In the Works at CTA
February 1, 2023
From the Principal
It's CTE Month!
February is a busy and exciting time here at CTA. This is month where we celebrate National Career & Technical Education month. Throughout this month, we will have special events that highlight our students and programs. These include our regular Open House on Wednesday, February 8th as well as some special events and programs for our elected commissioners and board of education members.
I encourage you to share the "good news" about CTE and specifically about programs at CTA with your friends and neighbors. We will have a post on our Facebook page and we'll encourage you to share your thoughts there. If you have a moment to drop a positive note to a CTA teacher who has had an impact on your student, we would welcome you to do so as well. We are so excited to share throughout this month all about what we do here at CTA every day: #WeDoThatHere.
Finally, I want to wish good luck to our students competing in Regional SkillsUSA competitions throughout next week and culminating on Saturday, February 11th at the Forrest Center in Leonardtown. I am absolutely positive our students are going to come away with many medals. We'll then look forward to state competition March 24th & 25th.
Looking forward to a great month ahead!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Akins
SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA Bowl-A-Thon
MARCH 11, 2023
Lord Calvert Bowl
From 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
We have not been able to host this event for 3 years and are excited to bring it back. There will be door prizes, and cash prizes.
Register here for the Bowl-A-Thon TODAY before spaces fill up!
SkillsUSA Regionals are coming! Please join us here at CTA for Events held here on Wednesday, February 8th and/or on Saturday February 11th in Leonardtown.
Tuesday, 2/7 -- Culinary @ James A Forrest Center (Not open to public)
Wednesday, 2/8 here at CTA (Open to CTA parents and families):
Cosmetology, HVAC, Plumbing, Sheet Metal, TeamWorks, Carpentry, Photography
Thursday, 2/9 Baking and Pastry @ Dr. James A Forrest (Not open to public)
Saturday, 2/11 @ Dr. James A. Forrest (Open to the public! Please join us):
All other competitions – Ad Design, Auto MLR, Auto Service Tech, CSI, Criminal Justice, Digital Cinema, Electrical Construction, Emergency Medical Tech, First Aid/CPR, Internetworking, Medical Assisting, Nurse Assisting, Power Equipment Technology. Firefighting will be also be held this day at the Hollywood Fire Department.
Reach out to Mrs. Wells at wellsr@calvertnet.k12.md.us with any questions about regional competition.
National Technical Honor Society

Congratulations!
The CTA and Calvert High School partner to form our Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. We are very excited to welcome our newest members! The NTHS Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 16th from 8:00 am. - 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will be held here at the Career and Technology Academy 330 Dorsey Road, Prince Frederick, MD.
In addition to their acceptance letters, the students were provided with information regarding application for Officer positions.
We are very happy to congratulate the following students for their acceptance into the National Technical Honor Society:
Lexi Ballinger................................... Academy of Health Professions
Bridget Buck..................................... Academy of Health Professions
Charlotte Buckmaster................... Criminal Justice
Taylor Byrd....................................... Criminal Justice
Mollie Chiarizia.............................. Criminal Justice
Caleb Clauser................................... Electricity
Katie Cooke....................................... Academy of Health Professions
Devin Denton................................... Welding
Malia Ford......................................... Academy of Health Professions
Rachael Haley................................... Academy of Health Professions
Alexander Hawe.............................. CISCO Network Engineering & Cyber Security
Nathan Hawley................................ Academy of Health Professions
Jaiden Jacobs.................................... Academy of Health Professions
Sheala Jefferson................................ Culinary Arts
Andriana Jhingory......................... CISCO Network Engineering & Cyber Security
AP Computer Science: Coding
Kara Kulikowski.............................. Criminal Justice
Juliana LeFever................................ Academy of Health Professions
Hallie MacDonald.......................... CISCO Network Engineering & Cyber Security
Computer Science
Victoria McCreary........................ Interactive Media Production
Jordan Myers.................................... Academy of Health Professions
Morgan Parran................................ Academy of Health Professions and
PLTW: Biomedical Sciences
Aidan Thomson.............................. Interactive Media Production
Johanna Wainwright..................... PLTW: Engineering
Samantha White............................. Academy of Health Professions
Destiny Wright................................ Interactive Media Production and
AP Computer Science: Coding
Special Announcement | BYF Scholarship
ARE YOU ENROLLED IN CONSTRUCTION-RELATED CLASSES?
$10K in Scholarships Available
Through BYF/NTHS Scholarship
Apply Today - Application Closes March 1
The Build Your Future (BYF)/NTHS Scholarship is available to members enrolled in a construction-related CTE area of study who plan to pursue a career in a construction-related discipline. In collaboration with NCCER and its BYF initiative, NTHS annually awards five $2000 scholarships to eligible students.
Who should apply? High School Seniors and/or NTHS Post-Secondary Members enrolled in a construction-related CTE Area of Study.
When is the application due? The deadline to apply for the BYF/NTHS Scholarship is March 1, 2023. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity. Apply today and take the first step towards a successful career in the construction industry.
How do I apply? Log into the NTHS Website and click on the scholarship tile.
This is a great opportunity for those of you who are interested in a career in the construction industry. Not only will this scholarship help to cover the cost of your education, but it will also demonstrate to potential employers that you are dedicated to your chosen field.
If you have any questions about the scholarship or the application process visit the NTHS website for more information.
Academy of Health Professions
Dr. Cutler
Student of the Month: AM Juliana LeFever attends Northern High School. Despite her busy schedule, she still manages to give her best performance in this class. She is always prepared to listen and learn. | Student of the Month: PMKatie Cooke attends Huntingtown High School. She is very focused and always gives 100% in this class. Katie also has an amazing personality; she treats everyone with kindness and respect. |
Student of the Month: AM
Dr. Rachic
Student of the Month: AM Khalil Chew attends Huntingtown High School. He is in the CNA/Phys Rehab pathway. Khalil was unsure if he was going to like CNA content, but persevered and demonstrated amazing skills! He is now a Certified Nursing Assistant, has passed his written Geriatric Nursing Assistant exam and ready to begin his career in healthcare. | Student of the Month: PM Sara Kelley attends Calvert High School. Sara scored very well on her CNA State Board exam and is now certified as a nursing assistant. She is competing in the Health Knowledge Bowl competition at SkillsUSA with 3 other members of the Academy of Health Professions. She is going to Towson University this fall and promises to be an amazing nurse! |
Student of the Month: AM
Student of the Month: PM
Mrs. Sirico
Student of the Month: AM Kaylee Coyner attends Northern High School. Kaylee is a very bright young lady who comes into class every day ready to learn. She participates in class and is always willing to help a classmate. Kaylee will succeed in whatever area she decides to pursue. | Student of the Month: PM Nate Weatherly attends Northern High School. Nate is always ready to take on the day's challenge. He is a go getter, and always has a smile on his face. He will make an excellent healthcare provider. |
Student of the Month: AM
Mrs. Strauss
This month we begin to go out to the clinical setting in preparation for our CNA certifications. This is the time where students really learn what it means to take care of patients. They will be bringing all elements of maturity, responsibility, and professionalism. Patients will be relying on them for their care. It is a rewarding experience.
Student of the Month: AM Ava Thompson attends Northern High School. Ava is sweet and kind, an effervescent cheerleader. But wow does her competitive streak come out when playing Kahoot review games. It is her dream to pursue a nursing career by enrolling in Florida Atlantic University. She will be bringing more sunshine to the sunshine state! | Student of the Month: PM Jordan Myers attends Calvert High School. Smart and resourceful, she notices small but important details that others may have overlooked. It is evident she cares about others. She always makes me laugh. Jordan has that down to earth nature and quick wit which makes for a phenomenally caring nurse. |
Student of the Month: AM
Student of the Month: PM
Automotive
Mr. Lane: Level II
Mr. Trigger: Level I
Student of the Month: AM Xavier Hawkins attends Calvert High School. He comes to class ready to help how he can. He is the first one to assist a classmate and ask what needs to be done. Xavier shows a strong desire to learn and has been doing a great job both in the classroom and in the shop. Keep it up! | Student of the Month: PM Cody Banning attends Huntingtown High School. He starts and ends every day with a smile on his face. That positive attuite and willingness to learn spreads to his peers and makes for an enjoyable class. Cody shows a desire for the trade, and I have no doubt he will excel in anything he does. |
Student of the Month: AM
Student of the Month: PM
Carpentry and Home Improvement
Mr. Harvey
Student of the Month
CISCO
Mr. Cherry: Level II
Mr. Lester
Cosmetology
Mrs. Eckard: Level II
Student of the Month
Mrs. Wimmer: Level I
Culinary Arts
Chef Hille
Student of the Month
Tanner Eaton attends Huntingtown High School. Tanner's dedication to constant personal improvement and hard work is shown in her quality of culinary work, grades and teamwork. She continues to drive high quality in team production and holds herself to a very high standard in class. Tanner works in a local restaurant and is competing in the SkillsUSA regional baking competition.
Chef O'Dell
Electricity
Student of the Month
English
Mrs. Johnson
For Quarter 3, students will continue analyzing texts, but we have a shift in focus; we move into non-fiction. We will read and work with many examples of informational texts.
Student of the Month: AP Language Caleb Clauser is a Patuxent High School student in our Electricity program. Caleb is a responsible young person who completes all his work with attention to details, follows directions, and maintains a high grade in class which shows his high standards for himself. | Jacob Stone is a Huntingtown High School student in our Automotive program. Jacob is a proactive member of the classroom community who participates in classroom discussions and readily provides answers to teacher questions. |
Student of the Month: AP Language
Mr. Keesee's Student of the Month
Mrs. Klem
Student of the Month: English 11 Darian Poetzman attends Huntingtown High School. He has been solid and consistent in our class since day one. He asks questions when he doesn't understand something, which in turn helps the entire class. He is boldly unafraid to share his opinion, even if it is not the same as the rest of the class. Additionally, Darian adds a timely and appropriate comedic element to our class. We appreciate all that he brings to 3rd period! | Student of the Month: Honors English Sydney Cusick attends Patuxent High School. When it comes to writing, Sydney is a force. She uses strong evidence to support her well written claims, and her commentary supports it all seamlessly. She is always on task and gives her best on each assignment. Her hard work and diligence make our class better! |
Student of the Month: English 11
Student of the Month: Honors English
Fire, Rescue, EMT
Mr. Smith
The Fire program would like to give a big thank you to guests that have given us support over the past month at the CTA or hosted study sessions. Thank you to the members of Solomons VFDRS, Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad, Huntingtown VFDRS, Saint Leonard VFDRS, Sgt Dove(Co.4), S.O Yowell(co.3), Dep Chief Threlfall(Co6), Chief Lankford(Co.7), Michelle Mosher(Co.7), Jim Richardson(CC Public Safety), Monty Park(CC Public Safety), Chief Miller(Co.20), and others for their support. Thank you to each EMS/Fire station in Calvert County for their specific support with individual cadets. A special thank you goes out to all company Liaisons who have assisted as well. We look forward to your visit at the end of January!
Student of the Month: AM Cadet Cramer attends Huntingtown High School. Throughout EMT Cramer has made sure to have fun while still getting a grasp of the material. He can be found frequenting the Fire house and participating in sports. Keep up the good work Cramer! | Student of the Month: PM Cadet Alonso attends Calvert High School. Although he may be quiet at times, Cadet Alonso has been studious. Moving into Module 3 he has been working well with many partners. Keep up the hustle Cadet Alonso! |
Student of the Month: AM
Graphic Communications
Mr. Owens
Level I
We are well into learning InDesign. Upcoming projects include a two-page newsletter. In conjunction with learning the software, we just completed a chapter on Typography. Two of our level I students qualified to compete in the regional SkillsUSA Ad Design contest.
Level II
Students just completed a lesson on Digital Printing and are creating power points on various types of file formats that are appropriate for Digital Pre-Press.
Student of the Month: Level IJesse McDonough attends Patuxent High School. Jesse is heading to regional competition next month and has been practicing for the challenge. | Student of the Month: Level II Elizabeth Foster attends Patuxent High School. Elizabeth finished first in our local SkillsUSA Advertising Design competition and will represent us at regional competition in February. She is also working with AJ Halsey to create a mascot for our program that can be printed on t-shirts and other items. |
Student of the Month: Level I
Jesse McDonough attends Patuxent High School. Jesse is heading to regional competition next month and has been practicing for the challenge.
Student of the Month: Level II
Interactive Media Production
Mrs. Clements
Social media marketing is not as easy as just posting content regularly. The brands that have nailed their social media marketing know that the secret to success on social media is knowing your audience and targeting them effectively. Students are developing their own social media marketing campaign to brand themselves.
Year Two:
Students are practicing the Adobe Certified Professional examination, and several have earned a passing score indicating readiness to take the actual examination.
Student of the Month: Level I Tori McCreary attends Patuxent High School and is set on becoming an animator after high school. She recently developed a DVD cover design that impressed even the most discerning critics. Tori plans on competing in the SkillsUSA digital cinema regional competition on February 11th. | Student of the Month: Level I KaMya Blackiston is a Huntingtown High School student who hopes to become a successful tattoo artist and has dedicated her CAPSTONE project to support this goal. She continues to thrive in developing illustrations and I am confident she will one day meet her goal. |
Student of the Month: Level I
Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Mr. Garrison
PHVAC Level II is currently working on Introduction to heating, which will be followed up by Introduction to cooling. Students will be retesting this month for the second time this year for EPA 608. We will also be working on our Regional SkillsUSA competitions by practicing what students chose to compete in. Parents can also watch these competitions on 2/8 here as well.
Student of the Month: Level I Luke Stevens attends Northern High School. I commend him for his excellent work in the lab. | Student of the Month: Level II Robert Phipps attends Huntingtown High School. He was chosen as student of the Month for his leadership in the lab. |