Central Consolidated students advocate at Roundhouse

Kirtland Central High BPA & FCCLA officers stand in front of New Mexico Capitol known as the Roundhouse. Row 1: Kayla Badoni, Phillip Horsley. Row 2: Patieya Curtis, Isabella Hurtado. Row 3: Jubilee Herrera, Emily Roanhorse. Row 4: Madison Medley, Darius Marshall. Row 5: Jacob Martin, Caleb Kester, Frinz Santos, Isaac Russell. (Courtesy Central Consolidated Schools)cca

Kirtland Central High School students joined 500 Career Technical Student Organization members from across New Mexico for CTSO Day at the Roundhouse on Jan. 23 and 24.

Those students are members of the Business Professionals of America and Family and Career and Community Leaders of America chapters at KCHS.

The event provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with state legislators and advocate for continued CTSO funding.

According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, 51% of jobs in the state require skills training that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree, and 47% of workers are trained at this level.

Providing Career Technical Education programs can help fill that gap, the 2024 report said.

Students had direct interaction with state representatives and senators while also receiving an educational overview of the New Mexico Legislature by Sen. Nathan P. Small.

Reps. Joshua N. Hernandez, Alan T. Martinez and Sens. Mark Duncan, Nathan Small, Pat Woods and William Sharer also interacted with the students.

The two-day event also included a scavenger hunt through the Roundhouse.

In their advocacy for CTSO funding, students shared personal stories of how their programs raise funds for activities and competitions while acknowledging how student advocacy last year played a crucial role in preventing funding cuts.

Woods provided insight into the legislative process by sharing copies of a bill he was working on and explaining the steps involved in its passage.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to voice their concerns and their importance to CTSO – Students need to learn and speak up for their interest,” said Lynn Foster, KCHS business teacher.

According to a CCSD release, one representative encouraged the students, saying, “Even though you are a high school student you still have a voice, make sure that you are heard and make it known that you have a voice.”

Points of interest for students

Madison Medley, BPA and FCCLA member, appreciated the chance to advocate for increased CTSO funding. Isabella Hurtado, BPA treasurer, called the experience one of the best she’s had, particularly her meeting with Alan T. Martinez. Emily Roanhors, a second-year participant, valued advocating for funding and learning about the Capitol’s history. Phillip Horsley, BPA vice president, learned about the Roundhouse and legislative process. Caleb Kester, BPA and FCCLA member, discussed Navajo Nation plans and BPA funding for national trips with Rep. Joshua N. Hernandez. Darius Marshall, student, discussed school finance with Sen. William Sharer and Hernandez. Isaac Russell, BPA member, described the experience as unique and highlighted the opportunity to see legislators as people shaping New Mexico’s future. Kayla Badoni, BPA president, found the experience unique, amazing, and resourceful, and learned about the roles of senators and representatives. Patieya Curtis, BPA member, emphasized the importance of high school students making their voices heard. Jacob Martin, student, described the event as engaging and discussed community engagement in legislation with Hernandez.

Donna Yazzie, FCCLA adviser, expressed amazement at the students’ involvement and the opportunity to learn about state departments.

Winston Holyan, U.S. government teacher at KCHS, commended the students’ professionalism and commitment, emphasizing the role of CTSOs in developing future leaders and business professionals.

“The project creation that develops and tests real-world business and problem-solving skills is a great example of how to develop tomorrow’s leaders and business professionals today,” Holyan said.