AOF Guest Presenter Spotlight

We were excited to welcome Garrett Wilson, Director of Human Resources at Midco and a 2004 AOF Alumni from WHS, to speak with our students.

Garrett shared valuable insights on:
• Different types of leadership
• What separates good leaders from great leaders
• Important laws that protect both employers and employees

Thank you for coming back to inspire the next generation of leaders!

#AOF #GuestSpeaker #Leadership #HumanResources #Midco #FutureLeaders #CTEAcademy
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
Now open! It's time to complete the Annual Student Update! ⏰

Every child who will attend school in the Sioux Falls School District for the 2026-2027 school year must complete an annual update. This is required every year to ensure that student information, such as data privacy, emergency, and health information, is correct and up to date.

Complete the update using your desktop or laptop computer in just a few minutes through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account that can be found here --->https://siouxfallssd.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/siouxfalls.jsp

Need help with the update? Please call your child's school or the Student Records and Registration Office at 605-367-7952.
about 1 month ago, Sioux Falls School District
Decorative: Annual Student Update Graphic - All information can be found in the post.
🏡✨ YOU’RE INVITED! CTE Academy OPEN HOUSE SERIES ✨🏡

Come tour the 2026 CTE Academy student-built home and see the craftsmanship, skills, and talent our students have poured into every detail! From the modern kitchen to the open-concept living space—this is one you won’t want to miss 👀
📍 1312 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD

🗓 Open House Dates & Times:
🔹 April 29 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 3 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 7 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 13 | 4–6 PM
🔹 May 16 | 2–4 PM
🔹 May 20 | 4–6 PM → AUCTION TO FOLLOW! 🔨

Whether you’re house-hunting, supporting CTE education, or just love great design—stop by and check it out!

📩 Questions? Contact carter.olson@k12.sd.us

#CTEAcademy #StudentBuilt #OpenHouse #FutureReady #SiouxFallsHomes #CTEProud #HandsOnLearning 🛠️🏠
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
CTE Open House Dates
🎤 Student Spotlight!
Austin Freiborg recently presented his Unit 4 speech on Visual Support, demonstrating how visuals can enhance a message and help an audience better understand key points.

Great job, Austin, on confidently presenting your ideas and using visual tools to strengthen your communication skills! 👏

#CTE #CTEAcademy #StudentSpotlight #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #FutureLeaders
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
Student posing with his violin for his visual speech
🏬 AOF Field Trip – Real-World Business at the Mall!

Students from the Academy of Finance (AOF) had the opportunity to explore the business operations behind one of our community’s largest shopping destinations during a field trip to the Empire Mall!

A huge thank you to the Simon Group team for sharing their expertise:
• Molly – Marketing / Business Development
• Dan – General Manager
• Justin – Operations Director
• Alexis – Assistant Marketing

Students learned how the mall operates as a large-scale business. The Sioux Empire Plaza first opened September 24, 1975 with 34 stores, and today the mall has grown to 110 stores with over 90% occupancy and more than 45 name-brand retailers. The team also explained the logistics of maintaining 129 acres of property, along with managing 38 heating and cooling units and multiple service contracts including security, music, pest control, snow removal, and janitorial services.

Students also learned about marketing strategies, social media promotions, event planning, and lease agreements that help bring customers and businesses together. Exciting news shared during the visit: Dick’s House of Sport will be the newest store coming this fall!

A special thank you to Auntie Anne’s for opening early and treating our students during the visit! 🥨

Experiences like this help our students see how classroom concepts connect to real careers in business, marketing, operations, and management.

#CTE #CTEAcademy #AcademyOfFinance #CareerConnectedLearning #RealWorldLearning #EmpireMall #BusinessCareers #StudentOpportunities
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
🏦 Academy of Finance Field Trip – First National Bank

AOF students had the opportunity to visit First National Bank in Sioux Falls and learn about the many career paths within the banking industry. Thank you to the incredible team who shared their experiences and expertise with our students:

• Genny – Employee Experience Specialist: Talent & Workforce Management
• Jeremy – Commercial Lending
• Sally – Employer Development
• Yvette – Loan Operations
• Rochelle – Credit
• Alissa – Origination
• Tammy – Fraud
• Janice – Loan Department

Students learned about the variety of roles that support the banking industry and the importance of workplace culture. Team members shared that they love working at First National Bank because of:
✨ Loyalty to employees
✨ A culture where everyone is part of the team
✨ Opportunities to grow within departments and explore new career paths

With 270 employees in Sioux Falls, First National Bank emphasizes employee well-being across five areas: Career, Community, Social, Financial, and Physical wellness.

Since 2000, First National Bank has also been a valued partner of the Academy of Finance, offering summer internship opportunities for AOF students. Students interested in this opportunity will participate in AOF Internship Interview Day on April 8th at CTE.

Students also learned about the bank’s FIRST values:
Family • Independence & Innovation • Relationships • Stewardship • Teamwork

Thank you, First National Bank, for investing in our students and helping them explore future careers in finance!

#CTE #CTEAcademy #AcademyOfFinance #CareerConnectedLearning #FutureLeaders #FinanceCareers #StudentOpportunities #RealWorldLearning 🏦
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker sitting at conference table
🎥🏠 Check out these amazing videos of the CTE House!
Drone Video: https://youtu.be/HysnYb03Md0
Handheld Video: https://youtu.be/fzQvr0wZYbQ

Created by our very own Executive Producer, Ben Schumacher, these videos give you a unique look at the house from both drone and handheld perspectives, showing all the ins and outs of the project our students have been working so hard on.

Auction day is coming up on May 20th! Be sure to check out the upcoming open house times to see the home in person.

Videos like these wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and talent of Ben Schumacher and Tory Stolen, Multi-Media Producer here at CTE. Thank you both for showcasing the incredible work happening at the CTE Academy! 👏

#CTE #CTEAcademy #CTEHouse #StudentBuilt #Carpentry #DroneVideo #HandsOnLearning #CareerConnectedLearning #StudentTalent
about 1 month ago, CTE Academy
CTE house front door
🌟 See the Vision Award – CTE Academy 🌟

The CTE Academy and Mrs. Kennedy, Health Careers Teacher, proudly recognize Makayla Big Crow as a recipient of the See the Vision Award for her outstanding character, academic excellence, and quiet dedication.

Makayla is a dependable and high-achieving student who consistently produces thoughtful, high-quality work. She approaches every assignment with responsibility and maturity, setting a strong example in the classroom.

What makes Makayla especially deserving of this recognition is her humility. She does not seek attention or praise, yet her consistent effort, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence speak volumes. She quietly elevates those around her through her character and dedication.

After her first day of internship, Makayla returned with genuine excitement and a bright smile, reflecting her passion for learning and helping others. That moment captured the heart she brings to both her education and her future in healthcare.

Makayla, we believe both your education and your future in healthcare are very bright. Congratulations on this well-deserved award! 👏

#CTE #CTEAcademy #SeeTheVision #StudentRecognition #FutureHealthcareProfessional #HealthCareers #HardWorkPaysOff #CareerConnectedLearning 🌟
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE student posing with See the Vision Award
Reminder: No school at CTE tomorrow (Friday, April 3rd) and Monday, April 6th!

Enjoy the long weekend and take some time to relax and recharge. We’ll see you back soon! ☀️

#CTEAcademy #NoSchool #LongWeekend #StudentLife #Recharge
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Reminder no School tomorrow and Monday April 6th
🌟 See the Vision Award – CTE Academy 🌟

The CTE Academy is proud to recognize Oliver Godoy-Iraheta with the “See the Vision” Award for his outstanding positivity, dedication, and compassionate approach to learning and service.

Each day, Oliver brings an incredibly upbeat and positive energy to both the classroom and his internship site. His bubbly personality and genuine enthusiasm make him a joy to be around, and his attitude consistently lifts and encourages those around him. He helps create a welcoming and supportive environment that benefits both his peers and instructors.

Currently completing his long-term care internship, Oliver is truly excelling in a setting that highlights his strengths. His warm personality, kindness, and natural ability to connect with others make him exceptionally well-suited for working with residents. He brings comfort, dignity, and joy to those in his care—demonstrating the compassion and empathy that are essential in the healthcare field.

Oliver has been a tremendous presence both in the classroom and during his internship experience. His positivity, strong work ethic, and caring nature exemplify the values of the CTE Academy, making him highly deserving of this award. 👏

#CTE #CTEAcademy #SeeTheVision #StudentRecognition #FutureHealthcareProfessional #CompassionInCare #HandsOnLearning #CareerConnectedLearning 🌟
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Oliver posing for a picture with See the Vision award
👏 Huge Thank You to Hy-Vee!
A big thank you to Hy-Vee for sponsoring our Culinary Department here at the CTE Academy! Your support helps provide valuable resources and opportunities for our students as they develop hands-on skills and explore careers in the culinary industry.
We truly appreciate your partnership and investment in the future of our students! 🍳👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

#CTE #CTEAcademy #CulinaryArts #ThankYou #CommunityPartnership #HandsOnLearning #FutureChefs #HyVee
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE Culinary Department with Hy-Vee sponsorship staff
💼 CTE Internship Spotlight – Academy of Finance

Ro Za, a WHS Senior, is gaining valuable experience through her internship at First PREMIER Bank – Operations Center. She works under the supervision of Jessica Markhardt, ATM Supervisor, and Brooke Mitchell, ATM Funding Associate II.

During her internship, Ro has been developing real-world financial and operational skills by:
• Filling out posting sheets
• Verifying cash orders
• Reviewing statements

Ro shared about her experience:
"I enjoy doing an internship like this because it helps me gain the experience and skills I’m able to receive from it."

Ro will continue her internship with First PREMIER Bank this summer through the Academy of Finance program. First PREMIER Bank has been a valued partner in providing internship opportunities for the AOF program since 2000.

After graduation, Ro plans to attend Southeast Technical College this fall to study Accounting. We are proud of the experience she is gaining and excited to see her future in the finance field! 📊✨

#CTE #AcademyOfFinance #CTEInternship #FutureInFinance #CareerConnectedLearning #WorkBasedLearning #FirstPremierBank #FutureAccountant
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE student and supervisors posing for a picture
🏠 CTE House Update!

The countertops have officially been installed, and we are coming down the home stretch! Our students’ hard work is really starting to come together as the final details are added.

Be sure to check out the house in person during one of our viewing times:

🗓 Apr 29 | May 3 | May 7 | May 13 | May 16

You won’t want to miss seeing this amazing student-built home!

#CTE #CTEAcademy #CTEHouse #StudentBuilt #Carpentry #HandsOnLearning #SkilledTrades #CareerConnectedLearning 🛠️🏡
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
CTE house kitchen with flooring, cabinets, and counter tops!
CTE house kitchen with flooring, cabinets, and counter tops!
🚜 CTE Internship Spotlight

Charlie Heylens, a junior from Jefferson High School, is gaining valuable hands-on experience through his internship at Anderson Farms Feedyard under the supervision of Owner Jesse Anderson.

During his internship, Charlie has been learning many important aspects of cattle and feedyard operations including:
• Servicing and maintaining equipment
• Feeding cattle and checking pens
• Cleaning and bedding pens
• Care and treatment of cattle
• Sorting and loading cattle onto semi-trucks to be transported to Tyson in Sioux City
• Using technology such as the Feed Mix App to manage feed inventory and measurements

Charlie plans to attend agriculture college in Wyoming after graduation to continue pursuing his passion for the agricultural industry. We are proud of the real-world skills he is developing through this CTE internship experience! 🌾🐄

#CTE #CTEInternship #AgEducation #HandsOnLearning #FutureAgLeader #JeffersonHighSchool #CareerConnectedLearning #AgricultureEducation
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Charlie and Jesse posing for a picture
🐷 Exciting news from our Animal Science program!

Sage, our Momma Sow, had her babies here at CTE, and students were able to experience the entire process firsthand. Sage welcomed 14 piglets (5 boys and 9 girls) on March 13th, and our students have been helping care for them every day.

This hands-on experience gave students the opportunity to see the farrowing process and learn about livestock care, responsibility, and animal management in a real-world setting. We are proud of the dedication our students show each day!

#CTE #AnimalScience #HandsOnLearning #FutureFarmers #CTEAcademy #LivestockLearning #StudentExperience #LearningByDoing 🐖🌾
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Sage- Momma Sow posing for a picture
Students observing the piglets
Student giving snuggle to a piglet
Students observing the piglets
Students learning about the piglets
Student and piglet posing for picture
Baby piglets sleeping
Baby piglets sleeping
🏠 CTE House Sneak Peek!
Big progress happening at the CTE house! The flooring and cabinets are officially finished, and now the doors are going in. Our students are continuing to put in the hard work and it’s exciting to see everything coming together!

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the finish line! 🔨✨

#CTE #CTEAcademy #Carpentry #SkilledTrades #HandsOnLearning #CTEHouse #BuildingTheFuture #StudentBuilt #CareerConnectedLearning
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Main Bathroom
Bedrooms
Kitchen area
Kitchen and living room area
Garfield Elementary students recently had an exciting day of hands-on learning at the CTE Academy! 🎥🍕🧁 As a proud Leader in Me Lighthouse School, Garfield empowers students to grow as leaders through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, encouraging goal-setting, teamwork, and active participation in their school community.

During their visit, students explored career-focused experiences by creating digital videos, answering interview-style questions, and diving into culinary arts—where they made their own pizzas and decorated cupcakes. It was a fun and engaging way to connect leadership skills with real-world learning! 👩‍🍳🎬

Students especially loved watching their finished videos and enjoying the delicious treats they created. Experiences like these continue to support Garfield’s commitment to developing the whole child while building confidence, creativity, and a love for learning. 🌟

#CTE #CareerConnectedLearning #LeaderInMe #GarfieldElementary #FutureLeaders #HandsOnLearning #StudentLeadership #CTEAcademy #LearningByDoing #ElementaryCTE #FutureReady #BuildingLeaders
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Garfield Elementary students in Culinary making their own pizza
Garfield Elementary students in Culinary making their own pizza
Garfield Elementary students in Culinary making their own pizza
Garfield Elementary students in Culinary making their own pizza
Garfield Elementary students in Culinary making their own pizza
Garfield Elementary students using the green screen for media productions
Garfield Elementary students using the green screen for media productions
Garfield Elementary students watching media productions
Garfield Elementary students using the green screen for media productions
Our Health Careers II students are going strong as they begin Week 4 of their 10-week internships! 🩺👏

We are proud of the dedication and professionalism our students are showing in real healthcare settings. Keep up the great work, continue learning, and take in all the hands-on experience you can!

Way to go, students! We hope you are gaining tons of valuable experience that will help shape your future in healthcare.

#CTE #HealthCareers #InternshipExperience #FutureHealthcareProfessionals #HandsOnLearning
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Health Careers students posing in front at Dow Rummel Village
Health Careers students at Avera Mckennan Hospital
Health Careers students posing at Prince of Peace Nursing home
Health Careers students posing in front at Dow Rummel Village
Health Careers student working with Physical Therapy
Health Careers student working with Physical Therapy
A huge thank you to our guest speakers from First Bank & Trust who visited our AOF students! 👏
Kim Banks, Relations Manager, and Dylan Hage from Wealth Management shared their expertise and real-world financial insights with our students. Dylan is also a 2020 AOF CTE Alumni, making this visit even more special!

Students learned about:
• Building trust through soft sales skills
• Understanding good debt vs. bad debt
• The role emotions play in investing decisions
• The importance of fiduciary responsibility
• Why you should “not let the tax wag the dog”
• Differences between asset allocation vs. asset location

We love connecting our students with industry professionals and proud alumni who help bring classroom learning to life. Thank you for investing in the future of our students! 💼📊

#CTE #AOF #FutureLeaders #FinancialLiteracy #GuestSpeakers #CareerConnectedLearning
about 2 months ago, CTE Academy
Academy of Finance with Guest speaker
Congrats to Mr. Brockmueller on his new role! 🎉

The CTE Academy is proud to announce that Mr. Brockmueller has been selected as the new Administrative Intern. He will be stepping into this role as he prepares to fill the shoes of Don Ryswyk, our Assistant Principal who will be retiring in June 2026.

Mr. Brockmueller has been a longtime member of the CTE Academy family with more than 24 years of classroom experience. He currently teaches our Computer Technology courses, where he has inspired countless students with his knowledge, dedication, and passion for technology and education. 💻

We are excited to see the leadership and experience he will bring to this new role.

Congratulations, Mr. Brockmueller! We’re excited for you and this next chapter at CTE! 👏

#CTEAcademy #CTELeaders #EducationLeadership #CTEPride #FutureFocused #CTEStrong #TeacherLeadership #SiouxFallsSchools
2 months ago, CTE Academy
Brad Brockmueller announced as the new Administrative Intern at the CTE Academy