Lowndes High School

Each year, Lowndes County Schools recognizes and celebrates CTAE teachers and students during the month of February.  One tradition that has emerged is the selection of two outstanding CTAE students from Lowndes High School affectionately known as the “Mr. and Miss CTAE Student of the Year”.  LHS is proud to announce this year’s selections.  The 2020 Mr. CTAE Student of the Year is Gavin McGuire and the 2020 Miss CTAE Student of the Year is Dariana Waters.

Gavin McGuire is a senior at LHS this year and has taken twelve courses in the CTAE area completing multiple pathways. Gavin has been active in the student organization TSA and VEX Robotics. He has not only excelled in the classroom, but also out of the classroom through competitions, the Governor Honors Program and community service endeavors. He says, “The CTAE programs at LHS changed my life for the better. As a freshman, I had no real direction or motivation. I did not know who I was or what I wanted to become. Thankfully I quickly discovered the engineering and computer science classes as well as the TSA/VEX Robotics program. I found that I had a talent and passion for engineering and computer science, and suddenly I had something to work for. At our school, we are athletes, actors, artists, future business leaders and engineers. Yet, in the end, we are all One Lowndes.”  

Dariana Waters is a senior at LHS this year and has taken a variety of courses in the CTAE area that include business education and healthcare science. She is also an active member of HOSA, a Work–based Learning student, and a Dual Enrollment student. She explains, “My CTAE classes provided me with a well-rounded foundation and understanding for the field I plan to study in the future. These classes also assisted me in acquiring an apprenticeship working in the healthcare field receiving real hands on knowledge and experience while still in high school. The knowledge and skills I learned in my CTAE classes helped create a foundation that I will continue to utilize for the rest of my career.”

Both Dariana and Gavin speak very favorably of their overall high school experience at Lowndes High, but cite that it is the time that they have spent in CTAE courses that has truly enhanced their overall experience.  The skills they have obtained, the knowledge they have learned, and the relationships that they have made with other students and teachers with similar interests are natural outcomes, keep them motivated as students.  Both students enjoy the learning environment and being with people who share a similar passion in a specific CTAE and CTSO area.

Each student will receive a $250 check to assist in their future educations.