Colton, CA—The Colton, Redlands, Yucaipa – Regional Occupational Program had their annual ambassador training on Tuesday October 29, 2024 in Redlands. CRY-ROP ambassadors came out and showed their side of what their school does. The day was dedicated to kicking off and training ambassadors from seven different schools.
The Superintendent, Director of Education Services, and all of the Career Readiness specialists from all seven schools in the program attended. The event also included influential guest speakers Jayden Brock and Arthur Dickson, both Youth Engagement Coaches for the Los Angeles Rams football team and their community.
Dr. Jason Angle, Superintendent of CRY-ROP said, “The training is every fall, every year, the career readiness specialists are the ones who choose the ambassadors. Every year there is a rise in leaders in the CRY-ROP, it’s an honor to see, meet, and interact with the amazing high school students who are in the career technical education classes.” He continued by adding, “Every year I look up to opening up the students that walk through those doors of the District Office. There are also guest speakers each time, and the army is the one who shows up each year.”
Angle also discussed how he had a struggle with speaking out, and having to get out of his shell. There was a transition to being a teacher with students, then a principal, to a superintendent.
Career Readiness Specialist at Colton High, Elizabeth Fregoso, mentioned how she looks for students who are leaders, chosen by teachers in the CRY-ROP classes. Discussing the event, she said, “It focuses on teamwork, leadership, and communication skills that are shown by coming together as a team to show off what their schools do and work with other students that are also leaders as well.”.
The Director of Education Services Melissa Dix has been working for CRY-ROP since 2004, working for two decades. She looks forward to that day which is mainly leadership development and bringing the whole program together in Inland Empire, and also seeing the impact on students who are motivated to continue that field of expertise.
Dix said, “When I graduated in high school, my whole family all thought that I would succeed as she was an academic student. But I did struggle for a bit, trying to get a hang of college. Now as an educator, she looks forward to preparing the upcoming graduates for success in their field. They learn more about themselves and make better decisions, which also helps the transition to adulthood a better transition.”
