Palestine highlights its Career, Technical programs for students with showcase

Pennylynn Webb, Palestine Herald-Press, Texas
·2 min read

Feb. 8—The Palestine Independent School District hosted its second Career and Technical Education Showcase Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Throughout the day, students in grades sixth through12th visited a variety of booths to learn what is available for their educational and professional futures. Students actively asked questions about the classes offered and what they would get to do in those classes.

Some of the booths were interactive as well. Those visiting the Agriculture booth got to pet bunnies. At the Construction booth, students could work with various tools. At the Robotics booth, students demonstrated how you fly drones with a mini-drone. And the EMT/Fire Booth was demonstrating how they load a person on a gurney.

"The career showcase is a wonderful opportunity for PHS CTE students and staff to share a vast knowledge of their vocations with students from across the District as well as community members," said Larissa Loveless, Director of Public Relations for PISD. "It is a great time for all to reflect on the many opportunities provided to students to prepare for their futures. We plant seeds with students from A. M. Story regarding future careers and high school class selections as well as Palestine Junior High students."

Booths from the Palestine High School's CTE program included:

—Cosmetology

—Agriculture

—Architecture & Construction

—Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

—Business

—Education

—Health Science

—Hospitality & Tourism

—Law & Public Service

There were also local businesses set up to show how they correlate with classes offered at PISD through the CTE program. Participating businesses included Wayne Sanderson Farms; Long Industries, Inc.; Palestine Police Department; Quick Strike Media and the Palestine Herald-Press.

For the seniors, the CTE Showcase featured area colleges, including Stephen F. Austin, TSTC, Trinity Valley Community College, Kilgore College, and the military, including Sgt. Shariff Suleiman with the Texas National Guard

"For the six, seventh and eight we wanted to showcase what is offered at Palestine through our CTE program," said Brian Howie, Assistant Superintendent. "We don't want kids to go through junior high and high school and not know what we offer. For our seniors we wanted to help them look at career options, pick a pathway, if they haven't already decided."

PISD also offered a Parent Preview after school. Loveless said parents of incoming ninth grade students are invited to visit as well in order to understand resources and the best schedule/class options as their student enters high school.