Central Regional Area Career and Technical Center

Aiden Hanson, a senior that just graduated from Turtle Lake-Mercer Public School, completed a Marketing Work-Based Learning experience at Northland Health Centers in Turtle Lake with Marketing & Engagement Manager, Brenden Bergquist.

This is what Brenden had to say about Aiden's internship at Northland Health Centers:

During his internship at Northland Health Centers, Aiden Hanson demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and contributing to meaningful marketing work that supports our communities. Throughout his time with our team, Aiden actively engaged in a variety of projects, bringing a positive attitude, reliability, and a willingness to take on new challenges.

His contributions helped support our ongoing efforts to serve patients and strengthen community partnerships. Aiden’s growth over the course of his internship was evident, and he leaves a strong impression as a motivated young professional with great potential for future success. Our team at Northland Health Centers wishes Aiden the best upon graduation from Turtle Lake-Mercer High School as he embarks on a new journey as a Viking at Valley City State University.

🎉🎉Congratulations, Aiden, on successfully completing your Work-Based Learning internship and on your high school graduation! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to gaining real-world experience have helped prepare you for success in both your career and future educational opportunities.

A special thank you to CRACTC Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kim Jensen, for the submission and for her dedication to connecting students with meaningful learning experiences. Kim's work with students, communities, and industry partners helps create valuable opportunities that support career exploration, workforce development, and student success.

**Aiden Hanson, Brenden Bergquist pictured

As the 2025–2026 school year has come to a close, we want to thank our students, teachers, school partners, and communities for another amazing year of Career & Technical Education! 🎓🔧📚

We are proud of all the hands-on learning, skills development, certifications earned, and accomplishments achieved throughout the year. Congratulations to our graduates, and best wishes in your future careers and educational journeys! 👏

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, don’t forget to enroll your students in the Registration System for next year’s CTE classes. We look forward to another great year of providing students with valuable career-ready experiences! 💻🩺⚙️

https://registration.cractc.org/login

https://www.cractc.org

Hands-on learning in action! 🩺👏

On Monday, our students from TGU School District, Surrey School District #41, Max Public Schools, Shiloh Christian School, and Flasher Public School participated in the last skills lab of the year at the Bismarck State College Health Science Building under the instruction of Lorie Usselmann McCarthy.

Students practiced a variety of essential healthcare skills including range of motion, dressing assistance, oral care, catheter bag care, denture care, and bed pan procedures. These valuable experiences help prepare our students for future careers in healthcare while building confidence and compassion in patient care. 💙

Great work by all of our students and thank you to Lorie McCarthy for providing these meaningful learning opportunities!

As we near the end of the 2025–2026 school year at the CRACTC, we want to thank our students, staff, partner schools, and communities for another incredible year of Career & Technical Education success! 🎓📚

This year was filled with hands-on learning, industry experiences, certifications, competitions, leadership opportunities, and countless achievements across all of our program areas. We are proud of the hard work, growth, and dedication shown by our students every day.

🎓🎓A special congratulations goes out to the Class of 2026 graduates! 🎉 Your determination, skills, and commitment have prepared you for bright futures ahead—whether entering the workforce, continuing your education, serving our communities, or pursuing new opportunities. We cannot wait to see all you accomplish.

Thank you for making this year one to remember.

🔥 May Student of the Month – Welding 🔥

The CRACTC proudly recognizes Cain Kemmet, senior at Wishek Public School/South Border Mustangs, as our May Student of the Month recipient in the Welding program area, nominated by teacher Lance Van Berkom.

Cain consistently demonstrates a phenomenal work ethic that sets the standard for his peers in the shop. He doesn’t just aim to complete his work — he strives for excellence in every welding project he undertakes.

His dedication to the craft is evident in both his time management and determination. Cain is reliably the first student to strike an arc and begin working, and his efficiency often makes him the first to finish. Most impressive is that his speed never compromises quality. His welding projects are practically flawless, showcasing precision, focus, and craftsmanship well beyond his years.

Congratulations, Cain, on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

*presented by Lyle Krueger, Assistant Director of the CRACTC

🎉 May Student of the Month 🎉

Congratulations to Emily Carry Moccasin, a senior at Selfridge Public School, our May Student of the Month in Welding and Fabrication! 👏🔥

Emily entered the course with no prior welding experience, but through determination, grit, and an incredible work ethic, she has made outstanding progress throughout the year. She is one of the most focused students in the shop, consistently staying on task and giving her best effort every day. 💪⚙️

Welding requires both physical and mental stamina, and Emily rises to the challenge daily. Not only does she excel in the shop, but she also produces high-quality classroom work and consistently turns assignments in on time. 📚✨

Her transformation from a complete beginner to a dedicated, high-performing student truly makes her deserving of this recognition.

Emily was nominated by Welding teacher Lance Van Berkom. Congratulations, Emily! We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments! 🎊👏

*presented by Lyle Krueger, Assistant Director

Congratulations to CRACTC Assistant Director, Lyle Krueger, on being recognized with the distinct honor of receiving the prestigious Bridge Builder Award from the North Dakota Army National Guard during last week’s Recruitment and Retention Battalion Ceremony! 🇺🇸👏

This distinguished honor recognizes the collaborative efforts between Central Regional Area Career and Technical Center (CRACTC), North Dakota Career and Technical Education, and the North Dakota National Guard (North Dakota Army National Guard) in developing and expanding the statewide Military Pathway Program.

Through these partnerships, students across North Dakota are gaining clear opportunities to fulfill the Military Choice Ready pathway while strengthening workforce development and service pipelines throughout our state. We are proud of the impact this work is making for students, communities, and the future of North Dakota!

Pictured from left to right: Sgt. Lyson, Lyle Krueger, Brigadier General Johnson, and Col. Schaffner.

🍎🍎Teacher Appreciation Spotlight- TIM MEYER! 🍎🍎

The CRACTC would like to recognize TIM MEYER for his dedication to our Technology and Engineering programs. Through hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world problem solving, Tim inspires students to explore careers in technology, engineering, and skilled trades. His passion for teaching helps students build confidence, creativity, and valuable technical skills that prepare them for future success. Thank you, Tim, for your commitment to student learning and for making a lasting impact on our students.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we would like to recognize
👏🏻KIM JENSEN👏🏻, our Work-Based Learning Coordinator, for the incredible impact she makes on our students and community. Kim serves as the vital bridge between students and industry by coordinating meaningful work-based learning opportunities such as job shadows, internships, and cooperative work experiences. She actively connects with businesses across central North Dakota — in both rural and urban communities — to build partnerships that provide students with valuable real-world experiences and help strengthen the future workforce. Thank you, Kim, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success.

📣 Teacher Appreciation Week Spotlight 📣

At CRACTC we are proud to recognize
📓MICHELLE HOFF📓from our Marketing program! 🌟

Michelle inspires students through a wide range of engaging and career-focused courses, including:
• Marketing
• Principles of Finance
• Sports and Entertainment Marketing
• Social Media Marketing

Her passion for business, creativity, and real-world learning helps students build skills for success both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you, Michelle, for your dedication, leadership, and the positive impact you make every day! 👏🍎