Elgin ISD CTE Newsletter

Wildcat Families:

This year, Elgin ISD CTE students achieved incredible success, earning 139 industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and career readiness. Among them, more than 80 seniors from Elgin and Phoenix High Schools graduated with credentials that can help them enter the workforce above entry-level and often above minimum wage, creating opportunities for immediate success after graduation.

Our students also excelled through leadership and competition this year. Of our seven affiliated Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), five participated in competitive seasons, and every one of those organizations advanced students to state-level competition. Two organizations have gone even further, earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage this month. Members of our BBQ team will travel to The Colony, Texas, to compete nationally next week, while our Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) students and advisor will represent Elgin ISD at the National Educators Rising Conference in Portland, Oregon, June 19–23. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students, advisors, and industry partners who work together to provide meaningful career-connected learning experiences. We are incredibly proud of these students for reaching the highest levels of competition within their organizations and wish them the very best as they represent Wildcat Nation. Be sure to follow our social media pages throughout the summer for updates and results.

This newsletter also highlights exciting opportunities available to students this summer, including paid internships and other career-connected experiences designed to help students continue learning beyond the classroom. You'll also find information about employment opportunities within our department as we prepare for another year of growth and success.

Thank you for being part of an outstanding year of learning, leadership, competition and success. We are proud of what our students have accomplished and look forward to all that is still to come. Have a wonderful summer, and thank you for your continued support of Elgin ISD CTE!

Maggie Howard, M.Ed.

Director of CCMR, CTE & PTECH

Elgin Independent School District

Throughout the year, Wildcat Welders competed in multiple regional qualifying events and earned the opportunity to advance to the Texas High School Welding Series State Competition. The following students qualified to compete at the state level:

• Coy Bellamy
• Michael Cardenas
• Edward Lopez
• Juan Medina
• Dagan Smith
• Jovan Vara
• William Velazquez
• Edwin Zuniga

Together, these students achieved remarkable success throughout the season, earning a combined $52,000 in scholarships, securing 19 industry-recognized welding certifications, and recording 10 top-10 contest placements.

At the state competition held in May in Abilene, students competed against nearly 600 of the top qualifying welders from across Texas in the D9.1 3F Lap Weld certification event. Competitors were challenged to demonstrate advanced welding precision and technique for the opportunity to advance to a second-round competition and compete for a top-three finish statewide.

William Velazquez, Coy Bellamy, Michael Cardenas, and Juan Medina successfully completed the certification weld and earned the D9.1 3F industry certification. Dagan Smith distinguished himself by placing among the Top 20 welders in Texas, advancing to the second-round competition where he completed an advanced pipe-to-plate vertical weld challenge.

Students also competed in additional skill events, with notable accomplishments including:

• Dagan Smith – 5th Place, Torch Cutting Contest
• Jovan Vara – 4th Place, AWP Knowledge Exam

In their very first year competing as an official club, these students have established a highly competitive and accomplished program. Their success reflects countless hours of hard work, technical training, and commitment to excellence, as well as the leadership and expertise of their advisors: Andrew Buckler, Brayton Buchanan, and Josh Warner.

Congratulations to these outstanding students and advisors on an exceptional inaugural season!

Elgin FFA member Nico Munoz represented Elgin with excellence at the State FFA Speaking Contest held this weekend at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, competing in the Soil Stewardship category. After earning 3rd place in her preliminary heat, Nico advanced to the finals and ultimately finished 10th overall in the state.

The Soil Stewardship Speaking Development Event challenges students to research, write, and deliver an original speech focused on agricultural conservation and the importance of responsible land-management practices in protecting natural resources. Nico's speech highlighted the critical role of soil conservation and groundwater stewardship, emphasizing the need to preserve these valuable resources for future generations.

Advancing to the state finals is a significant accomplishment that reflects months of preparation, dedication, and hard work. Competing against some of the state's top FFA speakers, Nico demonstrated exceptional knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism throughout the contest.

We are incredibly proud of Nico for this outstanding achievement and for representing Elgin FFA so well on the state stage. Congratulations on a remarkable season and a Top-10 finish in Texas!

Nico is advised by FFA advisor, Madi Musick.

During the final week of school, students in the Construction and Manufacturing programs had the unique opportunity to tour the construction site of Legacy Oaks Middle School. Representatives from Bartlett Cocke shared an overview of the project, introduced students to innovative construction technologies being used on-site, and provided a guided tour of the site. The experience offered students in these programs valuable insight into modern construction practices and careers in the building trades.

FFA members Hayley Wenzel and Megan Wenzel, along with Food Science instructor Madi Musick, recently attended the “Forever a Farm” celebration, recognizing the permanent preservation of Coyote Creek Farm through a partnership with Travis County. This milestone ensures the land will remain a working farm and protected open space for generations to come. The event provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the role of agricultural conservation, land stewardship, and community partnerships in preserving local farming traditions and natural resources.

Partnerships of all kinds play a vital role in strengthening our Career & Technical Education programs. We’re grateful to the many businesses, organizations, community members, and industry professionals who share their time, expertise, and resources to expand meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

The Welding Program recently received a generous donation of more than 300 horseshoes from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This unique contribution provided students with an exciting opportunity to work with a different type of metal while developing their cutting, welding, and fabrication skills.

Using the donated horseshoes, students created Mother’s Day-themed artwork to give to their mothers, mother figures, and loved ones. The project allowed students to apply their technical skills in a creative way while producing meaningful, handmade gifts for the important people in their lives.

We are incredibly grateful to our anonymous donor for their generosity. Their donation not only supplied valuable materials for hands-on learning but also inspired a memorable project that combined craftsmanship, creativity, and appreciation. Thank you for supporting our students and helping create meaningful learning experiences in the welding shop.

Students pictured with their projects are Le Nelle Newman and Edvin Salinas. Welding instructor leading this project is Hector Ortez.

The 2025–26 school year brought exciting growth to the Culinary Arts program, highlighted by the upcoming opening of the Homestead facility this fall and plans to add staff next year. This momentum reflects the strong foundation built by our current culinary team through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and a commitment to student success.

Our Business and Entrepreneurship teachers have also expanded opportunities for students by developing work-based learning experiences and strengthening partnerships with Main Street Elgin businesses. Together, these educators are creating meaningful pathways that connect students to college, careers, and the local community.

The Elgin ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Maintenance Departments are seeking students interested in careers in HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing/Pipefitting to participate in a paid Summer Internship Program.

Selected students will gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside the Elgin ISD Maintenance Team while exploring high-demand skilled trades careers. This unique opportunity allows students to learn directly from experienced professionals, develop workplace skills, and earn money while gaining real-world experience.

Program Details:

• $14 per hour
• 4-week summer commitment
• Hands-on, real-world experience
• Resume-building opportunity
• Mentorship from industry professionals

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must not have graduated from high school

Space is limited, and positions will be filled on a rolling basis. Interested and eligible students are encouraged to submit their resumes as soon as possible. Applications will remain open until all internship positions have been filled.

To apply, please send your resume to:

Maggie Howard

maggie.howard@elginisd.net

Students interested in exploring careers in food production, culinary arts, restaurant management, and kitchen operations are encouraged to apply for this paid summer internship opportunity with our partners at Firewild on Main.

This hands-on experience will provide students with exposure to professional kitchen environments, food preparation techniques, workplace expectations, and the day-to-day operations of a successful restaurant.

What You'll Gain:

• Paid experience at $15 per hour
• Hands-on learning in food production and kitchen operations
• Exposure to culinary arts and restaurant industry careers
• Opportunities to build professional skills in teamwork, communication, and customer service
• Potential for additional catering work throughout the summer and beyond

Who Should Apply?

Schedule:

• Fridays and Saturdays only
• Beginning June 5 and continuing through mid- to late August
• Hours scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Some flexibility with weekend availability may be possible with advance notice

How to Apply:

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work behind the scenes at an airport? Southwest Airlines is offering local high school students a unique opportunity to explore aviation careers through its first-ever AUS Discovery Day on August 5 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

During this free, one-day experience, students will get an inside look at the daily operations that keep Southwest Airlines running. Participants will learn about careers in:

• Aircraft Maintenance (Tech Ops)
• Air Operations
• Ramp Operations
• Provisioning
• Operations
• Customer Service

This immersive event is open to Travis County high school juniors and seniors and is designed to provide real-world exposure to aviation and airport careers.

Important Information:

• Participation is free, but space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Registration closes June 10.
• The application takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and includes a short essay about why the student is interested in Southwest Airlines.
• A parent or guardian must complete the application with the student.
• Transportation to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the responsibility of the student and family.

Students interested in aviation, transportation, customer service, or technical careers are encouraged to apply early before spots fill up.

Help us strengthen career readiness opportunities for Elgin ISD students by sharing your feedback through our family survey. Your input will help guide future programs, events, and experiences.

Elgin ISD has been selected as a recipient of the Texas Education Agency's competitive Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Grant, providing funding to launch a new paid summer internship program for students interested in skilled trades careers.

Through a partnership with the EISD Maintenance Department, selected students will gain hands-on experience in HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing/Pipefitting while working alongside experienced professionals who maintain district facilities.

During the four-week internship, students will develop valuable workplace skills, explore career pathways in the skilled trades, and build meaningful real-world experience that can help prepare them for future employment and training opportunities.

This exciting opportunity is made possible through the CTE Summer Grant and reflects Elgin ISD's commitment to providing students with authentic career-connected learning experiences.

The CTE Department is actively seeking qualified professionals for the following instructional positions for the 2026–2027 school year:

Construction - Elgin High School

Candidates with work experience in HVAC, electrical, and/or welding trades are preferred. Relevant industry experience may be considered in place of teacher certification.

Health Science - Elgin High School

Applicants must have industry experience and hold a valid professional healthcare license.

Education & Training - Elgin High School

Seeking applicants with Family & Consumer Science certifications.

Agriculture & Professional Communications - Elgin Middle School

Seeking applicants with Agriculture teacher certifications.

Interested candidates can apply online HERE or request additional information from the Elgin ISD Human Resources Department, the CTE Director, or campus principals.

Become an industry or community partner with Elgin ISD CTE and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals! Your expertise, perspective, and voice are essential to developing strong, relevant programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. There are many ways to get involved, including:

• Serving on advisory committees

• Mentoring students or serving as a guest speaker

• Offer your business as a work-based learning field site

• Donating time, materials, or equipment to programs

• Advocating for workforce needs in your industry

Partner with us and make a lasting impact on students’ career readiness.

Interested in learning more? Complete the form below:

Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFSCA) finalized their 2026 Major Events calendar, which includes K-12 events as well as hiring events for students transitioning out of high school. View the events calendar below!