The mission of this program, established in 1964, is to recognize and honor superior high school seniors. Students nominated for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) component are students who demonstrate excellence in career and technical education. This component of the program will honor students on the basis of outstanding scholarship and demonstrated ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields. The committee will choose 60 applicants to be named as semifinalists. The 60 CTE semifinalist applications will then be reviewed by the Commission on Presidential Scholars.
Kaylynn is a senior at Astronaut High School. She is a leader academically, both in her core academic classes and in her health sciences CTE program. She is in the Academy of Health Science and dual enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Eastern Florida State College with a 3.89 GPA (unweighted), and a 4.28 GPA (weighted). Not only is she a leader in the classroom, she also is a member of the Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Barrel Horse Association, Park Avenue Baptist Church, and 4-year varsity basketball player.
Kaylynn not only stands out as a well-rounded young lady in her academic and school-based achievements, she also is preparing for life after graduation. By January, she will complete all the work-based learning experiences needed to complete the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program and earn her CNA Certificate. This will make her immediately employable upon graduation. She already has two job offers as a CNA when she graduates and receives her CNA Certificate, and it is only October! Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences represent a dedication from students that goes above and beyond any classroom experience. They demonstrate a commitment to a career path and a passion for learning that exceeds Kaylynn represents professionalism in the workplace and has the caring heart that is needed in healthcare. She works hard in skills labs to ensure she is the best she can be for her patients. Her teacher, a nurse, states that she “would be proud to work alongside Kaylynn in the health care setting”.
