HAVERHILL – Whittier Tech student Jade Banks was named Outstanding Vocational Technical Student of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Educators (MAVA) Superintendent Maureen Lynch has announced
Banks was presented a plaque at the MAVA Conference and Awards recently, at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
MAVA recognizes one technical student statewide each year for their exemplary commitment to career and technical education, and whose achievements have significantly contributed to their local school district.
Banks is a senior from Haverhill studying Marketing Education. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Model UN Club, a participant at SkillsUSA in Customer Service, a participant in DECA Financial Literacy and president of the Interact Club.
“Jade is an exemplary student both inside and outside the classroom. Her involvement in extracurricular activities and her commitment to her studies have earned her this esteemed distinction. Congratulations to Jade,” Superintendent Lynch said.
Banks is involved in concurrent enrollment classes at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) and will graduate from high school this year with 12 undergraduate credits.
“It’s still hard to believe that I would be considered the recipient of this award. I didn’t know as a freshman which path I would end up on. It wasn’t until sophomore year that I found Marketing Education, and teacher Mrs. Amanda Crosby, who believed in my potential,” Banks said. “Whittier faculty in all aspects of my education helped me get to this place. Ms. Dupont, Ms. Brown, and Mrs. Parsons supported me in pursuing a degree after high school and having opportunities at Whittier that I might not otherwise have done.”
Upon graduation from Whittier Tech, she plans to continue to study Business Administration as part of the MassTransfer program.
“Jade has learned comprehensive and well-rounded practices and procedures in Marketing that prepare students for the business world,” said Michelle Catena, Banks’ guidance counselor. “She has integrated many concepts – such as business, marketing, retail, accounting, technology (Microsoft Office certification), and legal – with a well-rounded, solid foundation in business. While earning solid grades, as well as proving her college, career, and employability skills, it is clear that Jade can handle the responsibilities necessary for successful management, leadership, and communication.”
