SUHSD CTE & MTROP Newsletter

As we wrap up the first semester of the 2025–2026 school year, we’re excited to share the incredible work happening across Career Technical Education in SUHSD. From field trips to job shadowing, and from real world competitions to student-led projects, learners across all 13 industry sectors are building skills that matter. In this edition, we celebrate student spotlights, hands-on highlights, and the educators driving this powerful “Learning by Doing” movement.

Salvador Ahumada-Ramirez, a standout in Mr. Marc Kollerer’s Industrial Welding course at Mission Trails ROP. His dedication extends beyond the regular school year—he completed the summer welding program, where he stood out for his focus on safety, technical skill, and eagerness to improve. Most recently, Sal took the Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship Test, marking a major step toward his goal of a skilled trades career. His maturity, reliability, and passion make him a model CTE student and a future leader in the construction industry.

Eden Meza Castrejon stands out in Ms. Botello’s Advanced Culinary Food Science course at Mission Trails ROP. He leads with quiet confidence, modeling kindness, humility, and strong work ethic each day in the classroom and kitchen. Eden consistently steps up to help his peers without being asked, uplifts others with encouragement, and demonstrates mature responsibility in both group and independent work. His steady discipline, thoughtful communication, and sincere compassion make him a trusted teammate and natural leader.

Alessandro exemplifies what it means to be both a scholar and a gentleman in Mrs. Johnson’s class. Known for his preparedness, strong work ethic, and critical thinking, he brings maturity and kindness into every lesson. With aspirations to become a physical therapist, Alessandro’s bilingual and bicultural strengths, academic excellence, and genuine care for others will serve him well. Patient, trustworthy, and well-rounded, he’s charting a path toward a future in health sciences.

Michelle Rios-Espinoza is a standout student in Mr. Cody Nordstrom’s Fire Technology course at Mission Trails ROP. She arrives prepared, participates fully, and demonstrates discipline and focus in every task. Michelle takes safety seriously, works well under pressure, and consistently shows strong teamwork during hands-on drills. Her commitment to mastering the skills of emergency response is matched by her positive attitude and professionalism. With her dedication and strong work ethic, Michelle is well on her way to success in the fire service or any public safety career she chooses.

Bryan Duenas Torres is an outstanding student in Mr. Marc Kollerer's Welding course at Mission Trails ROP. Known for his precision, professionalism, and A plus work ethic, Bryan is a dedicated member of the SkillsUSA Welding and Fabrication team and regularly volunteers extra hours to prepare for competitions. He applies his talents to real world projects, such as modifying a heavy duty cart for his father’s business, and consistently seeks additional hands on experience. Bryan recently won the Welding and Fabrication Tape Measure Challenge, showcasing his technical accuracy and drive for excellence.

Adelaida Torralba shines in Ms. Nancy Utterback’s Emergency Medical Technician class at Mission Trails ROP. Focused, dependable, and mature, Addy brings professionalism, care, and steady leadership to every simulation. Her thoughtful work, ethical mindset, and genuine compassion stand out daily. With a clear goal in healthcare, Addy is preparing herself for future clinical success through hard work and purpose.

Oliver Rega stands out in Mr. Kenneth Celement-Rhodes’ Agriculture Mechanics course at Salinas High School. He shows up daily with a positive attitude, genuine enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic. Always eager to learn, Oliver asks questions, seeks feedback, and takes pride in improving his skills. He helps foster a collaborative, productive shop environment through both his actions and attitude. A reliable team player and natural leader, Oliver continues to set the standard for excellence in the Ag Mech program.

To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, students in Ms. Rosana Diaz’s Restaurant Careers class prepared traditional dishes from every Spanish-speaking country in Latin America. This hands-on culinary experience helped students connect with both the content and cultural context of each dish. Friends, teachers, and staff visited the showcase to enjoy the delicious food and celebrate together.

Advanced Culinary Food Science students at Mission Trails ROP recently took on the “Dog Cake Challenge,” crafting intricate, dog-themed cakes using fondant and frosting. The project blended hands-on pastry techniques with food science, as students explored topics like frosting stability and fondant elasticity while sculpting edible works of art. Under the guidance of Ms. Yesenia Botello, the class showcased impressive creativity, collaboration, and technical skill.

Students from La Paz Middle School explored the Mission Trails ROP campus in an engaging, hands-on tour. Led by Ms. Valerie Osuna’s Careers in Education students, the visiting group included students from Mr. Adrian Tamayo’s Leadership class, Mr. Christian Lamonea’s WIN Academy, and Mr. Stephen Elliott’s Applied Technology course. MTROP teachers generously opened their classrooms, offering middle schoolers a chance to learn directly from high school peers. For many, it was their first visit to MTROP, and the experience left a lasting impression.

North Salinas High School recently hosted the annual Force in Training (FIT) event, sponsored by the California Restaurant Association. Students participated in hands-on job readiness training, including mock interviews, elevator pitches, and valuable career tips. Local employers such as Wells Fargo, Sysco, and Taste of Monterey offered direct feedback and support.

Nearly 270 seniors at Everett Alvarez High School participated in two rounds of mock interviews designed to prepare them for college and career readiness. Students came dressed for success, identified their strengths, and practiced real-world interview skills. Special thanks to the 50+ SUHSD staff and community volunteers who made this impactful event possible with their time and support.

North Salinas High’s Restaurant Careers students delivered a full restaurant experience as part of their final exams—planning, cooking, serving, and cleaning up a professional-grade meal. The visit from Mayor Donohue and the Salinas City Council brought an extra layer of encouragement and pride to the event. Huge kudos to instructor Ms. Rosana Diaz for her leadership and guidance! (Link to the Californian News Article)

Ag Mechanics students are tackling a hands-on restoration of the iconic Viking boat in the NSHS mall area, applying real-world skills like welding, fabrication, woodworking, and problem-solving. This project allows students to work as a team, use tools, and take pride in bringing new life to a cherished campus landmark. The class is taught by Ms. Annemarie Glomson.

Great news from North Salinas High School! Construction Tech teacher Mr. Nathan McClain has secured a $5,000 grant from the Associated General Contractors of California. This funding will directly support the NSHS Construction Program by expanding access to high-quality tools and materials for students pursuing careers in the trades.

Students from Ms. Rosana Diaz’s Restaurant Careers class at North Salinas High School recently visited Pebble Beach Resort and the Portola Hotel and Spa. During their tours, they explored hotel suites, restaurants, spas, and retail stores. Managers provided a behind the scenes look at hospitality careers and treated the students to a delicious lunch. It was an inspiring and informative experience for our students and how to become future industry professionals.

Alisal High School Computer Science students in Mr. Servando Narvaez recently experienced an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Tesla’s Fremont factory. They witnessed firsthand how cutting-edge robots support the mass production of electric vehicles on the assembly line. Throughout the tour, students learned about the innovation driving Tesla’s operations and were encouraged to explore educational and career pathways that could lead to future opportunities with the company.

Over 80 students from Salinas High School’s FAST Academy attended the final Monterey Bay FC game and were treated to a behind-the-scenes career tour of the stadium. Students explored departments such as media, ticket sales, community outreach, sponsorships, athletic training, and game day operations—learning what it takes to run a professional sports event. The experience was made possible through the efforts of their teacher, Ms. Gina Martorella, who continues to connect students with meaningful career exploration opportunities.

Jesus De Paz Gonzalez , a standout student in Ms. Johnson’s Health Occupations class at Mission Trails ROP, is making great strides toward a career in healthcare. After a powerful job-shadowing experience at Montage Health, Jesus secured an internship at Salinas Valley Health and is now transitioning into the Emergency Room. Certified in CPR, first aid, and OSHA safety, his professionalism and drive make him a rising star in the medical field.

Mr. Joe Frausto’s Engine Maintenance class visited MST’s Ryan Ranch facility for a hands-on learning experience focused on public transportation. Students explored diesel, electric, and hydrogen-powered buses while MST mechanics demonstrated the procedures used to maintain a reliable fleet. From inspecting parts to understanding full-service maintenance protocols, students gained valuable insight into careers in transportation mechanics.

Graphic Design students recently took their learning beyond the classroom with two engaging field trips arranged by WEC Mr. Branden Alvarez and Ms. Jennifer Ghastin, the group first visited Signs by Van to witness the entire sign production process, from designing in Adobe Illustrator and 3D modeling in ZBrush to carving wood using a CNC machine. The experience gave students valuable insights into design careers and even sparked job shadowing opportunities. Their second trip took them to Elkhorn Slough, where they met with graphic designers from the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and discovered how visual art can support environmental advocacy. Students enjoyed a peaceful walk through the wetlands and were invited to submit entries to the Slough’s annual photography contest.

Students from Mr. Joe Frausto’s Small Engines class visited Graniterock’s A.R. Wilson Quarry in Aromas, where they explored the role of heavy machinery in construction and met with mechanics who keep it all running. From labs to loaders, students saw how engine knowledge applies in the field and learned about internships that connect classroom skills to real-world careers.

Everett Alvarez High School recently held its 4th College, Career, and Resource Fair during an extended lunch, giving students a valuable opportunity to explore their postsecondary options. Nearly 40 representatives from community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, universities, military branches, and local agencies were on campus to connect with students. Organized by Dr. Brian Preble, the event helped students prepare for life after high school and explore diverse pathways from school to work.

Rancho San Juan High School students joined peers from across SUHSD at the NorCal Carpenters Union event, where they explored careers in the skilled trades and learned about apprenticeship pathways. Students participated in hands-on activities like drywall installation, welding simulation, and toolbox construction an engaging and informative work-based learning experience. Event organized by Ms. Theresa Wren.

TV Production students taught by Mr. Guadalupe Guzman from Alisal High School received a unique behind-the-scenes look at KSBW, learning firsthand what it takes to broadcast the news to the Central Coast. They met with editors, producers, camera operators, and anchors who generously shared their personal career stories and encouraged students to pursue their passions. Special thanks to Elsa Lopez for leading the tour and to anchor Lauren Seaver for inspiring the students to aim high. The trip was organized by Work Experience Coordinator Mr. Lorenzo Barranco, providing students with an unforgettable opportunity to explore real-world media careers.

Students from Mr. Cody Nordstrom’s MTROP Firefighting class got an unforgettable look into real-life emergency response during a CalFire auto extraction demo at A&S Metals. Firefighters shattered glass, tore off doors, and used heavy equipment to simulate rescue scenarios—giving students firsthand insight into how responders create quick access to save lives. This hands-on experience brought fire safety and EMT training to life, helping future first responders visualize the skill, speed, and precision required on the job.

Students from Mr. Joe Frausto’s Engine Maintenance class at MTROP toured Monterey Touring Vehicles to explore classic car care. They practiced detailing, learned about engine variations, and performed maintenance checks on vintage models like the Shelby Cobra. This hands-on experience gave students real-world automotive skills while showcasing the importance of attention to detail in vehicle upkeep and customer readiness.

Freshmen in Dr. Savanah Rhine’s Ag Biology class at Everett Alvarez High School took learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Elkhorn Slough Nature Reserve. With coordination by Work Experience Coordinator Evan Robinson, students explored real ecosystems, observed how local habitats support wildlife, and connected with Department of Fish and Wildlife professionals to learn about careers in environmental science.

On December 2, 2025, MTROP JPA held its inaugural Industry Advisory Meeting at Hartnell College, bringing together 175 attendees, including business leaders, CTE teachers, administrators, board members, and superintendents. This event provided a valuable opportunity for teachers to engage directly with industry professionals, fostering collaboration to design, update, and enhance the quality of CTE courses.

Giana Esparza, a former student in Ms. Lisa Meyers’ Culinary class at Salinas High School, recently shared her gratitude after being accepted into the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). In her message, she reflected on how much fun she’s having at CIA and how meaningful it was to discover a connection between her current instructor and Ms. Meyers. Giana credits her high school culinary experience with shaping her path and helping her gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue her passion. Her journey is a testament to the strong foundation, mentorship, and inspiration that students find in the SHS Culinary program.

With 124 students preparing to compete in 34 SkillsUSA contests starting January 10, SUHSD is entering the season strong. SkillsUSA gives students the chance to showcase hands-on skills and CTE training in areas like engineering, culinary arts, healthcare, welding, and more—demonstrating the strength of our CTE pathways. We’re also proud to introduce our new SkillsUSA student officers: Co-Presidents Manuel “Manny” Ramos and Sara Benitez, Vice President & Reporter Dorian Cervantes, and Historian/Social Media Manager Javier Valdivia.

Everett Alvarez FFA students are excelling in leadership, career readiness, and community impact. Over 125 members lead committees and complete service projects, while students compete in events like Opening and Closing with top finishes. Agribusiness students run Eagles Brew and manage the Eagle Produce Store, while horticulture students grow and sell seasonal produce. Agriscience students are researching ecosystems and conservation. From hands-on learning to real-world leadership, Eagle FFA continues to soar.

Everett Alvarez FFA (@everettalvarezffa)

Andrea Maldonado-Atrisco and Lexi Rodriguez proudly represented our program as Market Lamb exhibitors at the San Benito County Fair. Andrea placed 5th and Lexi earned 3rd in their respective market classes, with Lexi also taking 5th overall in novice showmanship. Their dedication and hard work over the past few months truly paid off, and we’re proud of their accomplishments!

(NSHS FFA newsletters)

Rancho San Juan FFA students stepped up this season, volunteering at the Fall Festival, competing in Creed Recitation and Opening & Closing Ceremonies, and attending the Chapter Officer Leadership Conference. Freshmen showcased their skills in a local Creed Contest and earned jackets for their efforts, then advanced to Hartnell’s New Member Field Day. At the Winter Banquet, members were recognized with degrees and awards, including Audrina Zapata, who is advancing to Regionals in Creed Recitation.

Salinas High School’s FFA Chapter had an impressive showing at the San Benito County Fair. Highlights include:

• Manny Gonzales - Champion Ewe, Champion Commercial Ewe, Champion Purebred Ewe, Champion FFA Senior Sheep Showman, 4th FFA Senior Round Robin
• Kai Atkins - Champion FFA Senior Swine Showman, 2nd FFA Senior Round Robin,
• Jessie Donlon - Champion FFA Senior Rabbit showman, 3rd FFA Senior Round Robin, Best of Breed
• Maddy Lindley - Reserve Champion FFA Market Hog

(https://salinasffa.com/)

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