Tri-Tech Skills Center

Construction Trades hosted their Friends and Family event at our Habitat for Humanity job site. Students were able to show their families all the work that went into our first 2-story build. Thank you to our families sharing your students with us for the year.

Our Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services hosted their awards ceremony last night at Desert Hills Middle School. It was a wonderful night celebrating all of our students' accomplishments including industry certifications that will allow our students to go right to work after they graduate, including 5 EMT completers. Congratulations to our dedicated and hard working students.

Our Culinary Arts students and staff hosted a Family and Friends Showcase Wednesday and Thursday nights complete with appetizers and desserts. The student showcased their skills and gave their families tours of the facilities. The food was amazing!

Congratulations to our Digital Arts & Filmmaking student winners in the Ben Franklin Transit 2026 Art Bus Contest.
https://youtu.be/iS5xjuSBMTw

Wow, what an amazing turnout we had last night for our Pre-Nursing Pinning Ceremony. We packed the gym at Desert Hills Middle School who graciously hosted us while our building is under construction. It was a wonderful evening full of family and friends celebrating our students.

Congratulations Tallon. Thanks for the shout out!

For senior Tallon Zaugg, online school wasn't about isolation—it was about finding his people, leading with purpose, and building a community that lifted everyone up.

Tallon started at Pacific Crest Online Academy (PCOA) as a freshman and quickly found a welcoming environment.

"There are lots of diverse people here," said Tallon. "Kids of all backgrounds come to PCOA, and the teachers are really great. I love them. They are the absolute best."

Tallon is a social butterfly, which is not typically who you expect to find attending online school. Throughout the last four years, Tallon stayed involved in a variety of activities and experiences. He served as a member of PCOA's ASB all four years of high school and was named president during his senior year. Through ASB, Tallon helped organize student involvement and worked to make school events more inclusive and engaging for everyone.

One of Tallon's favorite experiences from high school was the Pre-Nursing program he participated in through Tri-Tech Skills Center. The class combined problem-solving, science, and hands-on learning through clinical rotations in a way that made a lasting impact.

"I love that class," said Tallon. "It's a really fun course. I enjoy anything medical. It fascinates me."

That passion for medicine has helped shape Tallon's plans after graduation. Tallon wants to attend WSU Tri-Cities to study nursing with the goal of becoming a trauma nurse.

Academically, Tallon graduates as the school's valedictorian. But beyond grades and accomplishments, Tallon hopes others recognize the importance of perseverance and believing in yourself.

"I really struggle with reading," Tallon said. "I don't retain much information, which makes school very challenging. I had to push myself really hard to get where I am. My main goal is to show others that no matter how difficult it is, if you put in the work, you will get there."

As graduation approaches, Tallon leaves Pacific Crest Online Academy with a passion for helping others, a drive to succeed, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him.

Congratulations, Tallon!

🎓 Congratulations to our Tri-Tech Skills Center students who were recognized last night at our annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony!

This year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community partners, more than $37,000 in scholarships was awarded to 41 outstanding students as they prepare to take the next step in their careers and education.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and determination these students have shown throughout their time at Tri-Tech. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish!

A special thank you to our sponsors for investing in career and technical education and helping make these opportunities possible for our students.

➡️ Reminder: There will be no school on Friday, May 22, or Monday, May 25.

Friday was scheduled as a potential snow make-up day, and Monday is Memorial Day.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and restful long weekend!

What an amazing accomplishment for our Construction Trades program on finishing our part of our first two story house for Habitat for Humanity.