Eureka (May 6, 2025) – Twenty outstanding high school students from seven Humboldt County schools were celebrated at a special ceremony at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka on Wednesday, April 30. These students completed pathways in eight unique Career Technical Education (CTE) industry sectors and were honored for their achievements.
Each student received the prestigious title of “Outstanding Pathway Completer,” an award given based on nominations from their CTE instructors. To be eligible, students had to meet several criteria, including completing a full CTE pathway, presenting a standout project, demonstrating leadership, making meaningful contributions to their program, acting with professionalism, and exhibiting readiness for the workforce.
“Career and Technical Education equips students with essential skills for their future, both academically and professionally,” said Tanya Trump, director of Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) Career and College Resources. “Beyond career-specific knowledge, CTE fosters crucial workplace abilities like teamwork, communication, critical thinking, leadership, creativity, and innovation. Tonight, we celebrate students who have dedicated at least two years to their CTE program, demonstrating the qualities valued in today’s workforce. It is a privilege to recognize their commitment and achievements,”
Those sentiments were echoed by Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Michael Davies-Hughes, who said, “CTE is more than just preparing students for a job—it’s about preparing them for life. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Whether these students go on to college, directly into the workforce, or to further technical training, they do so with a foundation built on practical skills, hands-on experience, and the confidence that comes from creating something real and meaningful.”
HCOE extends heartfelt thanks to the community sponsors who contributed to making the student scholarships possible. These sponsors include: American Ag Credit, Coast Central Credit Union, Compass Credit Union, Harper Motors, Los Bagels, O&M Industries, Pierson Building Center, Redwood Capital Bank, Wing Inflatables, The Mill Yard, Mad River Rotary, and Arcata Sunrise Rotary.
Ann Marie Rocha, Program and Event Coordinator for the Career and College Resources Department at HCOE, offered sincere gratitude to the CTE Teachers and students who helped bring the event to life. “A huge thank you to the teachers and their students in school culinary programs who supplied the food, and students and teachers in floral design who created the amazing floral arrangements for the event.”
For more information, visit https://hcoe.org/cte/ or contact Ann Marie Rocha, Program and Event Coordinator, Humboldt County Office of Education, 707-441-3954 arocha@hcoe.org
Congratulations to the 2025 CTE Humboldt Student Recognition Team!
Arcata High
- Grace Humphreys, Arts, Media, Entertainment
- Lilian Cunningham, Agriculture
- Dulce Ramos, Arts, Media, Entertainment
Eureka High School
- Makela Rabang, Agriculture
- Karsyn Hammer, Agriculture
- Darin Waldvogel, Agriculture
- Cole Zeller, Building and Construction Trades
Ferndale High School
- Jarrett Smith, Agriculture
- Saige Machado, Agriculture
- Yajaira Cantu-Mendez, Health Science & Medical Technology & Agriculture
Fortuna High School
- Jace Barsanti, Agriculture
- Sean Heflin, Transportation
- Esperanza Golder, Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation
- Shelby Ramos, Building and Construction Trades
- Mykah Sanderson, Arts, Media, Entertainment
- Grant Sammons, Information & Communication Technologies
McKinleyville High School
- Mackenzie Frick, Agriculture
- Alex King, Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation
- Northern United Charter School
- Sara Villa, Building and Construction Trades
South Fork High School
- Cailean Rogers, Manufacturing & Product Development
The following classes supplied the refreshments and floral arrangements:
- Theresa Noga and the Ferndale High School Farm to Table Class
- Tiffany Bullman and the McKinleyville High School Culinary Arts Class
- Stacy Chatfield and the Fortuna High School Culinary Arts Class
- Alexa Alexandre and the Ferndale High School Floral Design Class
- Kara Forbes and the Eureka High School Floral Design Class
- Kelly Miller and the Arcata High School Floral Design Class
- Lindsey Kleiner and the Fortuna High School Floral Design Class