Kern County Hosts Third Annual CTE Summit, CTE Superstar Honored

Educators, industry leaders, and community partners gathered Thursday at the Dignity Health Convention Center for Kern County’s third annual Career Technical Education (CTE) Summit, a full-day event dedicated to advancing high-quality CTE programs across the region. The summit, hosted by KCSOS’s College & Career Programs department, featured keynote speakers, a student panel, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions designed to strengthen collaboration among K–12 education, higher education, and workforce partners. Sessions focused on aligning educational pathways with regional labor market needs while highlighting innovation and best practices in CTE instruction.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the CTE Superstar Award, which recognizes outstanding educators and professionals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to student success in Career Technical Education. This year’s CTE Superstar Award was presented to Mario Lizarraga, an Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology instructor at the Regional Occupational Center (ROC) within the Kern High School District. Lizarraga was selected from a strong pool of nominees for his leadership in the Transportation CTE pathway.

Lizarraga has transformed his Collision and Refinishing program into a modern, industry-aligned training facility, incorporating updated equipment and current procedures that reflect real-world standards. Beyond his classroom, he has contributed to regional skills challenges and districtwide trades initiatives, helping elevate CTE opportunities across Kern County. Under his leadership, students demonstrated professionalism, confidence, and technical skill, successfully competing at advanced levels and transitioning into postsecondary training and careers.

Community members, colleagues, and students were encouraged throughout the summit to participate in the nomination process, reinforcing the importance of recognizing educators and industry professionals who are shaping the future of Career Technical Education.

This year’s CTE Superstar Award was presented to Mario Lizarraga, an Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology instructor at the Regional Occupational Center (ROC) within the Kern High School District.

2026 CTE Superstar Award Nominees

Barbara Hashim — PLTW Instructor
Rosedale Middle School | Engineering & Architecture; Health Science; Manufacturing

Mitchell Moretti — Logistics & Distribution Instructor
Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) | Logistics & Distribution

Walter Suazo — Digital Marketing Instructor
Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) | Arts, Media & Entertainment; Marketing, Sales & Service

Ryan Chavez — Screen Printing Instructor
McFarland High School | Manufacturing and Product Development

Vernon Clark — FFA Instructor
Foothill High School | Agriculture and Natural Resources

Thomas Lane — Automotive Technology Instructor
Arvin High School | Automotive Technology

Lisa Krch — Video Production Instructor
Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) | Arts, Media & Entertainment

Erin Arriola — Front of the House Instructor
Bakersfield Adult School | Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation

Joshua McKenzie — Agricultural CTE Instructor
Mira Monte High School | Agriculture and Natural Resources

Shauna Tinich — Middle School CTE Instructor
Tropico Middle School | Multiple Industry Sectors

Andrew Hong — Sports Medicine Instructor
Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) | Health Science and Medical Technology

Miranda Baxter — Special Education/CTE Instructor
Journey Career Center | Business and Finance

The event was sponsored by the K-16 Regional Collaborative and the Central Valley Mother Lode Regional Consortium, whose continued partnership supports career readiness and workforce alignment throughout the region.

Now in its third year, the Kern County CTE Summit continues to serve as a key convening space for celebrating excellence, sharing innovation, and strengthening career pathways for students across the county.