IDAHO FALLS, Idaho—Two Compass Academy students have been chosen to keynote the closing session at the New Tech Network Annual Conference (NTAC) July 20-24 in Chicago.
This year’s conference addresses college and career preparation for students after high school. Two thousand teachers, principals, superintendents, alumni and students from over 160 NTN schools will attend.
Students from NTN schools located across the country applied for this speaking appearance. According to Lydia Dobyns, president and CEO of New Tech Network, preparing students with the skills they will need in life are crucial.
“Maurie and Heidi are perfect examples of students that graduate from New Tech Network college and career-ready. They have developed communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills and are graduating with the skills they will need for the workforce,” said Dobyns.
Students Schwicht and Cunningham are seniors at Compass Academy in Idaho Falls. This makes the second consecutive win for student speakers from Compass Academy. Students Silas Wright and McKenna Petersen won the student closing session competition for NTAC last year.
“ We couldn’t be prouder that our students have been chosen to close this prestigious event. Over 2,000 educators will gather to hear our students speak about the skills they will need to navigate life," said principal Matt Bertasso.
For Cunningham and Schwicht, this will be the first time either student has visited Chicago, much less presented to an international audience.
“We have always had such amazing support and always been challenged from our teachers, and peers. We thank them immensely for their feedback, and dedication to helping all of us at Compass Academy grow and continue to seek challenge in our lives,” said Cunningham.
The event brings educators together to share strategies, learn new techniques and deepen the understanding of how best to support students in New Tech schools. Also included was professional development to support principals, teachers, and leaders working to extend New Tech practice throughout a district.
“We are so elated to be able to come to the great city of Chicago and share our idea with educators from across the nation. We love being able to make a difference and have the opportunity to have a small part in the progression of New Tech Schools everywhere,” said Schwicht.
First introduced in Napa, California, in 1996, the New Tech design has proven successful across diverse student populations in urban, rural, and suburban public high schools.