I am writing to share more about the CTE millage on the May 5 ballot. I am the instructor for the Health Sciences CTE Program at Newberry High School that is offered to juniors and seniors at Newberry and Engadine schools. In addition to exposure to healthcare careers, the program helps students gain employable skills and prepare for life beyond high school.
Health CTE students also become CPR and First Aid certified. Over the past two years, they have hosted multiple Mental Health Days for Newberry Middle and High School students. This year, the seniors hosted a blood drive, sponsoring 21 donations that will serve communities in the U.P. Last year’s seniors were granted, combined, over $20,000 in scholarships to support their continued education in healthcare.
These opportunities only scratch the surface of the Health CTE Program.
CTE programs are very valuable in rural areas that struggle to recruit and maintain a workforce. Students enrolled in CTE get work-based learning opportunities right here in our community. Health CTE students intern at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and can graduate as certified phlebotomy technicians or ECG technicians.
High school intends to prepare students for life, and CTE programs prepare students to thrive while directly growing the local workforce.
In addition to managing the Health CTE Program, I am employed by HNJH as a family nurse practitioner. A program like this is vital to the future of our hospital. It inspires students to seek healthcare careers and encourages them to return to their hometown to work. I myself graduated from Newberry High School and now serve the community I grew up in.
The other CTE program offered at NHS is Geometry in Construction/Building & Trades, overseen by Linus Parr. This program also offers career ready certifications, work-based learning opportunities and many hands-on “real world” skills. One-third of Newberry students graduating this year are currently in CTE programs, and others participated in CTE during high school.
I strongly encourage you to vote yes on May 5th for our students, our future, and our community. Thank you for supporting opportunities that prepare local students for success after graduation.
Brook Dake, FNP-C
Newberry
