CTSO Yearly recap given by CTSO President Helaina Garcia
This year was an extraordinary year for CTSO and CTE. We have grown our Skills USA Chapter of Excellence to a new level, allowing us to create more meaningful opportunities for CTE students! This includes pathway competitions and leadership trainings. On a more local level, Tahquitz CTSO has developed a relationship with The Village; Hosting Technology Support days, decorating events, and inviting them to our school such as the Winter Carnival. CTSO has grown in many ways, from Disneyland leadership conferences to integrating CTE academy’s into our programs, CTSO has become a key part of Tahquitz culture, and will continue to grow in the future!
Construction
This year was the first year for the BUILT academy. The students had the opportunity to do such events as going to see the play 12 angry men. They got the opportunity to visit the Museum of Tolerance. To end the school year they are also going to a Padres baseball game. The construction 2 students built a variety of projects ending with a step stool that they were able to give mom as a mothers day gift.
Sports Medicine
Level 1 Sports Medicine: Our first-year students explored the foundations of sports medicine with a deep dive into the anatomy and physiology of all the body systems. Through engaging, hands-on activities, they learned essential skills such as CPR, taking vital signs, performing pre-participation physical exams, and understanding the basics of health insurance. Students also practiced ankle taping techniques to support injury prevention and gained valuable insight into the responsibilities of a sports medicine professional.
Level 2 Sports Medicine: Our second-year students built upon their foundational knowledge by studying injury evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and management of both upper and lower extremity injuries. From the shoulder to the ankle, students practiced techniques for assessing and treating common injuries across every major joint. They also earned their CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association—an important milestone in their career and technical education journey.
Level 3 Sports Medicine Lab: Our third-year students took their learning beyond the classroom by working side by side with school athletic teams. They focused on real-world application, observing and assisting with common athletic injuries, learning how to analyze movement patterns, and implementing rehabilitation plans. This hands-on experience helped prepare them for future careers in athletic training, physical therapy, and other sports medicine professions.
As the year wraps up, we’re proud of our students’ growth and accomplishments across all levels. The future of healthcare and athletic support is bright!
Entrepreneurship
We continued to build out the program by continuing to add more curriculum, to further challenge & push students passed their comfort zones, have more fun and learn great new skills on the new equipment. We had 51 senior completers who received cords at graduation, as well as many other junior and sophomore completers. Across all periods we had 73 students pass the articulation and receive credit. Our program continued to have students venturing out to start many new side hustles or businesses. They see the benefit of additional income streams. Many students became immersed into our stock/investing lessons and one student made over $64K in our stock/investing simulation game in just over 6 month. The popularity of the class grew as I had more students hanging out in my room at lunch and asking questions about how to get into the program and/or about using the equipment. Additionally we worked on planning out the "Discovery Academy" to be deployed next year. From my understanding, the academy is already full. Looking forward to continued growth next year.
Theater Tech
Tech Theatre 1 was focused largely on the basics of design for the stage, to include lights, sounds, costumes, set design, and stage management. During this school year, we also got our amazing new compliment of stage equipment (new lighting equipment and sound equipment!), which I trained up on so that I could train some trusted students to do the same. Those students became instrumental in the presentations that were put on at the theatre--and they'll be part of the cadre of leadership that trains my second year students next year!
Digital Media
This school year, Digital Media students have shown impressive growth in both technical skills and creative expression. Level 1 students developed a strong foundation in photography, learning concepts like shutter speed, aperture, and lighting. Their skills were showcased through projects like the ABC Alphabet and a photo trip to Balboa Park. Level 2 students advanced in filmmaking by producing short films, earning EditMentor certifications, and contributing regularly to Titan TV. They also gained real-world experience through media day projects and trips to MSJC, CSUSB, Warner Bros., and the Museum of Tolerance. From beginners to emerging creators, students have grown into confident visual storytellers.
Events
CTSO
Student Spotlights
Timothy Walls (Construction)
Timothy Walls is a senior that is graduating this year. He has followed his brother Connor through the program and is trying to decide if he is going into firefighting or construction after high school.Timmy has become a staple with the program, he has helped the underclassmen work on projects to competing in the CIE Design Build competition. During the competition Timmy was a cut man putting the roof trusses together for the shed that was built during the competition. Congratulations to Timmy and all of the graduating class of 2025
Christian Gardea (Sports Medicine)
Christian has shown exceptional dedication and skill throughout the entire school year, particularly in mastering vital sign assessments and initial CPR techniques. He has consistently demonstrated precision and professionalism in measuring blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs, ensuring accuracy in every assessment. Additionally, Christian has excelled in CPR simulations, applying techniques with confidence and composure, ready to act in any emergency. Beyond their technical skills, Christian has shown tremendous growth, leadership, and a strong work ethic throughout the year. His hard work, commitment to learning, and willingness to support their peers truly make them stand out as a leader in our class.
Alexander Arroyo (Theater Tech)
Alexander was one of the students I was able to train up in the tech booth! He was a willing and able student, ready to do the hands-on things needed to get the presentations and productions on their feet. In class, he worked hard to make everything he turned in amazing--and his work reflected that!
Joanna Antonio (Digital Media)
Joanna has been an excellent student in my class from the very beginning. She is always willing to help her friends and peers, showing kindness and teamwork. Joanna has demonstrated strong skills in production and consistently approaches her work with dedication and focus. Along with another student, she has been one of the main talents in this year’s Titan TV production. I am very proud of Joanna’s hard work and growth throughout the year. She has made a significant impact on our program and continues to inspire those around her with her commitment and positive attitude.