Santa Maria Next October 2021: Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies Pathways

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 Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies pathways.

Business & Finance Nashali Vicente 12th Grade, Santa Maria High School

Nashali Vicente is currently serving as President of the SMHS Future Business Leaders of America chapter (CTE student national organization) where she has been a four-year member. She demonstrates standards of excellence each day as she assists her classmates with content and questions which provide deeper intellect with regards to the finance content discussed in class.

Yojevet Montecinos De Jesus 11th grade Pioneer Valley High School

Yojevet demonstrates interest in Business classes and plans to take a concurrent Business college class next year. Additionally, she participates in Future Business Leaders of America and serves as the club parliamentarian. Ms. Sylvester appreciates Yojevet’s ambition and interest in taking Business classes and learning new job skills at the campus student store. She also enjoys organizing other “social” events and networking with other high school student FBLA members.

Information & Computer Technologies Jack Rhyne 11th Grade, Orcutt Academy High School

Jack is a member of the boys' tennis team as well as the school's Ping Pong Club. He is interested in an engineering career and has been taking numerous advanced math and science courses. He would like to attend Cal Poly or UCSB.

“Jack is always willing to beyond the minimum requirements on assignments and projects," said Heather Penk, Jack’s AP Computer Science Principles teacher. “Jack is a quiet leader. While he is not loud or necessarily the first person to speak up, he is thoughtful in the things he shares and contributes to class discussions and students respect his type of leadership.”

Janalee Taguiam 11th Grade, Orcutt Academy High School

Janalee is a member of the Freshman Connect Crew and secretary of the OAHS Science Club. She is interested in business accounting for a career. She would like to attend UCLA for college.

"Janalee is always willing to help others in the class. During classroom discussions, she contributes thoughtful responses and is willing to listen to other students' ideas and contributions," said AP Computer Science Principles teacher Heather Penk. "She always completes assignments before they are due and goes beyond the minimum requirements on projects. She is willing to stretch herself and try new things. She doesn't limit herself to what is taught in class."

Congratulations to these local students for being highlighted in this month's "Santa Maria Next" spotlight. Full article can be found at www.santamaria.com.