El Capitan High School’s Agriculture Program has been honored as the “Outstanding Southern Region Program” by the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA). Lakeside’s El Capitan was selected for the recognition from a field of 70 high school agriculture programs across Southern California.
“We are extremely proud of the success of El Capitan’s agricultural program which has been preparing students for decades with real-world experience that will lead to success in the agriculture industry,” said Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Superintendent Mike Fowler. “This award from a prestigious organization like CATA is yet another testament to the fact that El Capitan teachers, leaders, and community members, in partnership with our District’s College and Career Readiness Department, have built a world-class agricultural education program that is empowering El Capitan students to build the best future for themselves and our community,” Fowler added.
“I specifically want to congratulate El Capitan Agriculture teachers Jesse and Tara Meade, and Victoria Muniz whose dedication to this program has helped so many Vaquero students build careers in the agricultural industry which is vitally important to our community and our world,” said El Capitan High School Principal Scott Goergens. “This award is an important recognition of their achievements, and I know it will inspire them to continue innovating and providing top-notch agricultural education for our students,” he added.
Through its Agriculture and Natural Resources Career Pathway, El Capitan offers a wide range of courses to prepare students for various careers in the agricultural field including Agricultural Leadership, Farm Project Construction Repair, Food Products and Processing, and Floral Art and Design.
Students also have opportunities to participate in Future Farmers of America activities, engage in community service, compete in skills-based competitions, attend leadership development conferences, and engage in work-based learning to get hands-on experience in the real-world of agricultural business.
In the 2023-24 school year alone, the El Capitan program produced a state-leading 13 State Champions and eight National Finalists in Agriscience, two California State Champions in Agriscience and Meats, and floral arrangements for 60 large community events.
The El Capitan Agriculture Program is one of 48 Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways offered through GUHSD’s award-winning CTE program. Over 4,000 GUHSD students are enrolled annually in a CTE pathway through which they acquire hands-on experience, academic skills, and specialized training for success in high-demand career fields such as Engineering & Architecture, Information & Communication Technologies, and Health Science and Medical Technology, among many others.
CATA was formed in 1920 with the purpose of promoting and improving the teaching of agriculture in California and to foster the welfare of those engaged in this work. More information about CATA can be found at calagteachers.org.
(Courtesy photo)
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