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Bettendorf students recognized: yearbook wins, EMT certification path, student-built home and airplane projects
Summary
Board heard multiple student recognitions and program updates: Bettendorf High School's yearbook earned national and state recognition; a senior preparing to graduate as a certified EMT spoke; students are participating in a student-built home through a CTE program and an airplane build project is underway.
The board meeting included a series of student recognitions and program updates, highlighting career and technical education and extracurricular accomplishments.
Yearbook recognition: The district announced that the Bettendorf High School yearbook "Revision" received industry recognition from Pictavo (the yearbook division referenced) as one of the 2025 yearbooks of the year and was also named Iowa High School Press Association yearbook of the year in its division. The presenter praised adviser John Staver and students, noting the program's focus on real-world journalism and design and that the yearbook sold roughly 700 copies last year. "From the company's international network of yearbook creators, 11 publications garnered recognition based on their inclusivity, representation, overall reporting, writing, and editing," a presenter said.
EMT pathway: Senior Ella Andes told the board she plans to pursue paramedicine and is enrolled in the second-semester EMT course. "I've always been a person who's able to work well under pressure and make quick decisions when they really count... I'm in the second semester EMT course... I'll graduate high school as a certified EMT," Andes said.
Student-built home and airplane projects: The board recognized seven Bettendorf High School students participating in a student-built home program offered through the Danforth Career and Technical Education partnership and Quad City Realtors. District staff said the program provides hands-on experience; Quad City Realtors provide tools and scholarships, and the completed home will be sold at the end of the school year. The presenter said Davenport Schools currently host the build site and that Bettendorf staff are in discussions to bring a similar program to Bettendorf.
The board also received a short update on a student airplane build effort: the district sold one completed airplane and the second aircraft is under construction, with an engineering teacher serving as an on-site adviser to grow local participation.
Why it matters: The items illustrate the district's emphasis on career pathways, hands-on technical education and student recognition. The yearbook recognition highlights arts and journalism programming while the CTE projects show partnerships with local organizations to provide workplace learning.
