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Students showcase career-technical programs and state-level wins at Salinas Union High board meeting
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Summary
Students from Mission Trails ROP, FFA chapters and mock-trial teams presented hands-on Career Technical Education work, industry certifications and competition results — including state qualifiers and a Gold National Chapter Award — to the Salinas Union High School District board.
At its March 10 meeting, the Salinas Union High School District board heard a series of student-led presentations highlighting Career Technical Education programs and recent competitive successes.
Students from Mission Trails ROP described hands-on coursework and industry credentials that connect classroom learning to careers. "My CTE course at MTRP has given me many hands on learning opportunities that connects directly to real careers," said Gabriela Martinez, a culinary student, who noted she earned ServSafe certification. Alex Giles, an EMT/EMR student, listed certifications including CPR, AED and OSHA that his program provides.
FFA chapters from Everett Alvarez, North Salinas and other sites reported enrollment growth, industry certification totals and fair awards. Lexi Rodriguez, North Salinas FFA president, said her chapter served 221 unduplicated students and students earned more than 300 industry credentials this school year.
Rancho San Juan's mock-trial team recounted courtroom-style competitions and coaching support from local attorneys. Maria Duarte, the team’s pretrial prosecution attorney, described second-place finishes at regional contests and praised attorney coaches who volunteered time to mentor students.
Why it matters: board members and staff said the presentations demonstrate how CTE pathways reinforce the district’s portrait of a graduate by combining technical skills, certifications and real-world experience that can lead directly into the workforce or postsecondary programs.
Board response and next steps: trustees thanked students and teachers and encouraged continued partnership with Hartnell College and local attorneys for legal-academy planning. Staff said they will circulate materials shared in the presentations and continue to track state/federal grant opportunities that support CTE expansion.
