Visalia Unified School District's Career Technical Education Department

Just before graduating, Golden West High School senior Dylan Mondragon successfully earned his 2" Stainless Steel Tubing Purged Welding Certification through Golden West's Metal Manufacturing Pathway.

This advanced certification required Dylan to demonstrate industry-standard welding practices and master the specialized process of internal argon gas purging. By introducing argon gas inside the stainless steel tubing, oxygen is eliminated, preventing oxidation ("sugaring") and ensuring a clean, strong, contaminant-free weld that meets industry standards.

A special thank you to CWI Matt McGill for administering the certification test and helping provide students with valuable industry-recognized credentials. We would also like to recognize Metal Manufacturing teacher Eric Robinson. Through his instruction and mentorship, students like Dylan are gaining the skills and experience needed to excel in the welding industry.

Congratulations, Dylan, on this outstanding accomplishment and on earning an industry certification before receiving your high school diploma!

Friends of Golden West California CTE AWSCentralvalleysection

📣 Need a Work Permit This Summer?
Before you start your job, make sure you have your work permit! ✅

📋 Learn the step-by-step process
📝 Download the B1-1 Work Permit Form
📱 Scan the QR codes for forms and information
🕒 Summer Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Friday: Closed

📍 630 S. Atwood St., Visalia, CA 93277
📞 (559) 730-7510
🌐 https://www.vusd.org/departments/teaching-learning/cte/student-work-permit-information

Don’t wait until your first day of work—get your permit taken care of early!

Let’s give a round of applause to our group of students that helped raise chickens, process with the help of Woodlake High School and give back to the community that’s has given so much to us! These students worked through the ups and downs of this project and learn valuable life and leadership skills. If you would like to read more about their amazing act of kindness and hard work, clink here onto this link https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2026/05/20/woodlake-visalia-ffa-groups-collaborate-for-good-cause/

🎬🍿 The El Diamante Media Arts Showcase at Visalia Fox Theatre brought student storytelling to life through three incredible original films — each highlighting the creativity, talent, and dedication of our student filmmakers.

🔎 “Shattered” — a mystery crime thriller by Lucas Guzman and Sophia Perdomo, directed and edited by Lucas Guzman and produced by Abeegail Garcia.

🥊 “Undefeated” — a powerful boxing drama showed there’s more to life than sport directed by Noah Caskey and co-produced by Stormy Medeiros and Kyra Soto.

🚗 “Rearview” — a heartfelt coming-of-age comedy written by Jett Zwahlen & Lily Ruiz, produced by Sophia Martinez, and directed by Jett Zwahalen.

A huge thank you to our Media Arts teachers Jason Hopper, Tom Fox, Spencer Carr, and Jeffery Watamura for the countless hours spent supporting these productions as mentors, actors, executive producers, consultants, and champions for student creativity. Their dedication helped transform student ideas into professional-quality films.

We are incredibly proud of every student who poured their passion, creativity, and hard work into these projects. 🎥👏

🎞️ Missed the showcase? All three films will be available to watch beginning June 2 at eldiamante-edma.org

Huge thank you to SNK Autobody & Hydraulics for coming out to El Diamante and giving our students an incredible hands-on demonstration in Mr. Perez’s Auto Class! 🔥🎨🚗

Students had the opportunity to learn the art and technique behind custom body paint, gaining real-world industry experience and exposure to a new skill set from professionals in the field. Experiences like this help bring classroom learning to life and inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.

We appreciate SNK taking the time to invest in our students and share their passion, craftsmanship, and knowledge with the next generation! 🙌

Students from Golden West High School and Redwood High School recently earned top honors at the College of the Sequoias Welding Competition hosted by COS instructors Chris Huff and Matt McGill.

In the Junior/Senior Division, Ethan Butts of Golden West earned 1st place and received a $1,000 scholarship from AWS Central Valley Section. Redwood students Wyatt Mueller and Brody Preisendorf followed with 2nd and 3rd place honors.

In the Sophomore Division, Redwood’s Maddy McGill captured 1st place, while Malaki Ayala of Golden West earned 2nd place.

In the Freshman Division, Redwood students Blaine McGill and McCoy Householder earned 1st and 2nd place honors, while Andrew John of Golden West finished in 3rd place.

We are incredibly proud of all the students who competed and represented VUSD so well, showcasing their hard work, talent, and dedication to the welding industry. Their success highlights the strength of our CTE programs and the valuable partnerships that continue to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and pathways to future careers. California CTE College of the Sequoias AWSCentralvalleysection American Welding Society

Students in the Mt. Whitney High School Culinary Arts Pathway recently had the incredible opportunity to step into the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry by taking over both front-of-house and back-of-house operations at Bistro di Bufala! Bistro Di Bufala

Throughout the experience, students strengthened valuable real-world skills including:
• Food preparation and kitchen safety
• Teamwork and communication
• Customer service and hospitality
• Time management under pressure
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Professionalism in the workplace
• Restaurant operations and leadership
• Front-of-house hosting and serving responsibilities

Experiences like this provide students with hands-on learning that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom alone. From preparing dishes in the kitchen to welcoming and serving guests, students gained firsthand insight into the dedication, organization, and collaboration it takes to run a successful restaurant.

A huge thank you to the amazing Ms. Bacci for her continued dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for students, and to the owners and staff of Bistro di Bufala for their priceless partnership, mentorship, and support of career education. Your investment in students is helping inspire the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals! CTE Visalia Unified School District

Students from the Business & Finance Academy recently stepped outside the classroom to explore local businesses and learn directly from industry professionals during a tour at the Visalia Mall and Cal Apparel, Inc.

Rick Feder, General Manager of the Visalia Mall, treated students to a backstage tour of the mall while sharing its history, daily operations, and the process of bringing new businesses into the mall. Students learned about the many components involved in creating and maintaining a thriving retail environment.

Students also met with Michael Damron, owner of Cal Apparel, who discussed how the company has expanded over the last decade and the wide range of services the company provides throughout the community. He shared valuable perspective on entrepreneurship, customer relationships, and the dedication required to build and sustain a successful business.

Through these experiences, our BFA Blazers gained valuable insight into entrepreneurship, customer service, and business operations while exploring career opportunities and the importance of work-based learning within the Academy.