Career & Technical Education
September 2020
Leaders in Springdale CTE Student Organizations
Brayden Ingram, FFA Har-Ber High School Brayden Ingram prepared this video for the virtual national competition for his supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). He is a senior Agriculture student at HBHS. Brayden has worked at four different farms since 2015 to include Pullet, Layer, Broiler and Grandparent operations. Ms. Patti Priest is the Future Farmer's of America (FFA) sponsor at HBHS. | Elle Reed, FCCLA Arkansas VP of Membership Har-Ber High School Junior, Elle Reed was elected as the Arkansas FCCLA State VP of Membership for 20-21. Family, Career & Community Leaders of America is a CTE student organization that Elle joined in 9th grade at Central Junior High with Ms. Ally Bailey. Now as a junior at HBHS Elle is studying Anatomy and Physiology. She enjoys working with advisor Lori Rooney in planning state leadership conferences and chapter events. | Ali Isbell & Giselle Caulderon, FCCLA District I Officers Springdale High School has two FCCLA District I leaders in 20-21. Ali Isbell is the VP of Community Service for 20-21. She is excited about the fall Leadership training in Springdale at the Jones Center and the Fall Conference, December 9th. Giselle Caulderon is the VP of Parlimentary Law. She became interested in FCCLA in 9th grade at George Junior High with Mrs. Jennifer Fortenberry after competing in STAR Events. SHS advisors Katie Grigg and Lindsey Harlan work alongside Ali and Giselle plus many other students as the FCCLA Sponsor at SHS. |
Brayden Ingram, FFA Har-Ber High School
Brayden has worked at four different farms since 2015 to include Pullet, Layer, Broiler and Grandparent operations. Ms. Patti Priest is the Future Farmer's of America (FFA) sponsor at HBHS.
Elle Reed, FCCLA Arkansas VP of Membership
Family, Career & Community Leaders of America is a CTE student organization that Elle joined in 9th grade at Central Junior High with Ms. Ally Bailey.
Now as a junior at HBHS Elle is studying Anatomy and Physiology. She enjoys working with advisor Lori Rooney in planning state leadership conferences and chapter events.
Ali Isbell & Giselle Caulderon, FCCLA District I Officers
Giselle Caulderon is the VP of Parlimentary Law. She became interested in FCCLA in 9th grade at George Junior High with Mrs. Jennifer Fortenberry after competing in STAR Events. SHS advisors Katie Grigg and Lindsey Harlan work alongside Ali and Giselle plus many other students as the FCCLA Sponsor at SHS.
Jax Nalley, Har-Ber DECA Jax Nalley is the VP of Career Development for District I DECA for 20-21. He is a senior enrolled in Marketing Business Enterprise with Mrs. Laurie Jennings. | Sam Lewandowski, Har-Ber DECA Sam Lewandowski is the VP of Finance for District I DECA for 20-21. She is a senior member of the Wildcat TV Production team with Mr. Travis Sherman. | Emilee Wilson, Don Tyson School of Innovation DECA Emilee Wilson is the VP of Leadership for District I DECA for 20-21. She is a senior enrolled in Marketing Business Education with Mr. Phillip VanDenBerg. |
Jax Nalley, Har-Ber DECA
Sam Lewandowski, Har-Ber DECA

CTE Teacher Leaders in Arkansas
Laure Jennings, DECA Advisor - Har-Ber High Mrs. Laurie Jennings teaches Business & Marketing courses at Har-Ber High School. She has assisted students with competitive events in DECA at the local, state and national levels with great success. In 20-21 she is advising three students from HBHS that have been elected as state leaders. Laurie is part of the Arkansas DECA Advisory Board working to set up virtual leadership and competitive events for students in Arkansas. | Cindy Whitaker, DECA Advisor - Springdale High Mrs. Cindy Whitaker has extensive DECA knowledge having worked with students over twenty five years. As a Springdale High School Business & Marketing educator, Cindy has worked with many students in leadership positions. Additionally, she has assisted students participate in multiple leadership and competitive events. She is a member of the Arkansas DECA Advisory Board for 20-21. | Distributive Education Clubs of America DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. There are more than 3,700 high school DECA chapters in the USA. Students are able to participate in competitive events, educational conferences, and leadership challenges which are tied to recognition awards for individuals and chapters. Students are also eligible for scholarships available through DECA. |
Laure Jennings, DECA Advisor - Har-Ber High
In 20-21 she is advising three students from HBHS that have been elected as state leaders. Laurie is part of the Arkansas DECA Advisory Board working to set up virtual leadership and competitive events for students in Arkansas.
Cindy Whitaker, DECA Advisor - Springdale High
Distributive Education Clubs of America
Students are able to participate in competitive events, educational conferences, and leadership challenges which are tied to recognition awards for individuals and chapters. Students are also eligible for scholarships available through DECA.
Shannon Green, Arkansas Business Education AssociationSpringdale High School Information & Technology Academy Instructor, Ms. Shannon Green has been a member of the Arkansas Business Education Association Board of Directors for five years. ABEA strives to promote quality business education and professional growth in Arkansas among students, teachers and business leaders. Shannon has served as the treasurer of ABEA and in 20-21 will provide leadership as the Vice President.
At SHS Ms. Green teaches International Business Management HL Levels I & II, Small Business Operations, Transportation & Logistics, and Internship. She is also the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Advisor. | Phillip VanDenBerg, Arkansas Career & Technical Education Association Don Tyson School of Innovation Business and Marketing Instructor, Mr. Phillip VanDenBerg is a member of the Arkansas Association of Career & Technical Education Board of Directors for 20-21. ACTE is dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. The mission of ACTE is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce. Phillip teaches Marketing Business Enterprise, Survey of Business and Internship at DTSOI. He is the DECA advisor and works with students each morning at the Hylton Hangout, DTSOI's school cafe selling coffee and novelties. | Lori Rooney, FCCLA National Master Adviser 2020 Har-Ber High School Family and Consumer Science Instructor, Lori Rooney was recognized at the 2020 Virtual National Leadership Conference as a Master Advisor. There area over 6,000 FCCLA chapters in the USA. Students focus on career pathways in Human Services, Hospitality & Tourism, Education & Training, and Visual Arts & Design. A variety of competitive events, leadership conferences and scholarships are available to students within this organization. Lori teaches four sections of Family Consumer Science and one section of Life & Fitness Nutrition at HBHS. She graduated from UCA on a Track & Field Scholarship. Previously she taught FACS classes at South Side High School and this is her second year at Har-Ber. |
Shannon Green, Arkansas Business Education Association
Springdale High School Information & Technology Academy Instructor, Ms. Shannon Green has been a member of the Arkansas Business Education Association Board of Directors for five years.
ABEA strives to promote quality business education and professional growth in Arkansas among students, teachers and business leaders. Shannon has served as the treasurer of ABEA and in 20-21 will provide leadership as the Vice President.
At SHS Ms. Green teaches International Business Management HL Levels I & II, Small Business Operations, Transportation & Logistics, and Internship. She is also the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Advisor.
Phillip VanDenBerg, Arkansas Career & Technical Education Association
ACTE is dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. The mission of ACTE is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce.
Phillip teaches Marketing Business Enterprise, Survey of Business and Internship at DTSOI. He is the DECA advisor and works with students each morning at the Hylton Hangout, DTSOI's school cafe selling coffee and novelties.
Lori Rooney, FCCLA National Master Adviser 2020
There area over 6,000 FCCLA chapters in the USA. Students focus on career pathways in Human Services, Hospitality & Tourism, Education & Training, and Visual Arts & Design. A variety of competitive events, leadership conferences and scholarships are available to students within this organization.
Lori teaches four sections of Family Consumer Science and one section of Life & Fitness Nutrition at HBHS. She graduated from UCA on a Track & Field Scholarship. Previously she taught FACS classes at South Side High School and this is her second year at Har-Ber.
Nepris connects educators and learners with a network of industry professionals, virtually, bringing real-world relevance and career exposure to all students.

20-21 New CTE Programs of Study
Wes Higginson, DTSOI Industrial Technology Wes Higginson joins DTSOI with experience as a Senior Maintenance Instructor and Field Coordinator at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville. He is certified by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators, Federal Aviation Administration as a Certified Flight Instructor, the Federal Communications Commission as a 3rd Class Technician, Certified Rescue Diver and Senior Maintenance Controller from the USAF Jacksonville Air Force Base. Wes is an Engineering graduate of ATU. Wes is teaching Industrial Technologies I & II, Machine Tool I & II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Intro to Skilled Trades. He will also sponsor the Skills USA organization providing opportunities for students to compete. He resides in Phoenix East in two newly constructed lab spaces equipped with new equipment generously donated by Tyson Foods, Inc. | Lisa Welton, DTSOI Culinary Arts Lisa Welton joins DTSOI with experience as a Senior Brands Manager and Innovation Manager at Tyson Foods; a Senior Pricing Manager at Walmart and as a former US Army Captain. Lisa has a history of working in the food production industry and is skilled in customer service, consumer products, strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership and forecasting. Lisa obtained a Master of Business Administration focused in General Management from Trident University International. Mrs. Welton is teaching five sections of Culinary Arts I and two sections of Food Safety & Nutrition in Phoenix East in a newly construction five kitchen lab space. Lisa will also sponsor the Family, Career & Community Leaders Association (FCCLA) club at DTSOI. Students will use their culinary, food and nutrition skills to compete at the local, state and national levels. | Jason McMullen, Har-Ber Aviation Jason McMullen, HBHS Math Teacher is teaching two sections of Aviation this year using the AOPA - Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association curriculum. For the last several years Mr. McMullen has sponsored an Aviation Club at HBHS. Jason has 22 years of teaching experience specializing in Math. In partnership with a grant through the Walton Family Foundation and the National Air & Space Museum, HBHS received 15 Model CATII BATD flight simulators worth over $175k. The equipment included precision flight controls with yokes, throttle quadrants, rudder pedals, computers and 32" monitors. HBHS Students will learn how to use the simulators in class. Additionally, summer camps will be hosted at HBHS for students in the NWA community to also learn how to use the simulators. |
Wes Higginson, DTSOI Industrial Technology
He is certified by the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators, Federal Aviation Administration as a Certified Flight Instructor, the Federal Communications Commission as a 3rd Class Technician, Certified Rescue Diver and Senior Maintenance Controller from the USAF Jacksonville Air Force Base. Wes is an Engineering graduate of ATU.
Wes is teaching Industrial Technologies I & II, Machine Tool I & II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Intro to Skilled Trades. He will also sponsor the Skills USA organization providing opportunities for students to compete. He resides in Phoenix East in two newly constructed lab spaces equipped with new equipment generously donated by Tyson Foods, Inc.
Lisa Welton, DTSOI Culinary Arts
Lisa has a history of working in the food production industry and is skilled in customer service, consumer products, strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership and forecasting. Lisa obtained a Master of Business Administration focused in General Management from Trident University International.
Mrs. Welton is teaching five sections of Culinary Arts I and two sections of Food Safety & Nutrition in Phoenix East in a newly construction five kitchen lab space. Lisa will also sponsor the Family, Career & Community Leaders Association (FCCLA) club at DTSOI. Students will use their culinary, food and nutrition skills to compete at the local, state and national levels.
Jason McMullen, Har-Ber Aviation
For the last several years Mr. McMullen has sponsored an Aviation Club at HBHS. Jason has 22 years of teaching experience specializing in Math.
In partnership with a grant through the Walton Family Foundation and the National Air & Space Museum, HBHS received 15 Model CATII BATD flight simulators worth over $175k. The equipment included precision flight controls with yokes, throttle quadrants, rudder pedals, computers and 32" monitors.
HBHS Students will learn how to use the simulators in class. Additionally, summer camps will be hosted at HBHS for students in the NWA community to also learn how to use the simulators.
