Mission Trails ROP & CTE Newsletter

As we close out another incredible school year, we’re excited to showcase the remarkable achievements of our Career Technical Education students across SUHSD. From engineering builds to culinary creations, students in all 13 industry sectors have been applying real-world skills through hands-on learning. In this edition, we honor our CTE Students of the Year and the dedicated educators guiding their success. It’s a celebration of growth, grit, and the power of “Learning by Doing.”

Thomas Vera-Bellido, a standout student in Mr. Baker’s Firefighter & Fire Technology course at Mission Trails ROP. He leads with both strength and intellect. He excels academically and physically, mastering theory and hands-on skills with ease. As a peer mentor, Thomas supports classmates by reteaching complex concepts, showcasing leadership and communication skills. Inspired by the real-world focus of CTE, he’s developed a strong foundation in teamwork, problem solving, and career readiness. This will make him a future asset in the fire service and beyond.

Dariana is a focused and self-motivated student in Ms. Rodriguez’s Dental Careers course at Mission Trails ROP. Known for her dedication, kindness, and eagerness to learn, she goes above and beyond in mastering dental assisting techniques. A role model to her peers, Dariana has taken full ownership of her learning—excelling in the simulation lab and developing the skills needed to succeed in the dental field.

Victor is a standout student in Mr. Kollerer’s Industrial Welding class at Mission Trails ROP. Known for his optimism, gratitude, and strong character, Victor has mastered the art of welding through patience, focus, and skill. He plans to join the IBEW after graduation and pursue a career as an electrician. Victor’s talent and dedication promise a bright future in the trades.

Yosmelin is a standout student in Mr. Joseph Frausto’s Engine Maintenance & Repair class at Mission Trails ROP. She brings passion, determination, and a positive attitude to every task. Her strong work ethic and commitment to learning make her a role model in the shop. With plans to pursue higher education or trade school, Yosmelin is on the road to a bright future.

Savannah Murrieta, a standout student in Ms. Ghastin’s Graphic Design class at North Salinas High School, is known for her leadership, talent, and dedication. She founded the Art Society to promote student artwork in the community and served as Editor-in-Chief for an AMOR Salinas book project, guiding students to a polished final product. Savannah earned gold at the SkillsUSA Regional Graphic Communications contest and continues to challenge herself through competitions like the Tapioca Delight Boba contest, where she placed second. A true creative leader, Savannah embodies the spirit of the Graphic Design CTE program.

Christopher is a standout student in Mr. Frausto’s Engine Maintenance & Repair course, embodying leadership, professionalism, and technical excellence. Always on time, in uniform, and ready to work, he sets the tone in the shop with his positive attitude and strong work ethic. Christopher not only supports his peers and ensures a safe, collaborative environment—he also brings real-world experience from working on diesel engines with his family.

Dayanara, a dedicated student in Ms. Sailing’s Foundations of Nursing course at Mission Trails ROP, brings heart, resilience, and purpose to everything she does. Inspired by caring for her grandmother as a “mini-nurse,” she discovered her passion for helping others through public service. Her growth in clinical precision and healthcare techniques has prepared her for the journey ahead. With compassion and determination, she’s ready to make her mark in the nursing field.

Art in the Digital Age student Marylou Benitez designed the brand-new North Salinas High School logo! Bringing her design to life, the NSHS SkillsUSA Screen Printing Team taught classmates how to print the logo on tote bags—combining creativity, collaboration, and school pride in one awesome project!

Culinary students in Ms. Vega’s class at Everett Alvarez High School brought creativity and skill to the kitchen with a “Chopped Challenge.” Using mystery basket ingredients, students crafted impressive meals under pressure—showcasing their culinary talents, teamwork, and quick thinking in a fun and flavorful competition!

Congratulations to seven students from Ms. Lahodni’s Medical Assisting class who successfully passed the 2025 Clinical Medical Assisting Certification (CCMA) exam! These students demonstrated outstanding dedication and skill in preparing for this important milestone.

- Sixto Ruano – RSJ
- Kianna Cancino – EAHS
- Brenda Calva – RSJ
- Adilene Mendoza – EAHS
- Dioselina Cortes – EAHS
- Aleida Garcia – RSJ
- Kamila Ramirez – EAHS

Way to go, future healthcare professionals!

Students from Mr. Brown’s Graphic Design class earned 2nd place in the Foundations4Innovations contest! Shoutout to Paul Webster, Ethand Mendoza, and Giovanni Luquin Garzon for their outstanding, industry-aligned marketing and social media campaign—professionally judged and creatively top-tier. A huge win for our future design pros!

We’re proud to share that “Limbo,” a powerful film created by Diego Lopez and his team, earned an honorable mention in the Suicide Prevention category for our region in the Directing Change program. The team received award certificates in recognition of their meaningful and impactful contribution to raising mental health awareness.

EMT and Fire Program students recently participated in a simulated mass casualty event, putting their classroom knowledge into action. They practiced rapid assessment, triage, and emergency care under pressure. The scenario emphasized teamwork, communication, and decision-making—giving students a realistic, hands-on experience that prepares them for future careers in emergency response.

North Salinas High School students got a hands-on lesson in advanced screen printing techniques from a visiting SkillsUSA screen printing judge. Students learned to work with metallic, glow in the dark, and puff inks gaining industry insight and expanding their creative skills. A big thank you to our guest for inspiring the next generation of print professionals!

Coordinated by Career Counselor Dr. Preble, nearly 500 students from 12th grade English and 11th grade AVID participated in Rock the Mock during March and April. Students attended workshops and completed two mock interviews to practice articulating their strengths. Nearly 100 community partners volunteered, making this career-readiness event a huge success!

Students from Ms. Rosana Diaz’s Restaurant Careers course at North Salinas High School fired up the flavor during the Food Truck Throwdown! This fun and competitive event gave students the chance to showcase their culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced, real-world kitchen experience.

Mr. James Nichols and his graphic design students at Salinas High earned a $9,000 award from TAMC’s Safe Walk Home Mural Contest! Their stunning murals—now at La Paz Park and soon on East Market Street—showcase creativity and community pride. The award will help expand classroom tools and opportunities.

North Salinas High’s Woodshop students, led by Mr. Nathan McClain, partnered with Mission Park Elementary to donate handcrafted shaker stools! After meeting with Principal Anna Padilla, students delivered stools that blend skill and service. This project highlights student craftsmanship while strengthening school-community connections. Bravo to these talented builders!

Seven students in the FARMS program, hosted by the Center for Land-Based Learning, spent seven months exploring the agriculture industry from Driscoll’s to Pisoni Farms. For their community service project, they partnered with EAHS special day students, teaching them to grow food and explore dairy during FFA Week. A truly inspiring collaboration!

Salinas High’s woodshop program competed in the 40th Annual Design Build Contest, hosted by the Construction Industry Education Foundation. They brought home top honors! The 14 Salinas High School student team earned both the Merit Award and the prestigious Architectural Award Open. A huge congratulations on this incredible debut success!

North Salinas High School’s Art in the Digital Age students, led by Ms. Ghastin, excelled in the AIM Youth Mental Health Poster Contest. Victoria Calvillo won 1st place and delivered a powerful speech at the Sunset Center on April 9. Danielle Fabian took 2nd and Betsy Sanchez 3rd in Traditional Art, while Aiden Flores earned 2nd in Digital Art. Sixteen additional Vikings received honorable mentions and AIM shirts—showcasing the incredible talent and heart of NSHS artists.

Under the guidance of Mr. McClain, North Salinas High’s Woodshop students created custom-designed cutting boards as heartfelt gifts for SUHSD’s retiring teachers. These handcrafted pieces reflect the skill, creativity, and gratitude of our students.

Salinas High School’s FAST Academy, led by Ms. Martorella, provided students with impactful Work-Based Learning experiences in allied health and sports medicine this year. From job shadowing at Balance Physical Therapy and fieldwork at Mount Hermon to applying anatomy knowledge at MPC’s cadaver lab, students gained hands-on skills. Seniors also attended a Golden State Warriors game and Andre Iguodala’s jersey retirement, where they met SHS alum Brian Day (now the team announcer) and connected with Warriors staff to explore careers in sports and recreation. These experiences brought classroom lessons to life and built essential career readiness.

Students from Mr. Rose’s Cinema Arts class at Everett Alvarez High School took an exciting tour of KION studios, learning firsthand from news team professionals about the world of broadcasting. They also filmed and interviewed students in ICT courses across the district. The final promotional video will soon be featured on the district website!

Mount Toro High School hosted the Project M.O.R.E event, giving students the chance to explore diverse career paths and connect with local professionals. Focused on mentorship and career readiness, the event aimed to empower young men with the tools and inspiration to pursue their future goals.

North Salinas High graphic design and digital art students visited Shoreline Press, a print shop known for its vintage techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, and die cutting. Students got an inside look at running a small business and gained valuable insight into careers in the printing industry—all while exploring timeless craft in a modern world.

Students in Ms. Sweet’s Horticulture and Floriculture class at Everett Alvarez High School visited Floricultura, an international orchid grower in Salinas. With support from Work Experience Coordinator Mr. Evan Robinson, students explored automated greenhouses, global shipping logistics, and plant sales operations—gaining valuable insight into careers in horticulture and agri-business.

Students from Mr. Sanchez’s Automotive Repair course at Mission Trails ROP showcased their technical skills and automotive knowledge at the MPC Auto Skills Challenge. Competing against peers from across Monterey County, their strong performance demonstrated the quality of our CTE programs and the real-world career readiness of our students.

Students from Mr. Incze’s Engineering classes at Alisal High School took part in a job shadowing experience with Granite Construction, touring active bridge projects in Capitola and learning directly from industry professionals. This hands-on opportunity, supported by Work Experience Coordinator Ms. Julissa Mendoza, gave students valuable exposure to real-world engineering and construction careers.

MTROP’s Engine Maintenance & Repair students experienced hands-on STEM learning at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s IMSA event. Thanks to the incredible industry professionals who made it possible! From pit lane tours to hybrid tech demos and data analytics, students gained real-world insight into motorsports and STEM careers. Picture credit to IMSA.

Liam Roberts, a standout student in Mr. Nichols’ drafting class at Salinas High School, showcased exceptional skill in mechanical and architectural drafting through his REVIT BIM project. His 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home design features elegant curved walls and precise technical specs, reflecting a mastery of complex design tools and a clear talent for architectural innovation.

Congratulations to the Grand Champions of the 2025 Monterey County CTE Student Showcase! These students demonstrated excellence in communication, creativity, innovation, and impact across various sectors.

🏆 Communication Award – John Napoles, Cristian Sanchez, Gerardo Hernandez
North Salinas High School – Graphic Design

🏆 Technology & Productivity Award – Paul Webster
Rancho San Juan High School – AP Computer Science Principles

🏆 Greater Good Award – Nicole Laguna, Nancy Fletez
Gonzales High School – Careers in Education

🏆 Creativity & Innovation Award – Solomon Sloan
Monterey High School – Digital Media/Communications

🏆 Research Award – Luis Pinedo Ante, Jason Majano, Kevin Majano, Diego Ortega-Rivera, Damian Ramos-Gomez, Bethany Vargas, Dannadely Juarez-Hernandez, Marisol Botello
Alisal High School – Principles of Engineering, Digital Electronics, Engineering & Design

View their amazing work here.

A former student in Ms. Rasul’s Sports Medicine pathway, Yamilet graduated from UC Merced in May 2024 with a Bachelor's in Public Health. She’s now pursuing her Master’s at Chamberlain University, set to finish in 2026, and currently works as a Youth Substance Counselor at Prodigy Healthcare in Fresno. “It’s been a really fulfilling experience helping young people navigate their health challenges and make positive changes,” she shared.

Dr. Michelle discovered her passion for dentistry as a senior at Salinas High through the Dental Careers course at Mission Trails ROP. That experience set her on a determined path—spending 10 years as a registered dental assistant while pursuing her dream of becoming a dentist. Her educational journey took her from Monterey Peninsula College (AA in Health Sciences) to Cal Poly SLO (BS), and ultimately to UCLA Dental School, where she refined her skills and deepened her expertise. Today, Dr. Michelle is proud to serve as a dentist in the very community where her journey began, blending technical skill with compassion and a strong commitment to giving back.

Jorge Arias, a proud alum, is turning his passion for plumbing into purpose by teaching the trade to inmates at Soledad State Prison. Featured in American Plumber Stories Season 5 Finale, Jorge shares how mentorship and hard work can change lives—proving that plumbing isn’t just a career, it’s a legacy and a lifeline.

Our CTE students continue to shine at the SkillsUSA State Conference with impressive results across multiple pathways!

🥇 Gold – CPS: Human Services Cluster (Middle School)

Frida Pantoja, Karen Gonzalez Anaya, Sandra Woodbury

Advisor: Ms. Amy Dill | Washington Middle School

🥈 Silver – Restaurant Service (NATIONAL QUALIFIER)

Alina Tejeda

Advisor: Ms. Rosana Diaz | North Salinas High School

🥉 Bronze – Graphic Communications

Melania Frazure

Advisor: Ms. Jen Ghastin | North Salinas High School

🥉 Bronze – Graphic Imaging: Sublimation

Dorian Cervantes

Advisor: Ms. Jen Ghastin | North Salinas High School

🥉 Bronze – Medical Assisting

Brenda Calva-Castro

Advisor: Ms. Renata Lahodni | Rancho San Juan High School (MTROP)

Congratulations to all medalists and advisors for representing SUHSD with talent, pride, and professionalism!

At the recent SkillsUSA Board Presentation, chapter officers, advisors, state medalists, and national qualifiers proudly shared their achievements with SUHSD leadership. This celebration highlighted the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students across multiple pathways, showcasing how CTE programs prepare students for success in both college and careers.

Restaurant Service – Alina Tejeda
Advisor: Ms. Rosana Diaz | North Salinas High School

North Salinas is serving up excellence! Congrats to Alina Tejeda for earning a spot at Nationals in Restaurant Service. With Ms. Diaz’s guidance and Alina’s top-tier table skills, the competition never stood a chance.

Brenda Calva-Castro is an outstanding student in Ms. Lahodni’s Medical Assistant class. Always prepared and eager to learn, she impressed during her job shadow at Cater Chiropractic with her professionalism and communication skills. Brenda earned a silver medal at SkillsUSA Regionals and a bronze at State, proudly representing the Medical Assisting program. She continues to grow academically and professionally and is well on her way to becoming an excellent Medical Assistant.

Kimberly Sierra of EAHS FFA delivered a stellar performance, clinching 1st place in the El Credo Spanish FFA Creed Contest. Her eloquence and passion have earned her a well-deserved spot at the State Convention. ¡Felicidades, Kimberly!

These young leaders volunteered their time, energy, and serious professionalism to help make the Salinas Valley Chamber event a huge success. From setup to guest support and behind-the-scenes magic, their work didn’t go unnoticed many attendees commented on how smooth, organized, and welcoming the event felt thanks to their efforts.

Everett Alvarez High School’s FFA, led by Ms. Sweet and the Ag Business Academy, proudly launched Eagle Produce—a student-run produce store that's cultivating more than just crops. From planting to point-of-sale, students manage it all, offering fresh produce, handmade pots, and EAHS merch to support local families. Grown in the school garden and fueled by student passion, Eagle Produce is feeding the community and growing the next generation of ag leaders. Students plan to continue building excitement through FFA’s social media, sharing their journey from seed to success.

(KION News Coverage LINK)

This year, students from the Salinas Adult School/MTROP Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program presented at three local high schools as part of the GEAR UP Career Talk series, sponsored by UC Santa Cruz. Designed to promote college and career readiness, GEAR UP helped connect CNA students with future nursing hopefuls at Rancho San Juan, North Salinas, and Everett Alvarez.

Special thanks to Pamela Caspie and Raul Ebio from GEAR UP for making this opportunity possible!

• May 30th - Last Day of School
• June 9th - First Day of Summer School
• July 9th - Last Day of Summer School
• August 5th - 1st Day of School for the 2025-26 School Year

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