hands-on experience reinforced critical thinking and teamwork, preparing students for future careers in healthcare.

Welding Technology student Quinn Alderink (Reeths-Puffer) is an intern at Component Repair Management under Jim Schmidt, a former CTC Welding Technology student. Schmidt, once an intern himself, mentors students like Quinn, offering real-world experience and career growth opportunities.

Quinn chose Welding because he thought the program would be a good opportunity to learn something new. His internship has allowed him to earn money doing something he’s grown to love.

"It’s nice to get real job experience," he shared. The internship has improved his problem-solving and leadership skills and helped him build strong relationships with coworkers.

Despite challenges like flexibility and communication, Quinn sees a future at Component Repair Management. "I plan to go full-time after graduation," he said. His advice to future interns? Work hard, be eager to learn, and communicate well with those who depend on you.

For Schmidt, mentoring students like Quinn is rewarding. His journey from intern to manager demonstrates the impact of Career Tech Center’s Welding program, shaping careers and fostering professional growth through hands-on learning and mentorship.

April 7-11: No School, Spring Break

The Career Tech Center (CTC) offers Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for local high school students at its main campus, Nuvo College of Cosmetology, and Construction Trades worksites. These programs provide hands-on training under certified instructors.

Programs Offered: Allied Health, Architectural Design, Auto Collision/Refinishing, Auto Service Technology, Bio Tech & Engineering, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Electrical/Computer Technologies, Environmental/Veterinary Sciences, Graphic Production, Health Science Academy, Hospitality & Food Management, Machining/Engineering Technology, Software Design & Development, Teacher Academy, Welding Technology.

The CTC prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age (as permitted by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or any other protected category. Accommodations are available for non-English speakers.

Contact Information:

• General inquiries: CTC Principal
  David Kirksey– 231-767-3605
• Disability discrimination: Assistant Director of Special Education
  Muskegon Area ISD– 231-767-7249
• Other discrimination concerns: Director of Human Resources
  Muskegon Area ISD– 231-767-7213