Celebrating Career and Technical Education

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and to celebrate Moraine Park held its annual Moraine Park Association of CTE awards banquet February 20 at the Columbian in West Bend.

The banquet recognized individuals and organizations for their dedication to and excellence in career and technical education. The following Moraine Park staff were honored with awards: Brenda Nickel, Outstanding Support Professional; Bonnie Bauer, Outstanding CTE Leader; Lisa Pollard, Outstanding Instructor; Brenda Schaefer, New Instructor; Mary Pat Thompson, Ann Torgersen and Bonnie Weiland-Hare, Longevity.  

A couple Moraine Park MPACTE award winners (from left to right): Lisa Pollard, Brenda Schaefer and Bonnie Bauer.



 The Business Awards of Merit went to: Briggs and Stratton, Kohler Company and Mercury Marine for their support of the Moraine Park Foundation and our Engine Research and Development Technician program. We are very proud of the relationships we share with these companies and look forward to building on those partnerships.

I hope if you know one of these award winners you will take a moment to say hello and congratulate them on their commitment to technical education and for the hard work they do to keep the CTE spirit alive at Moraine Park and our communities.

As February comes to a close and we welcome spring, let's think of ways to keep the CTE spirit going, whether it's in the classroom, office or in the community.

Showcasing MPTC Students at the Capitol

On Tuesday, January 31^st I had the opportunity to attend A Celebration of Student Engagement at the State Capitol Rotunda.  Along with college staff, four students participated and shared projects and information about the degree programs they are enrolled in.  I was most impressed with their professionalism and the excitement they shared as they met with legislators, guests and students and staff from the 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges.  Students shared the learning environment, integration of technology and ways to give back to their communities.  I asked each of the students to share a thought from the day’s event:

Amanda Finstag – Waupun

Interactive Media Design

“. . . great experience, I would do it again!”

Tina Pawicz – Beaver Dam

Build a Bear and Friends Charity Event

“. . . this was an excellent opportunity to meet future leaders!”

John Lippold – Jackson

Interactive Media Design

 “. . . enjoyed being in the Capitol Rotunda with the design, beauty and reflection.”

Lee McClendon – Chicago

Changing our Community through Service Projects (Culinary Arts)

“. . . tremendous way to meet new people and learn about the different technical colleges in Wisconsin.”

Lee is also featured in the Showcase video http://youtu.be/YwzhQW6bylY

I hope you will take a few minutes and view the video!