AGAWAM — Diana Ghareeb, a senior health assisting student at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC), was recently selected as the regional vocational high school program’s 2021-22 Student of the Year.

Ghareeb, an Agawam resident, was nominated for this award by one of her teachers. John Michaels, CTEC guidance counselor for grades 11 and 12 said, “All 11 programs at CTEC can nominate a student or more than one,” although only one student receives this recognition. The student is selected by CTEC administration.

CTEC has 477 students enrolled in grades 9 through 12, 120 of which are seniors. Michaels noted that the “Student of the Year” can only be awarded to a senior.

Ghareeb and 53 other vocational-technical students across Massachusetts will be recognized on April 14 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

“Diana is one of the most committed students to her discipline that has won this in years,” said Michaels. “She’s a great kid.”

When Ghareeb is not diving into the healthcare field at CTEC, she takes academic courses at Agawam High School. Ghareeb is a member of the National Honor Society and a two-sport athlete in both indoor track and volleyball.

Michaels shared that Ghareeb is also the current secretary of CTEC’s SkillsUSA chapter and has “won both gold and silver medals at regional competitions.”
Outside of school, Ghareeb volunteers for various activities, including a food drive to fight hunger, along with volunteering at local Lions Club events. She is also employed as a cooperative education student at a local medical facility, noted Michaels.

He said after graduation, Ghareeb plans to pursue a nursing degree at either American International College or Worcester State University.

CTEC, at 174 Brush Hill Ave., West Springfield, is the vocational high school for the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Hampden-Wilbraham, Longmeadow, Ludlow, South Hadley, Southwick-Tolland-Granville and West Springfield school districts. Students remain enrolled in their home district’s high school, spending half the day there and half the day at CTEC.

CTEC’s programs include advanced manufacturing technology, automotive technology, building and property maintenance and management, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, early education and care, graphic and visual design, health assisting, information support services and networking, and landscaping technology and horticulture. For more information about CTEC, visit lpvctec.org.