At the end of every quarter, the teachers at Mission Trails ROP nominate students they think should receive the ‘CTE Student of the Quarter’ award. Their requirements are someone who exceeds in their classes while going above and beyond to help.
Last December, senior Alondra Orozco-Lopez was nominated by Advance Culinary teacher Yesenia Botello and awarded with the ‘CTE Student of the Quarter’ award. “This is the first time they’ve chosen one of my students,” Botello said “Alondra is employed, she has good grades, she’s doing choir, swimming, and helps with catering. Those are the qualifications I put.”
Since a young age, Alondra has been interested in culinary arts. Her interests prompted her to sign up for the class. “Taking a culinary course has helped me in so many ways such as giving me more experience on culinary requirements,” Orozco said “I found a passion that I truly loved doing.” Orozco doesn’t just practice culinary during school hours, she also works for Carl’s Jr. “Culinary has taught me a lot that we also need to know at work like OSHA rules and violations.”
Between work, school, and social life, it is important to have a healthy balance of each. In order to do so Orozco practices time management skills. “On my free days I tend to hang out with friends or give myself breaks,” Orozco said. “My boss was very considerate of my school hours and since I only work three hours it helps me stay organized with my schedule.”
Orozco doesn’t hesitate to help out her peers whenever they need a hand. She often comes to class early to help clean up and have the kitchen ready for the day.
Orozco first found out she had won this award via an email her teacher had sent her. “I feel so honored and privileged to be able to receive such an award and especially at something I love doing and am passionate for,” Orozco said, “I didn’t receive anything for the award, but I was just happy to be recognized as a very helpful person to my peers.”
