Mayor proclaims February 2025 Career and Technical Education Month; students urge continued support

Mayor Eric Orsborn formally proclaimed February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month at the Feb. 18 Buckeye City Council meeting and invited students and staff from West-MEC and Buckeye Union High School to speak about their experiences in CTE programs.

Apple Archer, a first-year student in the Southwest West-MEC veterinary science program, read a letter to the mayor describing hands-on instruction from an experienced instructor, certifications and exposure to real-world veterinary practice. "I've gained a deeper understanding of veterinary science, and I feel more prepared than ever to pursue a career," Archer said.

Student leaders echoed that theme. Valerie Michael, president of the Southwest campus Vet Science host chapter and a Buckeye Union High School student, described participation in community service projects, animal-rescue volunteering and job-shadowing that she said helped confirm her desire to attend veterinary school. Evelyn Larios, vice president of the HOSA chapter at West-MEC Southwest, described industry certifications, surgery observation and clinic job-shadowing as critical to her readiness for a veterinary career.

The mayor read a proclamation referencing both the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona and national CTE organizations and noted the city recognizes CTE for helping students develop practical skills in fields forecast to grow over the next decade. He invited West-MEC and Buckeye Union leadership and students forward for a group photo to mark the proclamation.