Latest news with #GatewayHighSchool
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Aurora's Gateway High students build futures through ConstrucTECH Program
In a classroom filled with power tools instead of textbooks, Gateway High School students are building more than structures – they are building futures. Aurora Public Schools' ConstrucTECH program introduces students to the construction trades while offering the opportunity to earn college credit toward a degree in construction management. "It is teaching students how to enter into the construction trades, whether that's carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or any others out there," said Andrew Woods, a teacher at Gateway High School and one of the program's leaders. Launched through a partnership between APS and the Community College of Aurora, the six-year program allows students to simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an associate's degree. The goal is to prepare students for high-demand, skilled trade careers. Audrey Valladolid, now a junior at Gateway, was one of the first students to join the program when it launched two years ago. She said she was inspired by family members already working in the industry and motivated to challenge stereotypes. "If we had more girls in the construction industry, we'd be unstoppable," she said. But Valladolid's time in high school hasn't been easy. She struggled her freshman year and considered dropping out — until Mr. Woods stepped in. "Without him, I don't think I would've made it this far," she said. "I would've dropped out for sure." More than construction skills, Valladolid said, Mr. Woods taught her she can build a bright future and showed up for the teen in ways no teacher has before. "He sat there every day, encouraged me to do more, made me learn more things," Valladolid said with tears in her eyes. For Woods, he said he's not focused on how many times a student falls but on making sure they get back up. "I don't know how many times Audrey has tripped now, I'm not counting," he said. "My job is to help her get back up and to keep going." Now, as Valladolid enters her third year of ConstrucTECH, she's even more motivated to learn new skills, earn college credit, and gain confidence in who she is becoming. "Taking those challenges and pushing forward, seeing what kind of woman I can become," she said. The ConstrucTECH program is part of a larger effort by Aurora Public Schools to invest in career and technical education. APS works closely with construction companies and industry partners to ensure students are learning the most up-to-date skills and practices. These partners provide essential materials, help shape lesson content, and offer apprenticeship opportunities that give students real-world experience. "We need not only the materials for our students to be able to work on, but we also need our industry partners to help tell us what's changed," Wood explained. "The construction of today is different than what I grew up on. We need the industry to tell us how to train students because we want our students to go to their companies." The ConstrucTECH program has grown in popularity at Gateway High School. This year, 50 incoming freshmen will begin their first year in the program. To support the expansion and ensure students receive the guidance they need, the school has also added another teacher to the program. More information about career pathway programs offered through Aurora Public Schools can be found at
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gateway High School Class of 2025 graduates; see the festivities in dozens of photos
Gateway High School Class of 2025 graduated May 16, 2025, at Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. The approximately 571 seniors at the Fort Myers high school were among thousands of Lee County high school student graduating this year. The school was founded in 2021. The school's mascot is the Eagles, and the colors are black and gold. Gateway High School is on Griffin Drive off State Road 82. See dozens of photos of their ceremony and celebration: Support local journalism by subscribing to The News-Press. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Gateway High School graduation 2025: See commencement photos
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Osceola Sheriff's Office Address Immigration Legislation at Critical Town Hall
As immigration policies continue to stir debate across Florida, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office is stepping into the conversation by hosting a highly anticipated town hall meeting Thursday at Gateway High School to address the sweeping concerns surrounding the role of law enforcement in the county. With over 50% of Osceola County's population being Hispanic, the town hall meeting comes one month after Governor Desantis signed several immigration laws that aimed to carry out President Trump's deportation agenda. 'The law itself is difficult. It's messy and it's cruel,' said Maria Revelles, Co-Director of La Mesa Boricu. During the meeting, the department highlighted two of the stricter immigration laws, such as SB 2-C, which would enhance punishment for unauthorized aliens, force law enforcement to notify the State of Attorney if a person in custody is on an immigration detainer, and SB-4C which would impose the death penalty if an unauthorized alien is guilty of a capital offense. The meeting also detailed what can happen if a government agency does not comply with the law, like a forced suspension from office. The Sheriff did say the department is lending a hand to ICE because it has been overwhelmed with immigration, and deputies will be focused on criminals and those that are a threat to public safety and they are not walking into schools and churches locking up people randomly and deporting them. 'It's not like they are just going to be throwing people out. Every situation. Every circumstance is going to be different. We're assisting them right now because they are overwhelmed with this issue,' said Marcos Lopez, Osceola County Sheriff. During the meeting, the sheriff displayed a PowerPoint slide show with examples of past undocumented individuals who have committed violent crimes underscoring the urgency behind these efforts, with law enforcement making it clear that their collaboration with ICE is not about status—it's about safety. Like many in the room, Revelles said there are still blurry lines between the roles of local government and the new law questioning what this enforcement might look like in practice and can these laws affect trust in law enforcement and the communities. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrating Black culture through dance
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Feline Finesse Dance Company, an all-Black youth dance team in San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, is making waves not only with their performances but also through community service. Founded by Lilla Pittman, the dance company provides a space for Black and Brown girls to express themselves and build confidence through dance. The team recently performed at Gateway High School for Black History Month, showcasing their talent and cultural pride. 'For you to be a Feline Finesse girl, you just really got to be a Queen,' said Zion Harp, a dance captain at the company. More Black History Month stories 'It's extremely important for young Black people to create and have that confidence to be able to step out,' said Lilla Pittman, the founder and artistic director. The Feline Finesse Dance Company is more than just a dance team; it is a community where members see each other as family. Kamai Moore, the parade captain, emphasizes the bond among the dancers, saying, 'They're not my dance mates, they're my sisters, they're my best friends.' The dancers are encouraged to be their authentic selves and explore their talents without fear of judgment. 'It makes me feel free because it makes me feel like I can do whatever I want,' Moore added. Beyond dance, the company is involved in community stewardship, such as serving and preparing hot meals for people in San Francisco's Tenderloin community. This aspect of their mission reinforces the values of giving back and supporting their community. The team is led by Lilla Pittman, who serves as both coach and artistic director. Her leadership is pivotal in shaping the dancers' experiences and growth. 'Dance I would say… for all my young ladies, it's not something I want them to grow up to be a dancer, it's literally a stepping stone,' Pittman explained. All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
