Mr. Joshua Little shared the following announcement:
I am happy to share that Gabriel (Gabe) Therrien, a senior at Chesaning Union High School and in the HVAC program at the Saginaw Career Complex has been selected as the 2024 MOSPA Student of the Year. The purpose of MOSPA (Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association) is to improve and support opportunities for special populations students in Career and Technical Education programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Each year, one student from the secondary level, and one student from the post-secondary level are awarded as student of the year based on their personal growth, exemplary achievement, and contributions to their CTE program.
Gabe's HVAC instructor, Ron Bell, shared the following in his nomination:
"Gabe began his CTE experience with minimal knowledge of the HVAC industry. Coming from a deaf family, and being deaf himself, Gabe had barriers to overcome. Gabe attends the Saginaw Career Complex with his interpreter, Adam. From the beginning Adam was the link to help connect Gabe to the curriculum and hands-on learning. Very quickly, Gabe, his classmates, and myself, all began to develop methods to communicate without the use of an interpreter.
Early in his first year in the HVAC program, Gabe elevated his technical skills and set himself apart as a top performer in the class. Gabe became the go-to for the other students in the class to seek help and guidance throughout the course. In his second year of the program, Gabe has continued to grow and develop and has taken advantage of opportunities to be a leader both on campus and off.
I am proud to nominate Gabe for this award, and couldn't find a better student to represent one who has demonstrated perseverance, growth, achievement, and leadership as a Special Populations CTE student."
Gabe has excelled in the HVAC program academically and technically. Gabe is a member of the Saginaw Career Complex's chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. He shared his experience in the HVAC program, and SCC overall, with his sophomore classmates at Chesaning Union High School. Gabe began an apprenticeship at Hemlock Semiconductor in January, 2024. He is an Electrician PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) student apprentice, and spends Monday-Thursday afternoon advancing his professional training. Gabe plans to continue his education in the HVAC field at Delta College and continue working at Hemlock Semiconductor after graduation.
Gabe will be awarded at the MOSPA State Conference on Thursday, May 2nd during the awards luncheon at Boyne Mountain Resort. We are proud to acknowledge and celebrate Gabe's achievements and successes.
More Information:
MOSPA STATE CONFERENCE