Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Food Service & Hospitality and Information and Communication Technologies pathways.

Pathway Description: Food Service & Hospitality Pathway
At Pioneer Valley we offer two levels of culinary arts where a variety of cooking and baking techniques are mastered. Within our program students learn about proper food handling, safety and sanitation, customer service and reading a recipe. Students apply this knowledge and work with their team to a student run cafe, Scratch Cafe. Students prepare coffee beverages, pastries and breakfast items during the cafe and deliver to staff members on campus. This experience mimics what they can expect if they continue to pursue a career or education in hospitality. Each student will obtain their ServSafe Food Handlers certificate.

Devean Felix, Pioneer Valley High School
Devean excels with his time management skills and his ability to multitask. He has wonderful customer service skills that are used in the cafe. He is currently working towards obtaining his ServSafe Managers certificate as he plans on pursuing a career in the hospitality industry or within the family and human services sector. He has an infectious positive attitude and his attention to detail does not go unnoticed. Devean will be one to watch as he graduates as he has a wonderful future ahead.

Joanna Juarez-Alonso, Pioneer Valley High School
Joanna understands the importance of teamwork. She is always willing to help others, and never needs to be asked to step in. She is the first to volunteer to assist with any task and is usually the last to leave. Her work ethic is matched by her caring personality. She enjoys learning new recipes and loves operating the cafe as a barista. Joanna has a successful future ahead of her with her wonderful qualities she possesses!

Pathway Description: Information and Computer Technology
Orcutt Academy High School has begun a CTE pathway in Information Communications and Technology, with a focus on computer networking. OAHS currently is running two sections of CTE AP Computer Science Principles and plans to expand the pathway with a section of CTE Cybersecurity in 2022-2023. Adding synergy to the pathway is the school's new eSports Team, which competes in CIF-sanctioned eSports competitions with other high schools.
 
Adan Silva, Orcutt Academy High School
Adan is a junior at Orcutt Academy High School who would like to pursue a career in computer science. Adan, who carries a 4.46 GPA and is ranked sixth in his class, is heavily involved in the school's Robotics Team, which recently qualified for the world championships in late April. He would like to attend Cal Poly and major in computer science.
 

Kirsten Matematico, Orcutt Academy High School
Kirsten is a junior at Orcutt Academy High School who is interested in a teaching career. She is active in Drama and the school's Freshman Connect Crew. Kirsten, who has a 4.27 GPA, is aiming to attend UCLA and major in education.