Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez: Arts and Science Council Cato Excellence in Teaching Award for History

At Olympic High School, Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez is not just a Spanish teacher; she's a beacon of inspiration. Her recent recognition with the Arts and Science Council Cato award for Excellence in Teaching History is a testament to her extraordinary dedication to bringing Afro-Latinx and Hispanic culture, heritage, and history to life in her classroom through exceptionally creative methods.

We take immense pride in celebrating Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez for this remarkable achievement and for the profound impact she has on the students at Olympic High School. Her recognition serves as a powerful testament to the transformative influence of the Olympic High School Foundation's support on teachers like her.

Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, Mrs. Ugueto received a professional development grant from the Olympic High School Foundation, which allowed her to further cultivate her leadership skills through the Arts and Science Council development program. This training not only enriched her abilities but also served as a source of inspiration for students and administrators alike. Under her guidance, they actively participated in a wide range of Afro-Latino, Hispanic heritage, and cultural enrichment celebrations, including Dias De Las Muertas, Carnival, Afro Latinx Dancing and Drumming, and the celebration of independence days of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries represented within the OHS student body.

These activities fostered a profound connection for both native and non-native Spanish-speaking students with their own multi-cultural heritage. Moreover, they gained invaluable insights into the rich cultures, folklores, and histories of Spanish-speaking countries, preparing them for meaningful 21st-century conversations about race, ethnicity, and the Latinx diaspora.

In her classroom, Mrs. Ugueto brings these cultural treasures to life through a captivating gallery of artifacts from Spanish-speaking countries—traditional clothing, masks, and foods—all designed for students to explore, experience, and appreciate. Beyond teaching Spanish as a language, she provides a holistic and enriching educational experience.

Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez's recognition with the ASC-Cato award for Excellence in Teaching is proof of the transformative power that dedicated educators possess within the classroom. Thanks to the unwavering support of the Olympic High School Foundation, teachers like Mrs. Ugueto Sanchez can continue to expand their professional development and leave an indelible impact on their students, Olympic High School, and the vibrant Steele Creek community in exceptional ways.

Ms. Parker: Advancing Technology and Careers at Olympic High School

Ms. Parker's journey from engineering to education is a testament to her resilience and dedication. After a successful 10-year career in manufacturing, she witnessed the evolving landscape of the industry due to globalization and decided it was time for a change. Her love for mathematics led her to UNC-Charlotte, where she pursued a master's degree in secondary education. From 2008 to 2019, she passionately taught math, sharing her expertise with students.

In 2019, an exciting opportunity arose when she became the Olympic High School technology facilitator. In this multifaceted role, she serves as the technology advisor, helpdesk, and digital tools expert for both students and teachers. Despite her advanced degrees in engineering and teaching, she needed to become NCDPI certified in Learning Design & Technology – Computer Education. This crucial certification became a reality with the invaluable support of a professional development grant from the Olympic High School Foundation.

Her timing couldn't have been better, as less than a year later, she would put her skills and certification to the test during the novel coronavirus pandemic. The shift to digital tools instead of textbooks placed Ms. Parker in high demand daily. What she treasures most about her role as the technology facilitator is the unique connection she forges with students, different from her classroom days. She blends her engineering background with her passion for teaching, offering students support that transcends their helpdesk needs. 

Ms. Parker's professional growth is a testament to her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing environment. The Olympic High School Foundation, in its mission to support teachers and facilitators like Ms. Parker, ensures that they can continue to make a profound impact on students' lives while advancing their own careers in education.

In addition to her role as a technology facilitator, Ms. Parker has become an integral part of the Olympic High School Foundation board, serving on the communications committee. Her unique perspective as a facilitator allows her to provide valuable insights into the needs of both teachers and students at Olympic. Simultaneously, she helps promote the resources and mission of the Olympic High School Foundation on campus and through various social media outlets. 

Back to School Supplies for Teachers

Through your generous contributions to the Olympic High School Foundation, we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of our dedicated teachers and facilitators. Each year, your support enables us to provide essential classroom stipends to every Olympic educator, helping them acquire vital school supplies and materials at the beginning of the school year.

One of the many remarkable educators who benefit from the annual classroom stipend is Mrs. Ugueto. She teaches Spanish to both native and non-native speakers, using her stipend to purchase art supplies for historical and traditional enrichment activities. From creating papel picado (paper cut-outs) to crafting brazealetes (friendship bracelets) and even obtaining supplies for the pan de muerto (bread of the dead) used in Spanish Club activities, Mrs. Ugueto emphasizes the profound impact these stipends have on enriching the cultural context of the Spanish language.

"The annual classroom stipend from the OHS Foundation is instrumental in supporting efforts to bring out the rich cultural context of the Spanish language," Mrs. Ugueto affirms.

Ms. Sain, a dedicated Career Development Counselor (CDC), underscores the significance of the Foundation’s annual classroom stipends. She explains that, compared to many schools in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district, Olympic High School faces unique challenges. The stipends help bridge the gap by aiding our teachers and, indirectly, our students. Many teachers struggle to afford classroom anchor charts, global charts, or even basic classroom guidelines that create an inviting and engaging learning environment. Ms. Sain expresses her heartfelt appreciation for the vital role these stipends play in enhancing the educational experience.

Mr. Sanchez, a devoted teaching assistant in the Exceptional Children (EC) extension, eagerly awaits the stipends each year. He uses them to purchase supplies for "TroJoe," a student-run coffee cart and business venture within the EC program. TroJoe is staffed and operated by students facing intellectual difficulties related to Autism, Down Syndrome, and visual impairment. This unique curriculum is designed to foster social skills, encourage independent living, and provide vocational training, all of which are vital for these students' success after graduation.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, the Olympic High School Foundation annual classroom stipends empower our teachers to find innovative ways to bring their subjects to life. By engaging students in meaningful and lasting ways, these educators help shape the future of our students and our community.

Charlie's Journey from CTE to Engineering Excellence

Charlie Warnke, a recent graduate of Olympic High School, is now pursuing his dream of studying Engineering, focusing on Civil Engineering, at NC State University. His journey from high school to college is not just about personal ambition; it's a testament to the impact of the Olympic High School Foundation's support on students like Charlie.

While at Olympic High School, Charlie discovered the coursework in Career & Technical Education (CTE), taught by Mr. Wykoff, to be not only interesting but also instrumental in advancing his education and equipping him with a distinctive skill set.

His interest in engineering may have been sparked by popsicle sticks in a Building Bridges Club his dad started at his elementary school. However the skills he further refined in the engineering and advanced manufacturing courses at Olympic set him on a path for professional success. In the CTE program, Charlie became very proficient in using the CNC routing and milling machines, 3D printer, and manual routing and milling techniques. Many of the advanced manufacturing machines were purchased with a grant from the Olympic High School Foundation.

As a result of his coursework, Charlie had two summer internships at SEAS & Cardinal Fabrication, where he produced high-quality ornamental metal designs used in architectural applications. This past spring, Charlie attended NC State University College of Engineering open house where he met Professor Amos Tucker in the engineering lab. Professor Tucker was immediately impressed by Charlie’s knowledge and expertise with the machines in the lab and offered him a teaching assistant job when he returned to begin his freshman year.

“It was a pretty cool and proud moment for me,” said Charlie, as he reflected on that experience.

As Mr. Wykoff, one of Charlie's teachers at Olympic High School, states, "The foundation's support enriches our students' like Charlie’s educational experience and equips them with valuable skills. It's the kind of support that shapes futures."

Charlie Warnke's success story exemplifies the transformative power of CTE programs and dedicated educators. Through the support of the Olympic High School Foundation, students like Charlie are empowered to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams.