Career and technical education (CTE) programs at Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) have had an incredible impact on the lives of students, teachers, staff, and parents. These CTE programs give students the upper hand in a competitive job market, while setting them up for success with certifications and real-world experiences. Programs also let students explore career options and decide what they are passionate about.
CTE teachers and parents of CTE students both recognize the significance of career exploration and certification for their students. At a recent board meeting, those impacted by the CTE programs spoke up about their experiences and the importance of the programs.
Hear from students, teachers, and parents on their CTE experience:
Michael Thompson, CTE Engineering Instructor at Crismon High School
“Good evening, President Davis. governing board members, and Dr. Berry. My name is Michael Thompson, the engineering instructor at Crismon High School. I have the honor of teaching in Queen Creek Unified School District. I’m here tonight to personally thank the four governing board members who voted to approve this year’s budget.
That vote was about so much more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It was a vote for our teachers, for manageable class sizes, for competitive, academic, and CTE programs, and most importantly, for the nearly 16,000 students who walk through our door every day counting on us.”
Hannah Gagnon, 2026 Queen Creek High School Alumna
“Good evening, President Davis, governing board members, and Dr. Berry. My name is Hannah Gagnon, and I am a 2026 graduate of Queen Creek High School’s nursing program. Thank you for continuing to support and protect our CTE and nursing programs at Queen Creek High School. Because of your support, students like me have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that prepare us for future careers in health care.
As a student-athlete, if I had been required to travel for EVIT, I would not have been able to compete in my two sports, Link Crew, and take the on-campus CTE agriculture program, along with nursing. Having their nursing program on campus allowed me to balance academics, athletics, and career preparation.
Through this program, I have learned technical skills like taking vitals as well as professional skills like communication, empathy, and compassionate patient care.
Earning my CNA license has also given me the opportunity to work in healthcare and in the career exploration activities, helping to discover the nursing specialties that I’m most interested in pursuing in college this fall.
Thank you again for investing in and protecting the CTE and nursing programs on campus at Queen Creek High School. Your support gives students opportunities that truly shape their futures.”
Veronica Pelayo, CTE Parent
“Board members, I am Vivian Pelayo’s Mom, very proud, Mom. I just want to restate how important CTE is. You’ve heard many members here express the importance of CTE. And I just want to say thank you to those who still believe in that and to keep the programs at our schools, so the students have the ability to continue on campus, continue to bond with their friends, and if they want to expand their knowledge, they still can without having to leave the campus.”