Dons Promote Pathways at Carmenita and Tetzlaff Middle School’s CTE Fair

Zion Borriboonratana and Lorenzo Simental

February 4, 2026

Senior, Zion Borriboonratana and Junior, Lorenzo Simental promoting Journalism at Tezlaff. Photo taken by Victoria Cienfuegos.

Representatives from Cerritos High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs visited Carmenita and Tetzlaff middle schools on Jan. 26 and Feb. 4 to help incoming freshmen learn about their options and make informed choices for their freshman year. The visits introduced students to several CTE pathways, including biotechnology, visual and media arts, education, engineering design, patient care, production and managerial arts, and software and systems development.

During the fairs, hundreds of middle school students were released from class to visit the stands and ask representatives questions about each program. Cerritos High School students departed by bus at 11:30 a.m., transporting boxes of decorations, posters and flyers. After arriving at 11:50 a.m., they set up stands featuring colorful advertisements, trophies and examples of student work. Engineering design representatives demonstrated complex, moving robots, while Yearbook students displayed past editions to showcase their program.

Cerritos High School’s CTE program aims to prepare students for the workforce by offering pathways connected to high-demand careers, while also encouraging students to explore their interests. “Computer science has been a passion of mine for many years, and I want to help others explore it the same way I did,” said senior Isaac Gonzalez Estevez.

The outreach continued beyond the fairs. The day after each visit, Cerritos High School counselors traveled to the middle schools to meet with eighth-grade students and assist them in selecting courses and pathways for their freshman year.

“The elective fair is a great way to quickly learn about all of the great course offerings we have at CHS,” counselor Lavernis Martin said. “If you are unsure of what your postsecondary plans are or even just want to try something new, the elective fair gives you an opportunity to hear both the teacher and student perspective to help you make sure that elective is the right choice for you.”

Overall, the CTE fairs at Carmenita and Tetzlaff middle schools provided valuable guidance for incoming freshmen while allowing Cerritos High School students to share their passions and experiences. The events proved successful in helping students feel informed and confident as they prepare for their transition to high school.

About the Contributors

Zion Borriboonratana, Editor-In-Chief

Senior, Zion Borriboonratana, is a third year journalism student and Editor-In-Chief. He hopes to make each magazine the best it can be and help new members find their footing. In his free time, he enjoys studying video game design and reading books. As a fun fact, he exclusively listens to the Deltarune soundtrack and has not listened to any other music for months.

Lorenzo Simental, Staff

Lorenzo Simental has ADHD, and wanted to take Journalism to prove to himself that he can work and collaborate with other people without worrying about his assessment. Last year, he visited yearbook and journalism because his sister, Victoria, was in the class and really liked the collaboration and the idea of being connected to a big project. He has previous experience with 3D modeling and animation as well as using multiple softwares.

Victoria Cienfuegos, Staff

Victoria Cienfuegos, also known as Vikki, writes and produces her own stories and films through her company, 100Fires Productions. She also designs costumes and creates artwork for her projects, in addition to filming and editing the school’s Drama productions. Vikki has earned recognition in the ABCUSD Film Fests, winning awards at the First Film Fest and being recognized at the Second, as well as being named a finalist in the VAPA Artists Without Limits contest. She aspires to become a Film and TV Producer in the future.

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