It’s big, it’s booming and it’s geared up to make a bona fide impact for West-MEC Medium Heavy Diesel Technology students.

West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan and Assistant to the Superintendent Cliff Migal finalized the purchase of a 2005 Kenworth T60 Heavy Duty Conventional Truck for instructional use.

The new truck will be housed at the West-MEC training bay located on the Sterling, Freightliner, and Western Star of Arizona dealership facility. High school juniors and seniors learn the nuts and bolts of diesel mechanics from industry professionals in this unique program. Students will now be able to experience the features of a live diesel engine as they train.

This purchase was possible because West-MEC has made appreciable and positive inroads with Inland Kenworth and other diesel industry leaders.

West-MEC relies on the guidance of program advisory councils for each of its Central Programs. Business and industry partners examine new and emerging trends in a variety of occupational sectors. They assist with curriculum development, determine workplace needs, and in this instance, assist with the realization of purchasing new instructional equipment.

“We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and active advisory council leading the charge for our diesel program,” explained Migal.

Migal worked with Inland Kenworth Service Manager John O’Connor to determine the most suitable truck for the diesel program at the most affordable price for the school district. O’Connor scouted the market to find West-MEC’s very own BIG RIG.

Check it out…

West-MEC presented Vineyard Church Director Operations, Jim Hummel, with a plaque as a token of gratitude. The church played host to West-MEC’s first-ever senior recognition ceremony for its Cosmetology program May 14, 2010.

West-MEC Governing Board members recognized two dedicated individuals at the West-MEC June governing board meeting.

Mrs. Michele Bush

Dr. John Mulcahy

Bush and Mulcahy recently received distinctive honors from the Arizona Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTEaz). These educators have dedicated their careers to the advancement of Career and Technical Education (CTE). They continue to lay foundation and pave roads to progress in CTE through their current roles at West-MEC.

ACTEaz awarded Michele Bush, West-MEC director of grants, integration and program design, with the Bernard Stewart Distinguished Service Award. Her commitment to Career and Technical Education follows in the footsteps of the late Bernard Stewart, recognized nation-wide as a champion of CTE.

Mulcahy earned the ACTEaz Executive Citation award. ACTEaz presents this award periodically to exceptional individuals dedicated to Career and Technical Education.

From left to right: Joe Holcombe, Frank Straka, John Mulcahy, Jack Lunsford, Michele Bush, Dwight Amery, James Kaltenbach, John Atkins

West-MEC governing board acknowledged the ACTEaz award winners with an announcement at the meeting. Both winners will be honored at the annual ACTEaz summer conference in Tucson next month.

West-MEC member districts rule Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in Arizona.

This list denotes the number of FIRST place winners from West-MEC member district high schools. Students competed in leadership events at DECA, FBLA, FFA, FEA, FCCLA, HOSA and SkillsUSA state conferences.

And for a look at the West-MEC winners by CTSO, check out the following: