Taunton High Senior Named Outstanding Vocational Technical Student at Annual Ceremony

TAUNTON - Superintendent John J. Cabral and Career and Technical Education Co-Coordinator Darla Hartung are pleased to share that Leticia Lopes, ‘24, was recognized with an Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award by the Massachusetts Career & Technical Educators Organization and Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators.

The awards seek to recognize students whose scholastic and vocational achievements have enriched their local districts and vocational and technical education in Massachusetts.

Lopes, a drafting/computer-aided design (CAD) student, was one of more than 50 students honored at the awards banquet at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester on April 11. She is the first Taunton High School student to receive the award. She was nominated by Mrs. Hartung.

“It feels great to have my efforts and accomplishments recognized. I am so appreciative of Mrs. Hartung for nominating me, Mrs. Von Flatern for being my number one supporter, and all the amazing educators I was honored to have with me in that amazing ceremony,” said Lopes. “It truly means the world to me to not only be nominated and receive this award, but it's even more special that I am the first THS student to do so! This award is more than just the title and cool plaque, it is my hard work, resilience, and passion being recognized by my school and state!” 

Lopes is currently ranked 26th in the senior class with a 3.7 GPA. She is a student representative to the C74 Drafting Advisory Board, a Student Advisory Committee representative, a student ambassador, a CAD II tutor, and President of the Peer Assistance Leaders.

“Leticia is an extremely talented, hardworking and well-rounded student,” said Hartung. “When I thought about whom to nominate for this recognition, Leticia immediately came to mind.”

Lopes is passionate about architecture and plans to pursue that major in college.

“At 8 years old, I created a Barbie Dreamhouse out of cardboard and decorated it, which led me to fall in love with architecture. Having the opportunity to pursue my passion and receive a Career Technical Education in High School is a blessing. Choosing CAD was the best choice I could have ever made, and I am so grateful for all the amazing people I have met, the opportunities I have been given, and the experience I have gained throughout this journey. CAD is more than just a program to me, it's my lifeline and my future,” said Lopes.

Lopes was supported at the event by Superintendent Cabral, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Brenda Moynihan, High School Principal Scott Holcomb, Assistant Principal Carolyn Bleneau and CTE Co-Coordinators Darla Hartung and Mike Raposa. 

“Seeing Leticia be so passionate about her education and CAD is illustrative of the importance and value of CTE and Chapter 74 vocational programs at the High School,” said Superintendent Cabral. “Everyone is so very proud of her and we know she’ll go on to accomplish great things.”

Lopes has been accepted at Roger Williams University, Wentworth Institute of Technology and Universities of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Amherst.