Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars recognized

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced that 261 Kansas high school seniors – the highest number ever – have been named 2023 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.

The announcement was made during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 11.

The Kansas CTE Scholar program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school. The first Kansas CTE Scholars were named in 2017.

To be named a CTE Scholar, a student must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria:

Have completed (or upon successful completion of current course enrollment) a minimum of three CTE credits with at least two of the three credits above introductory level. Earned credits can be across pathways.
Have a CTE grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.
Be involved in civic engagement leadership, which refers to a student selecting an issue of concern and providing leadership through project-based actions to improve the community, state or nation; or have a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer experience. A letter of validation is required for civic engagement leadership, and documentation of 100 hours with an adult signature is required for community service.
Work-place learning experience. These experiences can include school-based experiences, internships, clinicals, supervised agricultural experiences, community-based or student-led businesses located on or off the school campus. The experiences should reflect the career interests of the candidate and industry expectations. A minimum of 80 hours of experience is expected prior to submission, along with an essay of 175 words or less titled, “My Work-Based Learning Experiences.”
Career vision summary statement. This is a short reflection of a candidate’s personal career vision and future plans. A maximum of 175 words is allowed.

Scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate, graduation honor cord and statewide recognition.

This year’s Kansas CTE Scholars from Liberal High School are:

Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School

AB Amador, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, marketing.

Maximilliano Arcos, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, marketing.

Marisol Arenivas, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, health and biosciences.

Marissa Arenivas, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, business management and administration.

Lexianni Franz, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, manufacturing.

Harold McElroy, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, arts, AV, technology and communications.

Emily Silaphanh, Liberal USD 480, Liberal High School, arts, AV, technology and communications.