Twenty-two students were honored as Most Outstanding Student for the 2021-2022 academic year. CTEC Dean John Morgan said the student honorees wisely chose technical education paths because of the many doors swinging wide open for them as they pursue careers or continue their education.
Two CTEC students also won Awards for Excellence.
The highest honor, the President’s Award for Excellence, was bestowed on Cassidy Farias of Prescott, an aerospace science student and aspiring commercial pilot and entrepreneur who is a member of the College Honors Program, earned an All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship and is a prolific community volunteer. Cassidy also was named Most Outstanding Student in aviation technology.
Pre-engineering student Preston Norbury of Chino Valley earned the Vice President’s Award for Excellence. Preston also was named the pre-applied engineering program’s Most Outstanding Student.
Custodians Tony Fritts and Chris Robles were honored for their tireless efforts to keep the campus clean and COVID-free over the last two years. Also earning outstanding staff recognition this year was Adviser Jenn Zimmerman.
Ed Fisher, who teaches air traffic control, was named Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.
Outstanding CTEC Faculty member honors went to 12-year agribusiness technology faculty member, 22-year employee, YC alumna and current Faculty Senate President Marnee Zazueta.
Most Outstanding Student recipients:
Theresa Lozo of Congress, animal care and management
William “Shane” Keeble of Chino Valley, production horticulture
Mackenzie Dell of Prescott Valley, agribusiness technology
Nova Celik of Prescott Valley, diesel technology
Nelson Voldeng of Prescott, automotive technology
Michael Johnson, (hometown not identified), automotive body & paint collision technology
Austin Tosh of Prescott, electrical instrumentation technology
Carson Villalobos of Prescott, advanced manufacturing technology
Matthew West of Prescott, unmanned aircraft systems
Silas Chillquist of Prescott, welding technology
Eric Brannon of Chino Valley, computer numerical control
Chris McDowell of Prescott Valley, gunsmithing technology
Quintero Burkeen of Glendale, electric utility technology
Anna Componovo of Devon, Pennsylvania, equine care and management
Michael Rinaldi of Cottonwood, fire science
Hannah McCarrick of Williams, construction building technology
Dustin Cushman of Paulden, commercial driver training
Torey Gilsdorf of Prescott, emergency medical services
Merrill Fleig of Chino Valley, film & media arts
Rasan Lawrence of Prescott, 3D printing and manufacturing