Howdy! Im Izzy. I am a junior here at CCHS, and this will be my third year as staff on the USJ. I will go into this year as the Managing & Design Editor! I love news and opinions and if I’m not writing you can catch me reading a new book, spending time with friends, or going to a concert. I enjoy reading all different perspectives and I’m excited to see what this year holds! As a journalist I strive to present information to the public in a way that is digestible, as well as exploring different perspectives and experiences. I hold a strong love for journalism and hope to continue it throughout my life, whether through photography or writing.
Transportation Teaches Creative Engineering
Students in the Transportation pathway can take several classes that put them hands-on with real automobiles and aircraft, giving them the opportunity to learn professional mechanical, servicing, and maintenance skills.
“I like being able to work on something that I think about all the time,” Creek junior Khy Lefevre said. “A lot of what I do is related to cars, so being able to have a class where that’s all you do, I think that’s pretty nice.”
The automobile program comes in three separate classes, from beginning to advanced. Automotive Technology I and II focus on terminology, diagnosis, and basics of electronics, braking systems, and suspensions. III is far more advanced, where students study speed, modifying a car to maximize performance. All offer ASE certification, enough to enter the workforce, along with CTE and STEM credits.
Eaglecrest junior Nour Mathlouthi says the hands-on work separates it from traditional education. “You’re able to get up and move around and be able to have the feeling of accomplishment when you fix something,” she said. “A lot of people could get into it even if you don’t know much about cars.”
Automotive program director Brian Manley believes his program is very good for any student’s future. “If you’re interested in cars and au
tomotive, this can really become a lucrative career pathway,” he said. “Even if you just want to save money and fix your own car, you can do that.”
Aviation isn’t as centric on one program. Each half, Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Flight, has its own set of classes. Maintenance has courses that teach basics in math and physics, and an airframes pathway including communications, hydraulics, aircraft coverings, and fuel. Flight teaches about the real world of navigation, weather, and radio, preparing for FAA examination.
Smoky Hill junior Jason Jaster loves the aviation class for how different it is to everyday school. “I really like this program because I feel like it gives us the creative freedom to do a lot of things that I would definitely never get to experience at my home high school,” he said. “I love learning about airplanes and fixing them, and it’s really fun.”
Lefevre says that the qualifications are not all he got out of CCIC. “You just get so many new friendships and connections,” he said. “To be able to work on your dream with friends is unreal.”
Health & Wellness Establishes Medical Basics
The Health and Wellness Pathway is separated into different courses including Advanced Studies in Health Care, Behavioral Health, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Physical & Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacy Technician. These courses support students who plan on pursuing a career in physical or occupational therapy, behavioral health, nursing, or pharmaceuticals.
The Certified Nursing Assistant, which is arguably the most popular program, prepares students for entry-level nursing roles and the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. Training includes nursing fundamentals, patient care, communication, safety, ethics, and regulations. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in local long-term care facilities.
The behavioral health technician course covers behavioral health principles, therapeutic communication, and skills needed to become a Behavioral Health Technician. Students gain experience in psychiatric care, psychoeducational therapy, and human behavior.
“I’ve learned a lot and there’s skills that have definitely helped me in my own life,” junior Eileen Zheng said. “When my friends talk about certain situations, I know how to actually help them and I have the specific skills to do it.”
As students take these courses at CCIC, they’re able to experience medical scenarios that typical med students and even practiced doctors would see. Because of this, their preparation for careers later in life continues to grow.
“[The information learned] is applicable in every stage of life even if you don’t go into healthcare,” CNA teacher Chrystal Thomas said. “It teaches [students] communication skills, humility, humanity, respect, and general human connection.”
