October 2021
October 22nd
CTE Students Make Maia Chaka's Visit Memorable
Digital Media: Students in the Digital Media Pathway worked on a independent student lead media event. They worked to create questions for interviews, videoed, ran the control room, and audio studio. This was a major undertaking for these CTE students who are learning to operate and work in a studio environment after being out of school for over a year. Click on the videos and picture carousel to view the outstanding work of our Digital Media students.
Machine Shop Students: Students helped to create a very memorable and challenging gift for Maia. They machined out of a block of aluminum a oversized referee whistle down to the fine details. It was buffed to a high shine and mounted on the wood plaque made from the gym floor. Again like the Digital Media students this was a challenge for students due to missing crucial hands on time during the pandemic. However "WE" Inventors always seem to invent a way and they did an outstanding job.
NYSAA Carpentry Students: Students worked together to sand, assemble, and finish a beautiful plaque made from pieces of the old Gymnasium floor. In addition the students used a computer controlled router to engrave Maia's name and graduation year. Once completed the whistle the Machine Shop students made was attached and presented during the brunch. Another amazing job done by our Edison Inventors as we find a way to get our students back in the shop and getting the hands on experience the pandemic prevented.
Culinary Students: The students in Mr. Cropo's Culinary Arts Program worked to create a delicious brunch that was highlighted by outstanding décor and menus. Critical planning, work, and effort went into the entire brunch event and it couldn't have been any better. These students pulled out all the stops to pull this project off. Even with the time away from the kitchen and its equipment during the pandemic students pivoted and made it happen.
About Alumni Maia Chaka Visit to Edison Tech
On March 5, history was made when the NFL declared that Rochester native Maia Chaka would become the first Black woman ever named to the league's officiating staff. When the announcement was made, Maia didn't believe the news. "I thought I was being punked," Chaka said. "I didn't think it was real at all. I was totally shocked." Maia Chaka was born at home on Frost Avenue in Rochester. Her mother gave birth to her in her bedroom and still resides there. "I still sleep in that room when I come back to visit to this day," Chaka said.
According to Maia, her experience growing up in Rochester molded her for the spotlight she finds herself in today. A graduate of Edison Tech High School, Chaka had to navigate an institution in transition — an exercise that built resiliency.
Click Here for Full Article From Democrat & Chronicle