Cascadia Tech News
April 2021
From our Director
I want to take a moment and tell you just how very proud I am of each Cascadia Tech Academy student and staff member. We have come a long way this year, navigating all the changes that have been thrown at us.
We are on the home stretch with the final weeks of the school year, I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our soon to be graduating seniors, congratulating our returning students and welcoming next year’s students - all through a variety of events. Now go out there, have some fun, stay safe and return renewed and energized!
We are doing great things!
-Joan Huston
Educator of the Year!
Cascadia Technical Academy is proud to announce Construction Instructor, Bill Draper as the Evergreen School District Foundation and Homestreet Bank Educator of the Year! He was nominated by the Cascadia Tech Academy administrative team. Bill has taught the first year Construction Technology course for the past 24 years. His background includes earning a Bachelors of Arts in Education from Humboldt State University and while attending college and after graduation, he supported himself through working in the construction industry for 11 years. When the opportunity arose, combing his passion for teaching and the trades, Bill jumped in with hammer in hand!
This same enthusiasm sparked Assistant Director, Tami Oppliger to write about Bill in the application, “Throughout my years in education I have witnessed effective teaching. However, once in a while we see individuals that are blessed with the gift of teaching. Teaching that comes naturally, a giver of dreams and a person that impacts the life of others. This skill is far reaching and impacts the trajectory of those that are lucky enough to have a teacher like this.”
Bill’s co-worker, friend and Construction II Instructor, Lance Landis commented that he has the pleasure of working side by side co-teaching Construction Technology. Stating, “Over the years I have witnessed the profound impact that Bill has had on his students. He has been instrumental in helping students learn the construction trade and find their path to a career. He is a master teacher, a mentor and a valued part of our staff.”
The Educator of the Year nominee is someone who is an exceptionally inspiring, committed and dedicated educator. Director, Joan Huston shared, “We are extremely proud to have Bill earn the title of Educator of the Year for Evergreen Public Schools. All of our instructors are amazing professionals in their industry and in their teaching careers. Bill goes above and beyond for all of his students all the time. He is very deserving of this recognition.” Mr. Draper continues to do great things!
Rising Stars
This newsletter section showcases the achievements of our students inside and outside of their Cascadia Tech Academy classroom. These students are making a difference in our community and becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. They really do shine bright!
Business Principles student Liam Tatum took first place in Plant Identification at the FFA Nursery Landscape Competition for Hudson's Bay High School. Liam shared that the Business Principles training dovetails and supports his FFA successes. Future Farmers of America has been the premier leadership, personal growth and career success organization, with a focus on the future of agriculture since 1928.
Liam ultimately wants to own a horticulture business focusing on either landscape and floral design or greenhouse management. Liam stated, “Business Principles is helping me grow my skills and earn certifications, allowing my dream of owning my own business to come true.” Now Liam and the #1 FFA team from Hudson’s Bay High School, will be moving on to the state tournament. We cheer Liam on to do great things in FFA and beyond!
Aviation Technology student Brooke Kirby, was awarded an inaugural $100,000 Character in Leadership Scholarship from AFJROTC J-100! Battle Ground High School participates in this leadership organization, where students learn the principles of leadership, integrity and service before self through hands-on management experiences. The goal of this program is to assist students to become officers and leaders in the U.S. Air Force.
Brooke's interest in aviation began as a young child, wanting to be an astronaut. Being surrounded by family members in the aviation industry she always knew her career would take her into the clouds. Currently her focus is set on becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. Following graduation in June, Brooke heads to Lynchburg, VA to attend flight school training over the summer. Then she plans to attend a 4-year university in the fall with both ROTC and aviation programs. The sky’s the limit for this Cascadia Tech Academy student - watch her soar!
Applied Medical Sciences student Lauren Campbell was selected for the St. Jude Leadership Society. This prestigious society provides leadership development to a select few high school students who share St. Jude’s commitment to “give back to country and community”. Lauren is a junior at Ridgefield High School. During this year’s leadership training program she will learn how to make meaningful connections with peers, mentors and business leaders. Lauren’s goal is to raise $5000 by June 15, 2021 to support the hospital and its research, culminating in a visit to St. Jude’s Memphis, TN campus this summer.
Next school year Lauren is accepted into the highly competitive AMS II program. Following high school graduation, she plans to continue her education to become an Emergency Room Nurse. This leadership opportunity with St. Jude's will provide a bridge to opening more doors for her future career goals. Cascadia Tech Academy is proud of her accomplishments and dedication to the children of tomorrow!
2021-2022 Orientations
Congratulations to all accepted 2021-2022 students! We are so excited that you will be attending Cascadia Tech Academy next year. As an incoming student, each program has a mandatory orientation which must be attended by the student and one parent/guardian. At this time, orientation will be virtual.
Dates: May 25 or May 27
Time: 6:00 -7:30 PM
Instructors will send a meeting link to the email listed on your SchoolMint application. Please note, all students outside of Evergreen Public Schools will need to use a personal device.
Your future awaits!
We still have openings for the 2021-2022 school year! If earning college credits and national certifications while attending high school is for you, then check out our 15 programs in high demand job areas to jump-start your future. For additional requirements, reach out to your high school counselor today!
Cascadia Tech Academy is open to sophomores and juniors in Southwest Washington, apply at: cascadia.schoolmint.net
BREAKING NEWS!
To limit class size, two hybrid learning schedules will be offered for summer school:
Group A: In-person 8 to 11 AM / On-demand 12 to 3 PM
Group B: On-demand 8 to 11 AM / In-person 12 to 3 PM
Dates: June 21-July 9 (No School July 5)
Registration Opens: Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7 AM
Classes fill quickly! Create your account early: cascadia.schoomint.net
SchoolMint has a WALKME tool at the bottom of the screen to assist you. Create an account in advance to be ready to complete the application on May 1, 2021.
Visit cascadiatech.org for more information and a complete list of available classes.