SAISD Celebrates Workforce of Tomorrow During 2nd Annual Career Signing Day (2024)

Ten seniors in SAISD’s program showed their intention after graduation during the 2nd Annual Career Signing Day on May 7. During the event, the students, from both Central High School and Lake View High School, signed letters of intent of enrolling in a university, community college or technical school; entering the workforce; or joining the military.

“I believe it’s valuable to recognize students that graduate with an Industry-Based Certification or complete a Program of Study and have committed to continue in that field of work,” said Roxanne Fentress, San Angelo ISD Director of Career & Technical Education. “Our goal in Career & Technical Education is to continue preparing students for in-demand, high-wage careers to meet the workforce needs of the Concho Valley and beyond.”

Through a partnership with Howard College, SAISD students in the CTE pathways can obtain technical dual credit courses taught by Howard College instructors or SAISD employees who are certified adjunct faculty. This year, 19 SAISD students who completed a CTE program of study related to a career area of their interest shared their plans after graduation. Many will graduate with Technical Dual Credit hours they earned from Howard College and many will graduate with industry-based certifications. “Many certifications require extensive hours and a certain skill set that isn’t easy to attain,” said Ms. Fentress. “These students demonstrate achievement through their dedication and hard work. I am happy to acknowledge and celebrate that!”

Congratulations to the 2024 Career Signing Day Participants:
* student signed letter of intent at 2nd Annual Career Signing Day

EDUCATION PROGRAM OF STUDY

• * Alexis Bridges, Central High School – will graduate with Educational Aide I certification, will continue education at Odessa College
• * Aliyah Favela, Lake View High School – will graduate with Educational Aide I certification, will continue education at Howard College
• * Laura Gonzalez, Central High School – will graduate with Educational Aide I certification, will continue education at Angelo State University
• * Alanna Lopez, Central High School – will graduate with Child Development Associate certification
• * Yarizbeth Rodriguez, Lake View High School – will graduate with Educational Aide I certification, will continue education at Angelo State University
• * Mackenzie Yarbrough, Central High School – will graduate with Educational Aide I certification, will continue education at Howard College
• Jalyn Torres – will graduate with Educational Aide 1 certification

“Collectively, these students have accumulated over 2500 hours of experience in observing and interning within SAISD,” Ms. Fentress said.

MILITARY

• * Jacob Crawford, Central High School – participated in CTE program of study, will join United States Navy

MANUFACTURING PROGRAM OF STUDY

• Jaden Roberson – participated in CTE program of study, will join the workforce after graduation

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM OF STUDY

• * Benjamin Hoelsken, Central High School – participated in the construction, management and inspection program of study, will enter workforce
• * Kyle Pineda, Central High School – participated in the construction, management and inspection program of study, will continue education at Howard College
• William Thomas – participated in the construction, management, and inspection program of study

AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM OF STUDY

• * William Worden, Lake View High School – has participated in the transportation, distribution and logistics program of study with concentration on collision repair pathway, will continue education at Lincoln Technical Institute

All of the following students also participated in the transportation, distribution and logistics program of study:

• Jorge Calamaco
• Bryan Huichapa
• Joey Humphreys
• Jayden King
• Julian Ortiz
• Darrell Ussery

During Career Signing Day parents, siblings, extended family members and SAISD administrators, principals and staff gathered in the SAISD board room to celebrate the students’ achievement.

“It’s always wonderful to see parents participate in events that celebrate student success,” said Ms. Fentress. “Parents have hopes and dreams for their children, and our CTE programs help students achieve their hopes and dreams for their chosen career. We had a family attend where both parents are educators in our District. They were proud to see their daughter sign a letter of intent to serve in education, just as they did. How rewarding to see your legacy continue in the next generation!”

CTE Career Signing Day was made possible through a partnership between SAISD’s CTE department, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development division, Concho Valley Workforce Development Board, Texas Workforce Commission, and Howard College. We thank these community partners for supporting the future opportunities of our students as they enter the next chapter toward their own dreams.

“Your ability to adapt, apply knowledge and skills to new and unfamiliar situations, and to continually learn new skills, that’s what’s going to set you up for personal and professional success,” said Mike Berry, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Manager. “But I want to challenge you. I don’t want you to just be a person focused on your success … I want to challenge you to also be thinking about being a person of value, where you emphasize the impact you have on others in the broader community … No matter where this journey takes you, I want you to bloom wherever you’re planted. It’s the best advice my dad ever gave me. I want you to go out and I want you to be bold. I want you to be unashamed, unapologetic and unafraid because we are here rooting for you. Congratulations.”

To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.