Career and Technical Education CTE at Ball High School

We proudly celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of our Career and Technical Education students at the GISD CTE Awards Night!

Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, students across multiple CTE pathways earned valuable Industry-Based Certifications that demonstrate real-world skills, technical knowledge, and career readiness. From healthcare and automotive technology to welding, culinary arts, business, education and training, and more — our students continue to excel both inside and outside the classroom.

These certifications represent countless hours of hard work, dedication, hands-on learning, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of each student for achieving this important milestone and preparing for successful futures in college, careers, and beyond.

A special thank you goes to our amazing CTE teachers, administrators, families, industry partners, and community supporters who continue to invest in and encourage our students every step of the way.

Congratulations to all of our certification recipients, and especially to our graduating seniors as they prepare for the next chapter of their journey!

This past week, our juniors in the Education & Training program hosted a shadowing day for their “littles” through our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and it was such a fun day. The girls toured our new campus, enjoyed a choir performance, got their nails painted by cosmetology students, made slime, had lunch together, and got to spend some extra time with their “big” before summer break. Definitely something we’re excited to continue next year!

Central Middle School and Ball High School's maritime, distribution, and logistics programs marked National Maritime Day with a visit to the Port of Galveston, where students engaged in a productive learning experience, including a tour and operational insights from Pure 16 and a windshield tour of key facilities.

The CTE Dept. at Ball High School is proud to announce that Rowan Catarino was selected as a recipient of the 2026 SkillsUSA National Technical Honor Society Scholarship. This scholarship is exclusively for both SkillsUSA and National Technical Honor Society members who have excelled in their career and technical education (CTE) field of study. Only four dual members in the entire country are awarded this competitive scholarship of $1,000. Of the four recipients, only two are high school students and the other two are college/postsecondary students.

As SkillsUSA Education & Training Chapter President, Career Pathways Showcase - Human Services 2025 & 26 Skills District 9 Champion, two-time State Qualifier, 2026 State Champion, and Engineering Related Design Exhibit Best of Show Winner (with Dona Barman), Rowan exemplifies the SkillsUSA framework of Personal Skills, Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, and Workplace Readiness.

“I’m honored to have been selected it as one of two high school students in the nation. I found out about this scholarship through the SkillsUSA national website and applied to it during winter break. When I got the email regarding my selection on May 15th, I was overjoyed. I’m very passionate about getting involved in career readiness, specifically education & training,” Rowan states.

SkillsUSA Advisor, Michael Merritte, is honored to have had a chapter president who leads by example. “I have witnessed Rowan’s leadership, commitment, and professional growth in the two years of our chapter’s existence.

SkillsUSA District Champion, two-time State qualifier State Champion, and National Qualifier (Atlanta, GA June 1st-6th) all within the two-year span is historic. The scholarship committee could not have been selected to a more deserving recipient.”

CTE Director Jennifer Edenfield, BHS Administration, and the Galveston ISD community applauds Rowan for,
“Raising the grade” with this exemplary national success.

What an exceptional evening it was last week, honoring the outstanding achievements of our Career and Technical Student Organizations: HOSA, SKILLS USA, and TAFE! Congratulations are in order for your remarkable accomplishments at the state and national levels.

Today, our Education and Training students who have successfully met all requirements for Educational Aide certification have signed a Letter of Intent to interview with Galveston ISD. This significant achievement marks a major milestone for these students, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming them back to GISD as esteemed teachers.

Special appreciation is extended to Ms. Cann for her tireless efforts on behalf of our students.

Way to go HOSA!!!

So proud of our BESTT, TAFE and NHS members for the amazing job they did at Galveston College’s College Day! 💜💛

Our students had the opportunity to step into the role of a real teacher and lead science lessons for 500+ 4th graders from across the district while showcasing the opportunities available through Ball High’s dual credit programs and Galveston College.

A big thank you to Dr. Julia Ramirez for making this experience possible. These students made us so proud!

Way to go Mr Puccetti! So awesome!

Congratulations to our Rocket program for 4 successful launches!!

Way to go!!