SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — The Sumter County School District is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) during February, highlighting students excelling in various programs. As part of the celebration, the district is recognizing three standout CTE students: Brooke Lackey from South Sumter Middle School, Ariella Resendiz Valdez from South Sumter High School, and Amber Law from Wildwood Middle High School.

Brooke Lackey – She is an enthusiastic and dedicated student enrolled in the Fundamentals of Architecture and Construction program at South Sumter Middle School. Despite her young age, she has already made significant progress in her CTE education, earning a Digital Citizenship and Ethics certification.

(South Sumter Middle School student Brooke Lackey. Photo Credit – Casey Ferguson.)

“My favorite part of my CTE program is that we don’t sit at our desks every day,” Brooke said. “We get to go outside and play educational games sometimes. It’s really fun and helps me learn better.”

Brooke, who has maintained A/B Honor Roll status each quarter, is known for her positive attitude and commitment to learning. Her teacher praised her strong work ethic, stating, “Brooke is a bright, hardworking student who demonstrates a great deal of curiosity and enthusiasm. She is always eager to learn and ready to take on new challenges.”

Ariella Resendiz Valdez – A 12th-grade student at South Sumter High School, has excelled in both the MeCA and Early Childhood Education programs. She has earned multiple industry certifications, including EKG, DCFS, CMAA, ServSafe, CPR, and CPCT. Before graduating, she plans to add CNA, CDA, and Phlebotomy certifications to her resume.

(Ariella Resendiz Valdez of South Sumter High School. Photo Credit – Casey Ferguson.)

“In Early Childhood Education, my favorite part is spending time with the kids and being a part of their early growth stages as they learn their way through life,” Ariella said. “In MeCA, I enjoy learning new skills that could be beneficial or lifesaving in the future.”

Having lived in Sumter County for 10 years, Ariella is committed to making a positive impact in her community. She plans to attend Saint Leo University to pursue a degree in biology, with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.

“Ariella Resendiz Valdez is a prime example of what our CTE program aims to cultivate—students who are committed to their education, passionate about their career goals, and ready to make a meaningful contribution to society,” said Debbie Hileman, Early Childhood instructor at South Sumter High School.

Amber Law – A senior at Wildwood Middle High School, Amber is a dedicated student and advocate for agriculture and animal science. She has participated in the Horticulture and Animal Science programs and has completed courses in Health Science, Introduction to Agriculture, and Horticulture Science Level III.

(Amber Law of Wildwood Middle High School. Photo Credit – Casey Ferguson.)

Amber has earned multiple industry certifications, including the Ecology Conservation and Management Certification, Agritechnology Specialist Certification, Agricultural Communications Specialist Certification, Agriculture Associate Certification, and Python Coding Specialist.

Her favorite part of the CTE program is showing livestock at the Sumter County Fair. “I chose to take these CTE courses because of my love for animals and my overall passion for agriculture,” Amber said. After graduation, she plans to attend Florida Southern University to pursue a B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry, aiming for a career as a veterinarian.

The Impact of Career and Technical EducationCareer and Technical Education (CTE) provides students with real-world, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for high-demand careers. With 17 career pathways available, students can gain valuable skills and earn industry certifications in critical fields. Unlike traditional higher education, CTE programs offer a cost-effective route to a successful career with less financial burden.

Congratulations to Brooke Lackey, Ariella Resendiz Valdez, and Amber Law for their outstanding achievements and contributions to Sumter County Schools and the community.