The room is silent as a student waits before a panel of three judges, anticipating the next question of an interview process. Another student anxiously reviews over her project and presentation outline in her head. These students are examples of many who competed in the ROP Outstanding Student Competition on March 11 at Southern California Edison’s Energy Education Center in Irwindale. Seniors Samantha Walker, Jake Ferntheil and Sofia Valderrama were nominated by their teachers to represent TCHS and each won a bronze medal.
ROP Sports Medicine teacher Dr. Ken Martin nominated Valderrama due to her effort, eagerness to learn and avid participation in activities. Walker caught ROP Digital Photography teacher Mr. Savay Lieu’s eye through her hard work and enthusiasm for photography, while Ferntheil’s work habits did not go unnoticed by ROP Advanced Woods teacher Mr. John Van De Veere.
ROP/CTE Counselor Mrs. Debbie Singh and College Career Center Coordinator Mrs. Amy Sisson notified Walker, Ferntheil and Valderrama in January of their nominations and prepared them for the competition between January and the middle of March by holding training sessions, both individual and group coaching, for proper interview etiquette. There was also a mock interview on campus with teachers subbing as panel members.
During their interviews, Valderrama, Walker and Ferntheil told the judges about themselves, how their ROP course has influenced their career paths and what lessons they have learned throughout the course that they can apply to life.
“I was really nervous when I entered the room, but the judges were really talkative,” Valderrama said. “Instead of just me asking questions, they also held casual conversation with me. After a while I became more comfortable in talking with them.”
For the project presentations, Valderrama used a judge to demonstrate the proper technique of wrapping an elbow injury, Walker presented a reflection photograph and Ferntheil displayed a handmade lamp. The three ROP Outstanding Student competitors will be awarded with their certificates and bronze medals at the Senior Awards this spring.
“It was an incredible experience,” Walker said. “Seeing that you can be rewarded for working hard for something you’re passionate about feels really good.”
Each year for more than the past twenty-five years, twenty-three school districts within the Los Angeles County of Education send five nominated ROP students to compete against the other school districts’ students for a gold, silver or bronze medal in each ROP class category. Every student undergoes an interview and project presentation in front of a panel of judges who come from various career fields. Those who win a gold or silver medal are invited to a reception at the county office and presented with the medal, certificate and a monetary award.
TCHS School Newspaper