PVHS ProStart students attended the annual “CTSO at the Roundhouse” event at the state capitol, as members of SkillsUSA, a diverse career and technical student organization (CTSO.) As part of the event, the New Mexico Association for Family and Consumer Sciences and NMSU Cooperative Extension Office launched the “It's More Than a Cookie" campaign, selecting PVHS to bake the iconic biscochitos. The campaign packaged the cookies with information about the skills and knowledge gained in FCS classes (like Culinary Arts,) which were presented to legislators from throughout the state. In the process, these students showcased their skills and represented the high school and district with professionalism.
CTSOs bring classroom experiences to life. At the Roundhouse, students were able to witness firsthand how policy is created and how the business of the state is conducted. They attended finance and education committee meetings, spoke with legislative staff about the work of governance, and attended the Senate floor session. The highlight of the day undoubtedly was being formally recognized by the NM Senate for their time, effort, and for sharing the gifts made by their own hands. The day blended career and technical mastery, leadership development, and civic learning ~ all the elements that are found in a CTSO experience.
Most ProStart students are “foodies” at heart. This group was ready and willing to explore the rich culinary offerings of the Santa Fe Plaza. We concluded by sampling French cuisine for lunch ~ and they loved it!
We are deeply grateful to Glenda Depaula and Dianne Kemp from the Association for Family and Consumer Sciences, and Michelle Stizza from the NMSU Cooperative Extension Office, for entrusting us with a project of this magnitude. These students represented Pojoaque Valley High School with excellence; we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Wyate Duran
Izabella Gray
Isai Originales
Lucas Rael
Lorena Romero
Elisyana Vigil
Way to Go!!!