Buena High students and CTE staff showcase nursing, CNA, JROTC and DECA programs
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Summary
Buena High School students and CTE staff presented program highlights to the Sierra Vista Unified board, citing dual-credit partnerships, certification opportunities and competitive successes in HOSA and DECA.
Students and staff from Buena High School presented Career and Technical Education (CTE) program highlights to the Sierra Vista Unified School District Governing Board during a regular meeting that began at 6 p.m.
Brianna McDaniel, Buena assistant principal and CTE director, introduced student presentations on nursing, certified nursing assistant (CNA) training, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), JROTC and DECA. Students described hands-on experiences, dual-credit opportunities with Cochise College and community partnerships that led to certifications, internships and competition placements.
Kylie Scholl, a first-year nursing student, told the board the program "has improved my leadership skills" and pushed her to consider a career in medicine. Veronica Jimenez said students earned CPR and first-aid certifications and participated in community service activities such as Angel Tree drives and spa days at retirement homes. A CNA student described dual-credit courses and upcoming clinical experiences at Life Care.
CTE outreach coordinator Jennifer Coto summarized program monitoring results: the district completed the five-year program monitoring cycle with all 13 monitored CTE programs meeting 12 of 12 compliance points; five programs were designated for distinguished achievement (JROTC, engineering, home health, law and public safety, and marketing). Coto said the district is planning two new programs — fire science and network security — for possible implementation next year and highlighted continued partnerships with Cochise College, where seven students are currently taking welding classes and one is in HVAC.
Cadet Captain Kenzie Zekora, a senior in JROTC, described leadership growth and community service components of the program, saying, "We are not looking to recruit anybody into the military. We are simply here to teach people to motivate them to be better citizens." Zekora also reported a 99 score on the program accreditation and noted teams competing in cybersecurity, raiders, drill, color guard and marksmanship events.
DECA students reported competition growth: one presenter said the district sent 55 students to district DECA competition and won 64 medals; the program is expected to send 43 students to the state competition in late February. Students and staff described fundraising that raised nearly $9,000 in December to support trips and competition costs.
Staff and student presenters emphasized workforce-readiness outcomes: dual credits with Cochise College, CNA clinical placements at Life Care, certifications that prepare students for entry-level health careers, and competitive opportunities that build communication and business skills. Administrators asked board members to attend upcoming events including the Buena Showcase on Feb. 12 and multiple spring competitions.
Board members thanked students and staff for the presentations and acknowledged February as CTE month. The presentations concluded before the meeting moved on to other agenda items.
