CTE Student Success Stories Thriving Futures

By Rob Fyke

Taylor Cianciola Crain’s journey from the CTE classroom to realizing her dream reflects the impact of CTE. Dana Cashion, DCTC East’s health science teacher, remembers Crain as having a sense of humor that made learning difficult medical concepts fun and believes Crain’s clever wit served her well in her pursuit of becoming a transplant nurse.

After graduating and completing the health science program in DeSoto Coun-

“As a career tech teacher, I love to see how our program educates students in high school in preparation for their career pathway.

Taylor is a wonderful example of our goal as she is a licensed professional in our local health care community.”

- Dana Cashion

ty, Crain began the next step of her educational journey, enrolling at Northwest Community College before concluding her academic pursuits at the Baptist Health Science University, where she attained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her clinicals at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, Crain’s dream of becoming a transplant nurse became a true calling. Building relationships and honing skills through clinical rotations, Crain seamlessly transitioned from student to professional, securing a nursing position at the same hospital where she trained. Currently, Crain thrives as a cardio-pulmonary transplant nurse in the Transplant Unit of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis. Happily married and commuting from DeSoto County, Crain’s educational and career achievements mirror other student stories told by CTE health science educators across the state. In her effort to pay it forward, Crain often returns as a guest speaker and serves as an encouraging mentor for the health science students at her alma mater.

Megan McKenzie, Bogue Chitto High School Alumna

Megan McKenzie’s journey from secondary education to the workforce is an example of the positive impact of CTE. Currently employed as a research technician three at the University of Southern Mississippi, McKenzie serves as an operator of uncrewed aquatic vehicle systems.

Her path began in the Career and Technical Readiness Program at Bogue Chitto High School where she gained exposure to various fields. A pivotal moment occurred during a program field trip to Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin), where McKenzie explored Electronics Engineering Technology. This experience ignited a vision for her future career. Upon high school graduation, McKenzie decided to pursue the field that captured her interest during a Co-Lin Electronics Engineering Technology field trip.

Despite initial hesitancy as the sole female in the program, McKenzie’s intrigue quickly overcame any reservations. Her active involvement in the program included participation in the Underwater Robotics Team, where she served as a pilot and electronic technician. The skills acquired through these experiences launched McKenzie’s successful career with USM.

McKenzie is currently building on the knowledge she has in her current role by utilizing educational opportunities provided by USM. Her commitment to life-long learning is an example of the self-motivated characteristics evident in Mississippi CTE graduates.