Battle Ground Public Schools

Battle Ground Career and Technical Education program earns state awards

Aug. 27, 2021

The Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE) summer conference this month landed some big awards for the Battle Ground school district CTE program. CTE Director Cindy Arnold was recognized with the WA-ACTE Administrator of the Year award, while Work-Based Learning Coordinator Kris Neal took home the Washington Association for Career Counseling and Employment readiness (WA-CCER) Counseling and Career Development Professional award.

“It is a surprise and an honor to be recognized,” said Arnold, attributing the honor to the team atmosphere in her department. “We have so many great things happening in our district, and the CTE staff puts forth so much effort for their programs and care so much about their students. We work really well together.”

A key part of Battle Ground Public Schools’ award-winning Career and Technical Education program is work-based learning, which provides opportunities for many students to receive on-the-job training in addition to their ongoing education. Two local employers who work with the district were honored for their part in helping students achieve on-the-job experience as they further their high school education. Prairie Electric was honored with the WA-CCER outstanding employer award of merit for community service.

Michael Bolsoy, Prairie Electric’s head of personnel manpower, said the program is “helping to build America,” while Anita Paso, who helps to coordinate with the CTE program, added “young minds help keep us young. It is astounding how quickly the students become such a help. Their energy and vitality is phenomenal. They learn from us, but we also learn from them.”

Also receiving an award was Tapani, Inc., which allows high school students to work through their internship program. Many of them go on to careers in the construction industry after they graduate. Tapani was awarded the WA-ACTE business-education partnership award. Both companies were recognized at the Aug. 23 Board of Directors meeting.