Alpena CTE students honored at annual excellence banquet
ALPENA — Alpena High School Career and Technical Education students were recently honored for their leadership skills, technical skills, and professional skills at their annual excellence banquet.
Following COVID guidelines, a limited audience attended the event. Each CTE teacher shared the accomplishments of their students and their career aspirations. Recognition awards were handed out by David Rabbideau, Alpena Public Schools superintendent, Matt Poli, executive director of human resources, and Tom Berriman, Alpena High School principal.
The Breaking Traditions Merit Award, a special award from the State of Michigan Office of Career and Technical Education was presented to Kennedy Ellis for her outstanding contributions in agriscience, a program considered non-traditional for female enrollment. This is one of 25 awards given statewide.
The following awards were given:
¯ Auto Technology — Dawson Ableidinger, Zachary Kazyaka
¯ Agriscience — Kennedy Ellis, Julie Eller
¯ Marketing/VE — Benjamin Poli, Kameron Potter, Brett Budnik, Jenna Zielaskowski
¯ Health Occupations — Mary Burns, Elyse Clark, Emilie Bruski
¯ Construction Tech — Keltonn Budnick
¯ Woodworking Technology — Blaise Kellar, Allen Johnson
¯ Advanced Technologies — Eli Rondeau
¯ Mechatronics — Kaleb Gerke
¯ Teacher Academy — Corine Donajkowski, Angelina DeCare, Jenna Zielaskowski
¯ Business Management — Grace Brege, Jade Gray
¯ Digital Media — Griffin Fairchild, Braden Burns
¯ Welding Technologies — Beau Oliver, Mitchell Agius, Patrick McCourt
Over 650 students participate in Career and Technical Education programs each year. With school going virtual for part of the year, AHS students still excelled.