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Students spotlighted at CASB; St. Vrain drone team showcases industry partnerships and certifications
Summary
Student leaders and program staff reported on CASB participation, PTeach pathways and the Innovation Center drone performance team — citing industry certifications, a 500-drone show partnership and pathways to postsecondary and workforce opportunities.
Students from St. Vrain Valley School District described their experiences at the December Colorado Association of School Boards conference and highlighted district programs that connect students to career pathways.
Six student leaders — including Tucker Beasley (Silver Creek High), Nick Quintana (Silver Creek High), Eshawn Benoit (Niwad High), Anna Johan (Lyons Middle Senior), Daisy Vera (Skyline High) and student advisory representative Ava Reed (Frederick High) — summarized CASB sessions they attended and underscored opportunities for student–board dialogue on topics such as school security and the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
District staff and PTeach program leaders described a PTeach panel at CASB that showcased how the program prepares high-school students for careers in education. Dana Curtin introduced student panelists Reagan Butte (Erie High) and Solana Rodriguez (Apex), and presenters noted PTeach graduates who have entered the teaching workforce.
The Innovation Center’s drone performance team gave a separate presentation. Joe McBrayn and team leader Danny Hernandez highlighted a program that now includes 24 students representing seven of eight district high schools. Students described roles across piloting, animation, project management, music and film; presenters said more than a dozen team members have obtained FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems pilot certifications and some animators completed Python certifications.
The team reported partnerships with Firefly and described flying a 500-drone show at the Future of Education Technology Conference; presenters said the program has completed 19,684 individual drone flights across 46 official shows since its launch. Board members praised the program’s innovation, mentoring (acknowledging Paul Hollingshead) and the real-world opportunities it provides for students pursuing aerospace, production and technical careers.
Board members repeatedly commended the students and staff for representing the district at CASB and for the Innovation Center’s role in expanding hands-on pathways to postsecondary education and the workforce.
