The Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven visited Pattonville High School on Monday, Feb. 23, for a building tour and to meet with students and staff.

Her visit allowed Pattonville to showcase its Pathway to Success program which includes courses in advanced manufacturing, health and medical, and information technology.

The Pattonville School District and the Economic Council of St. Louis County continue to create and support three career pathways in advanced manufacturing, health and medical professions, and information technology through collaboration with St. Louis Community College and local businesses. In addition to associate degree-level courses, students and teachers are provided work-based learning and internship opportunities with cooperating area businesses, creating real-world learning experiences for Pattonville High School students.

Senior Lauren Strong is enrolled in Ms. Angie Stendeback’s Certified Nursing Assistant class and works in a local hospital and retirement home.

“I was in the hospital a lot as a kid and I was affected by the nurses that helped me,” Strong said. “That really pushed me to be a pediatric nurse.”

Students completing this program will be taught a certified nurse assistant (CNA) curriculum, including CPR training.

“But I have learned a lot more than just medical stuff,” Strong said. “It has made me more confident in myself. I can handle things like talking in front of a lot of people.”

Project Lead The Way and Pattonville’s Robotics team were also showcased during Vandeven’s visit.

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