Wylie’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has steadily increased since beginning over the years. With 10 career clusters that offer 15 programs of study and more to come, students are graduating high school with a degree in-hand as well as certifications and real-world experiences. Wylie students share how CTE classes are helping them reach their goals.
GRACE RHODES, SENIOR
Education and Training; 2 years in CTE
SKILLS: leadership, networking, communications, and professionalism
FUTURE: “I am planning on attending a four-year university and majoring in international studies. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I would also like to pursue a master’s degree in the same field.”
MY CTE: “I aim to apply the skills I have learned to my career as a foreign service officer (diplomat)…I wish to advocate for quality education for every child in every country and for better support for our teachers. My Principles of Education class and later my involvement with Texas Association of Future Educators gave me valuable insight into human development and psychology as well as excellent practice in public presentation and leadership. These skills are not only applicable to the field of education, but also to any professional setting.”
TIMOTHY STURTEVANT, SENIOR
Audio/Video Technology; 4 years in CTE
SKILLS: time management, video and picture editing, communication skills
FUTURE: I plan on going to college at Sam Houston State, majoring in animation and minoring in film. After college, I would like to work for Pixar or any film studio that would let me animate movies.”
MY CTE: “I feel our CTE program is some of, if not the best, way I could have been prepared for the world after high school. The benefits are endless, and there is really no reason to not do it.”
SADIE ABEL, SENIOR
Health Sciences – Nursing; first year in CTE
SKILLS: CPR, dissecting techniques
CERTIFICATIONS: CPR certificate
FUTURE: “I hope to attend Cisco College in Abilene to get my prerequisites so I can transfer to Texas Tech’s accelerated nursing program. From there I hope to be a labor and delivery or NICU nurse.”
MY CTE: “CTE solidified my plans and assured me I had chosen the right career field. I love my CTE classes, and I have a passion for learning about the human body, which showed me that I chose the right career. It prepares you so much for what is to come and gives you an opportunity to get your foot in the water. Being in high school can feel like you are just stuck waiting for your future to come, but it does not have to feel that way. Take the opportunities you have been given…your future can start now if you are willing to work hard to make it happen.”
SAVANNAH MELNYK, SENIOR
Communications – Graphic Design; 3 years in CTE; first student intern to WISD Communications Director
SKILLS: strong communication skills, teamwork, project management, managing a schedule and being organized
CERTIFICATIONS: certified in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
FUTURE: “I am planning to attend Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and study business finance, and I plan to minor in graphic design.”
MY CTE: “What I learned in CTE certainly impacted my decision to minor in graphic design because it made me love it and want to do it in the future. I 100 percent recommend CTE to students who love to create and want to experience different areas and be knowledgeable in other areas. It has made me a more well-rounded person, and I’m so happy I did it.”
WYATT EDMISTON, SENIOR
Engineering; 4 Years in CTE
SKILLS: AD designs, aerospace design, the engineering design process
CERTIFICATIONS: Earning FAA drone certification
FUTURE: “I have always wanted to be an engineer and plan to study mechanical engineering at Texas Tech. When I get my drone certification, I hope to use it as a freelance photographer for real estate.”
MY CTE: “CTE helps students learn information, processes, and software that will help you in your career of choice. What I learned did not impact my decision, but it did strengthen my understanding of things I will use in my degree. Being drone certified does not directly impact my preparation for engineering, however, it has helped me understand how drones work and the technology behind it. That understanding I hope will benefit me as I go to study engineering.”
ALLIE ALLEN, JUNIOR
Health Science – Physical Therapy; 2 years in CTE
SKILLS: CPR, First-Aid, dissection techniques, and human anatomy
CERTIFICATIONS: CPR/First Aid, Certified Nursing Assistant
FUTURE: “I am planning on using my CNA license when I get a job out of high school to get hands-on experience. This is also going to be very beneficial in applications for jobs and even colleges. I will be furthering my education at UTSA and either going into physical therapy or taking the physician’s assistant route.”
MY CTE: “CTE offers tons of different pathways to help set you up to be successful outside of high school, and CTE is a great pathway to follow even if you might change your job career later down the road because it will allow you to just have that many more skills.”
RILEY BILBREY, SENIOR
Practicum in Ag 2 – Plumbing; 4 years in CTE
SKILLS: welding, critical thinking skills, planning skills
CERTIFICATION: welding certificate
FUTURE: “I plan on getting a job in the workforce of Abilene by becoming a plumber, and then going to Cisco and finishing my welding certification and getting my pipe fitting certification.”
MY CTE: “If you learn a trade, you will never be out of a job…like building houses; your skills will always be a demand. CTE classes opened the door by being able to have good skills and tools before starting work.”
Take a CLICK and SCROLL to see CTE students in action and to learn how you can become a CTE partner or hire a Bulldog. www.wyliebulldogs.org/Page/227
By Kristen Johnson
OUR GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Junior Carson Tucker is the first student photographer to partner with Wylie Growl editor Kristen Johnson. He was responsible for capturing the image of each student profiled for this story. Tucker started dabbling in photography during Covid as a way to stay active and creative. He has since begun his own photography
business. This year, he is taking his first CTE class, which is social media marketing and sport marketing.
“Being involved in something such as CTE gives you a head start in learning things for careers you want to do in the future. It provides opportunities for every single student’s interest. As I proceed into growing my photography business, it will help me in knowing how to make graphics that promote my business.”
Check out Carson Tucker Photography Co. on Instagram and Facebook.