During the Utah Association of Career and Technical Education (UACTE) Administration Division annual conference on February 3rd, Superintendent Dr. Rich Nye and CTE Coordinator Sandra Hemmert both received awards for their commitment and advocacy of the CTE program within Granite School District.
Lifetime Achievement Award- Sandra Hemmert
Sandra Hemmert promotes learning opportunities for all students. She has supported the development of CTE programs that address the individual needs of students for the last 35 years. During this time, she has facilitated work with special educators, educational equity, counselors, gifted and talented coordinators, postsecondary, and industry representatives to expand options for all students.
Sandra is constantly working on programs that will improve a student’s life after leaving high school. Her latest work has focused on implementing youth apprenticeship models. She has supported electrical and plumbing apprenticeship programs for over 25 years that begin following high school. New efforts are being placed on allowing students to begin youth apprenticeships during the senior year in high school. This provides the connection that many students need to successfully transition from school into the world of work.
Ms. Hemmert believes that CTE can be the catalyst for student engagement and achievement in school with pathways and work-based learning opportunities becoming the base. She is constantly identifying best practices and refining those practices for the diverse populations found in Granite School District. Her efforts are leading to CTE being recognized as a major player in the work toward student success in the district.
Champion for CTE Award- Dr. Richard Nye
Dr. Rich K. Nye became the Granite School District Superintendent in July 2021. Since his arrival, Dr. Nye has raised the image and role of CTE in district strategic efforts to a leading player in addressing student achievement and success. His emphasis on concentration and completion in pathways has supported forming strategic partnerships across the different departments in the district. Career & Technical Education cannot stand alone. Dr. Nye not only sees the value of students focusing on pathways in high school but also supports strong industry relationships with students connecting to industry opportunities prior to leaving high school. His focus has led to the development of youth apprenticeships and continued pathways partnerships with groups such as the Utah Aerospace Pathway. He is truly a Champion for CTE within Granite School District.
