San Luis High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) student leaders visited the City of San Luis Council during the February 8 council meeting to advocate the importance of CTE in education.
After hearing from the students, the City of San Luis proclaimed February 6-10 as “SkillsUSA Week,” and February as “Career and Technical Education Month.”
"It feels amazing because I am advocating for my school and my city,” SLHS student and SkillsUSA Arizona State Historian Rual Rivas said. “Advocating for something I am passionate about is what makes me do it. Being able to showcase to others what CTE is and how helpful it is to our students is one of the reasons. One of the benefits of doing it is that I can give back to a place that has done so much for me and others as well.”
The students prepared a presentation that highlighted SLHS programs, awards, dual credit opportunities, industry certification obtainment, and community services.
This marks the third year that the City of San Luis celebrated SkillsUSA Week and CTE Month.
“It feels really great being able to be presented with the opportunity to participate in advocating for SLHS and CTE to the City of San Luis,” SLHS student and SkillsUSA Region I president Kamyla Ruiz said. “I firmly believe that CTE challenges students to be the better versions of themselves while also learning many workplace and technical skills that will be beneficial in their future career choice. Advocating for something I love to do daily for our city that provides us with so much is such a surreal experience.”
In the proclamation, City of San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel urged all citizens to acquaint themselves with the services and benefits offered by CTE and Career and Technical Student Organizations such as SkillsUSA.
“I am proud of all the great work our CTE students do to continue to educate our community on the benefits each student receives when they fully participate in any CTE program and prepare them to be college, career and community prepared,” SLHS CTE Instructional Leader Nereida Lansman said. “What makes me the most honored is seeing students be role models for future students by leading the way, educating and encouraging new students to try leadership opportunities, and advocating for the importance of CTE and its benefits to students by sharing their personal journey of growth and accomplishments.”
The SLHS students invited the Mayor and City Council members and their city staff for a first-hand experience to see the CTE programs during a campus tour. The tour took place March 2 at the high school.
