CTE Spotlight

Westerly High School offers a variety of Career and Technical Education Programs, including PTECH, medical, culinary, cosmetology, criminal justice, construction, art design, and technology.

WHS students enrolled in one of the eight programs are eligible for college credits, workplace experience, and a CTE certification on their diploma.

Assistant Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education Mr. Cronin recommends that anyone interested in one of the programs should "see if they have a true passion for it."

If a student joins a CTE program and discovers that they no longer have an interest, he adds that it is "totally fine" and that students can un-enroll any year throughout high school.

He believes it is better for students to "find out in high school rather than in college if they are not interested in a field."

Ms. Cardillo, a technology teacher at Westerly High School, is excited that so many of her students are "really into computer science" and "enjoy being a part of the program."

She believes that students considering the computer science field should look towards the technology program at WHS as they will become exposed to "programming, coding, critical thinking, and problem-solving," which will help them throughout their future careers.

Jeffrey Schroeder, one of Cardillo's students, says he enjoys "the programming aspect of the class" and plans to use the programming skills he's learned for future endeavors.

Westerly High School's criminal justice program is full of crime scene investigations and hands-on learning. Students can expect to attend many field trips throughout the year, as Mrs. Muccio, the criminal justice teacher at WHS, can now drive the field trip bus!

By incorporating field trips and real-life experiences into her classes, Mrs. Muccio says that she is able to "make the textbook come to life."

This year, Mrs. Muccio has brought her students to police stations and courthouses. Gabi Ferraro, a junior in the program, enjoys this aspect of the course, along with "getting to work with town officers."

Of every CTE program at Westerly High School, The medical program may be the most hands-on. Mr. Maranda has transformed his classroom with state-of-the-art equipment, which he loves to see his students "become comfortable with and learn how to apply to a real-life patient."

Students considering joining the medical program can expect "practicals" at least every other class that will "put them through stressful situations while using the skills they have learned," Maranda says.

Avery Gingerella, a sophomore in the medical program, values the "SkillsUSA competitions, health fairs, ambulance ride time for seniors, and practicals" offered alongside the program.

Avery believes the medical program helps her "learn valuable skills that will be needed for future employment in the medical field." She plans to go on to college for nursing and ultimately earn a paramedic license. 

Any students interested in hair, makeup, or nails should consider Westerly High School's cosmetology program. Mrs. Marulanda and the other cosmetology teachers allow cosmetology students to "work alongside professionals from the industry." By joining the cosmetology program, students can open doors and form industry connections. 

If students are truly passionate about the field, they have access to compete in the Skills USA competition. WHS's cosmetology program had a handful of medalists this year.

Students looking to form relationships with their teachers should consider the cosmetology program, as "our students become colleagues with their teachers over their high school journey," Mrs. Marulanda says.

Sophomore Sophia Bowen enjoys working with hair during her classes and wants to "go into a salon and work with the skills I've gained throughout the course" after graduating from WHS.

Cosmetology students attend field trips, such as a trade show in New York City and visits to the G Spa at Foxwoods. These experiences allow them to connect their learning to real life.

Any student with a creative side and artistic talent should consider the art design program at Westerly High School. The program primarily consists of studio work that introduces students to basic techniques while giving them the skills to help them in the future job market.

One of Westerly High School's art teachers, Mr. Kelley, enjoys "watching how much my students grow in skill and confidence in the work they produce as they go through the program."

The AP art classes included in the program conclude with a portfolio that students submit to the College Board. This portfolio can also be utilized when applying for future jobs and colleges.

Celeste Renna, a junior art student, notes how much "creative freedom" students in the art program receive "so that they can create pieces that are deeply personal to them."

Westerly's culinary program continues to grow each year, with new equipment installed and new experiences created for culinary students. Chef Finkelstein tells prospective students to expect "real-world experiences" when joining the program.

Easton French, a junior in the culinary program at WHS, notes that "the chefs have become the best mentors in my life" and that he loves "being able to use a mix of recipes and my creativity for cooking."

Any student interested in construction or manufacturing should consider Westerly High School's construction or PTECH program. A junior construction student, Noah Roberts plans to major in construction management in college.

"Unlike all other classes, your tasks and materials change frequently, and you get to work hands-on," Roberts says.

Noah adds that construction and PTECH students attend field trips and other events to improve their techniques and "work in different environments."

Westerly High School offers many programs for every student interested in thinking ahead and planning for their future. Students enrolled in a CTE program at WHS can access many unique opportunities not offered through other schools or regular classes.

Upperclassmen who realize late in their high school journey that they would like to pursue an interest "can look towards a pathway endorsement," Mr. Cronin adds. Pathway endorsements require fewer classes and are often more realistic for students who do not have room in their schedule for CTE classes and credits.

Students on the fence about joining a CTE program should not hesitate to reach out to any of Westerly High School's CTE teachers, who are each full of advice and knowledge about whether their program is the right fit for you!