Bringing back hands-on learning
We were pleased to hear that state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman anticipates Arizona’s schools being able to reopen in August to have students on campus. EVIT is working hard to finish out this school year by providing online instruction and other learning opportunities for our students. But there really is no substitution for the hands-on training that is the cornerstone of career and technical education. Once we are allowed to have students on campus again, we plan to bring back any current students who desire to work on their skills to prepare for certification exams or to complete hours needed to test for state licenses.
Top chefs
Three of EVIT’s Culinary Arts students recently won scholarships through C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program). Kirsten Shultz won a $62,160 full tuition scholarship to Culinary Institute of America and an $845 community college stipend, Nataleigh Smith won the $2,000 Phoenician Scholarship, and Caileigh Burdette won the $2,000 Barbara Slifka Scholarship. These outstanding culinary students were coached by EVIT Culinary Arts instructor Armour Black.
Perfect attendance cars
Next week, EVIT will reward not one – but two – lucky EVIT students with a car! Every year, a donated vehicle is refurbished by the Automotive Technologies program, and then students with perfect attendance get a chance to win the car in a drawing of keys. The person with the key that starts the car, wins the car. But this year, two vehicles were donated – a 2006 Kia Spectra and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. Next week, the names of eight students will be drawn from the pool of those with perfect attendance. Then on May 15, in a virtual event, they will learn if they have the winning keys. EVIT emphasizes perfect attendance every year because good attendance is a vital part of doing any job well. Congrats to all EVIT students who have had perfect attendance this year!
Masks for Mesa Fire
Mesa Mayor John Giles and the City of Mesa have recognized EVIT with a Certificate of Appreciation for the donation of over 200 nonmedical masks for Mesa Fire and Medical personnel who have contact with the public. The masks were sewn by EVIT Fashion Design students, alumni, staff and community members under the direction and coordination of fashion instructor Landry Low and Assistant Principal Dana Kuhn. Great job!
Thank a teacher
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, so we are recognizing EVIT instructors all week on our social media platforms. Our student councils also voted to buy each EVIT teacher a Grubhub gift card. In a note to teachers, student council President Anna Moore wrote: “From staying up late to organize lesson plans or grade our papers, to creating an enjoyable learning environment, your passion, dedication, and patience allow us as students to accomplish our biggest aspirations. During this tough time, you have done everything possible to keep us on our path to success ... Every one of you inspires your students in more ways than you know … The words ‘thank you’ do not seem to be enough.” Anna, we could not agree more.