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Superintendent's Update - May 2021

EVIT Superintendent Update


Countdown to completion
We are about two weeks away from the highlight of this school year – the 2021 EVIT Completion Ceremonies at Chicago Cubs Sloan Park stadium in Mesa. The ceremony for the Power and Apache Junction campuses is 7 p.m., Monday, May 17, and the ceremony for Main and Fountain Hills campuses is 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 18. Over 1,700 EVIT students are completing their programs this spring. KTAR radio host Mike Broomhead will be the featured guest speaker for both ceremonies.

Fashion “Metamorphx”
The creative work of EVIT’s Fashion Design & Merchandising students is currently on display at Scottsdale Fashion Square in an exhibition titled Metamorphx. The collection, produced by Laundry Lab, a student-led multi-disciplinary design collective in the EVIT fashion program, is a reflection on the students’ experiences during the pandemic. The exhibition is located on the second floor of the fashion center’s newly renovated luxury wing across the walkway from Macy’s.

Educator of Distinction
Paula Corbin, instructor of EVIT’s Early Childhood Education program, has been selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars. The honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire students. Ms. Corbin was nominated by EVIT senior Sheyanne Ingraham, who said her teacher “cares for her students, has helped with real-life problems and always listens to her students and gives advice.” Under Ms. Corbin’s leadership, EVIT’s Early Childhood Education program partnered with Mesa Community College to offer students an MCC certificate of completion – with their tuition, fees and textbooks paid for through the Professional Career Pathways Scholarship Program. Congratulations, Paula Corbin!

Bringing home gold
Spring is a time to celebrate success – and EVIT students have had plenty to celebrate. EVIT students in several programs won 18 medals, including six gold, at the 2021 Arizona SkillsUSA competition. Four Culinary Arts students won gold medals at the Arizona FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) competition and three qualified for nationals. Eight culinary students also won nearly $37,000 in scholarships in the state CCAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) competition, including senior Devan Derouin, who won a $15,000 scholarship to the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. And, 29 EVIT students placed in the state HOSA Future Health Professionals competition. Congrats to all of our EVIT medalists!

Michael’s story
Michael Charlton had a passion for flight when he enrolled in EVIT’s Aviation program. Just a couple of years later at age 19, he became one of the nation’s youngest certified radar controllers – earning over $100,000. “Little did I know that (EVIT) was going to be the best decision I ever made and lay the foundation for my aviation career,” he said. Read Michael’s inspiring story: https://bit.ly/3ej6rvG