Outstanding career and technology education students to be recognized Ceremony will include presentation of annual Marchione Scholarships

TOWSON, MD. – High school seniors nearing graduation are expected to know how to solve algebraic equations and write persuasive essays, but seniors who participate in Baltimore County Public Schools’ Career and Technology Education programs are also expected to graduate with industry-specific skills and often with industry-recognized certifications and several college credits.

One hundred and thirty-two students will be honored at the 41st annual CTE Student Recognition Ceremony, to be held on Thursday, May 14, from 7-9:30 p.m. at Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Road, Essex 21221.  This ceremony is hosted by the CTE Advisory Council (CTEAC) in conjunction with the Office of Career and Technology Education.

In addition to remarks from Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance and others, this year’s program will feature a keynote address by celebrity chef Robert Stewart, a graduate of the CTE culinary program at Eastern Technical High School. Stewart will share insights on the influence of CTE on his life and will work with current BCPS culinary students to prepare food for the reception that follows the ceremony. An annual highlight of the ceremony each year is the presentation of the Marchione Scholarship for Outstanding Performance in a CTE program to five students. This year, five additional students also will be recognized.  Supported by donations from business and community partners, the Marchione Scholarship honors retired Superintendent Anthony Marchione, an advocate for CTE programs.

The reception and the student awards are sponsored by OneMain Financial.

“CTE programs give students opportunities to explore careers and develop pathways leading to exciting and productive futures,” said Sheldon K. Caplis, OneMain Financial’s director of community relations. “OneMain Financial is committed to supporting successful career readiness initiatives. This event celebrates and recognizes outstanding student achievement, and we are pleased to be the presenting sponsor.”

CTE provides students an opportunity to pursue a sequential technical and academic program of study leading to advancement in a career field. High school CTE programs give students the opportunity to transition smoothly into further education or postsecondary education and to earn college credit and/or industry credentials in a career field of interest. There are approximately 11,700 BCPS students enrolled in CTE courses.