Macomb Career Technical Education Administrators Association                                  

Outstanding CTE Senior: 

• Emma Pagliaroli  
• Senior, Dakota High School
• CTE Program: Design Technology
• Recommending Teacher: Mr. Miguel Garcia

It is with pleasure that I recommend Emma Pagliaroli for the Macomb Career and Technical Education Administrators Association award. As her Design Engineering teacher at Dakota, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her outstanding academic performance, technical talent, and leadership over the past four years. She has excelled in demanding courses including many advanced placement, honors, and pre-engineering courses, preparing her for post-secondary education. Emma has also completed the full four-year Design Technology program at Dakota, demonstrating exceptional skills in CAD, product development, problem solving, and additive manufacturing while working independently and in collaborative environments. She has earned regional and state recognition through the Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society (MITES) competitions for her outstanding work in mechanical design and additive manufacturing. Emma has served as President and mentor of the Society of Women Engineers chapter during both junior and senior years and has been a member since her freshman year. She has also been part of Science Olympiad since 9th grade, winning various awards for work in STEM based challenges and is a valued member of her FIRST Robotics team, I.AM robot, working in the design and business groups. Emma plans to major in Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University.

Outstanding CTE Senior: 

•   Alexandria Ballard  
• Senior, Dakota High School
• CTE Program: Culinary Arts
• Recommending Teacher: Mr. Russell Zampich

Alexandra Ballard is a rising force in the culinary world—a young professional whose precision, creativity, and relentless drive set her apart. With both a ServSafe Allergen Certification and a Food Protection Manager Certification from the World Food Safety Organization, she brings exceptional food-safety expertise to every creation. Her talent has already been recognized through gold and silver medals in American Culinary Federation (ACF) Student Pastry Skills Competitions, where her technical skill and artistic vision stood out among her peers.

Alexandra’s journey is only beginning. She will soon continue her training at the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM), pursuing an associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts to strengthen and expand her craft. With characteristic determination, she plans to compete in additional ACF events as well as gingerbread and seasonal pastry competitions, seeking opportunities to showcase her ideas on an even larger stage.

But Alexandra’s ambitions extend far beyond awards. She is laying the groundwork for her own bakery, where she hopes to build a brand defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavor. Alexandra is not simply preparing for a career—she is shaping a legacy that reflects her passion and extraordinary potential.

Outstanding CTE Business Partner: 

• Mr. Michael Short
• CTE Program: Construction Trades
• Dakota High School
• Recommending Teacher: Mr. Chad Campau/Dean Sabelhaus

For more than a decade, Division 6 Millwork has been an exceptional partner to our Woodworking CTE program at Dakota High School, consistently demonstrating their belief in education, craftsmanship, and community. Their commitment to providing real-world opportunities has helped shape the futures of countless students, many of whom have launched successful careers under their guidance. By actively hiring our students, Division 6 has strengthened the local workforce and highlighted the importance of skilled trades in today’s industry.

Beyond employment, the company collaborates closely with our county instructors to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards. Students benefit from exposure to modern tools, techniques, and workplace expectations that keep their learning relevant and rigorous. Division 6 team members frequently share their expertise through mentorship, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences that deepen student understanding and inspire a passion for the craft.

Division 6 Millwork’s partnership has made a measurable difference—expanding career pathways, elevating skill development, and motivating the next generation of woodworkers. Their support exemplifies what it means to invest in students, in community, and in the future of the skilled trades.