Kaleb Yonker
Advanced Culinary Arts
Advanced Pastry Arts

Kaleb is a senior at KCTC and is homeschooled. He will be attending Grand Rapids Comunity College in the fall to study Culinary Arts. His career endeavor is to become a Fine Dining Chef.  When asked what he likes most about KCTC he replied, "I like the hands on lab class and being able to do the work that is in the industry."

 

 

 

Dillon Francisco

Dillon is a senior from Comstock Park High School and in the Advanced Health Careers program. When he began KCTC last year, he had planned on becoming a Registered Nurse after high school. However, after learning more about his options in healthcare through clinicals and other career exploration activities at KCTC, Dillon is leaning more towards becoming a Physician Assistant. "Even though I changed my mind about becoming a nurse, I plan on getting my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification so I can work through college and get work experience that will help me later on."

Alec Werner

Alec is a junior from Forest Hills Central and a first-year student in the Graphic Communications program. He recently used his new skills to develop promotional materials for his family's business in Pentwater, The Hexagon House.  "I like how class is set up like a work environment, and I can start building my portfolio now." Alec is interested in learning more about video game design and plans to enroll in KCTC's 3D Animation program next year.

 

Nate Brush

Nate is a senior from Byron Center High School in our Precision Machining satellite program at Grand Rapids Community College. Nate had taken an introductory engineering class at his home school, and he wanted an opportunity to apply some of the skills he learned there. Being at KCTC has helped Nate get connected to people in the manufacturing industry, and he even landed a job with a local tooling company this past summer. "Working in the field has taught me that employers really want people who can do more than one job. Not only do I need to know how to make a part, it helps to understand how to best design them, too. The job experiences Mr. Betzinger helped me get have taught me a lot about the industry and made me more sure about a career in engineering." Nate is currently considering Ferris State's and Western Michigan's options in engineering.

Alicia Saenz

Alicia is a senior from Comstock Park High School and a second-year student in our Information Technology (IT) program. She became interested in IT because of all the job opportunities in the field. Alicia has enjoyed the hands-on projects and appreciates how teachers treat students like adults. She is currently considering attending Davenport University after she graduates because of the articulation options available."My favorite part of IT last year was PC Tech, where we got to build computers and troubleshoot problems."

Sabri Carter Latin

Sabri is a first-year student from Wyoming Park High School in our Engineering CAD (Computer Aided Design)/ Site Design Management course. Her interests in architecture and design led her to KCTC, and she knows the program is giving her a headstart with skills she'll use later in college and the workplace. Sabri says this class is for you if "you like creating things and thinking outside of the box." She likes that the assignments are project-based and provide opportunities for her to work with students from other schools who share her career interests.

Cruz Hernandez

A senior from Wyoming Park High School, Cruz will complete the Electronics and Electrical Trades program this spring. In addition to learning about electrical theory and applications in commercial and residential settings, he has also enjoyed "the friendships made and working together on teams to solve problems and work on projects." Cruz plans to use his KCTC experience to become an electrician and is considering an apprenticeship after high school.

 

Heather Reid

Heather is a junior, homeschooled student and enrolled in both the Aviation Tech and Avionics programs held at Gerald R. Ford Airport. Even though she had no prior experience in Aviation before KCTC, Heather loves everything she's learning.  "The instructors have SO much experience in the industry, and they create an atmosphere that makes it fun to learn." Heather is interested in studying engineering in college but is undecided between mechanical and electrical engineering. She feels that she's getting exposure to a little bit of each at the Aviation Center and is confident that she'll be able to decide by the time she graduates next spring.

Jacob Auterson

Jacob is a senior at Sparta High School and attends the Automotive Technology program. He likes that his learning is relevant, and it has helped him to set his college and career goals. Jacob plans to attend Lawrence Tech and then transfer to Kettering University to pursue degrees in Automotive Engineering. Jacob recently took 1st Place in the Auto Electrical event at the regional Skills USA competition. He will compete at the State level in April, with hopes of qualifying for Nationals in Kansas City in June.

  

Peter Isabel

Peter is a senior at Lee High School, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and in Health Careers. "I knew this would give me an in-depth perspective on the medical field. I plan to become a physician or PA, so I knew I would get a good start here."  He plans to pursue his goal at Central Michigan University or Wayne State University. "The Tech Center offers great ways to take on adult experiences at an early age." One of Peter's favorite experiences was his internship at St. Mary's Hospital. "I liked the fast pace and the opportunity to work at a professional level." He also had the opportunity to work at the Grand Rapids Veterans facility. "We had many hands-on experiences with patients."