recently named Marion County Public Schools’ 2015 School- Related Employee of the Year! Brianna currently works at Ward- Highlands Elementary as the Front Desk RecepƟonist. We are so proud of you Brianna! • MTI’s newest employee Helen Ruano joins MTI as our Front Desk RecepƟonist. Ruano relocated from Riverside, California where she worked for seven years at Ramona High School. When asked why she chose MTI, Ruano had a great deal to say: “Coming from a standard type of high school, I thought being exposed to something different would be great. I think MTI has a very unique concept that is rarely found and offered. Students in Marion County should feel privileged to have the opportunity to aƩend here. For those that take advantage of gaining skills that will help get a job aŌer high school and be exposed to a field of interest is just wonderful.” What’s Happening? Coates Golf Tournament D R I V E The Coates Golf Championship, held January 26-31, proved to be a huge success thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who assisted in the six-day event. Several months ago, MTI administraƟon was asked to join the team. Chef Jason Benavides and the Culinary Academy jumped at the opportunity to enrich our students with the tremendous hands-on learning experience. On day one of the tournament, Chef Benavides , Internship Coordinator John Conway and three students (pictured to the leŌ) went to the Golden Ocala Golf Course to assist with set up for all of the concessions. By the end of the event, 10 staff members and more than 55 MTI students volunteered. We even had some parents and other family members join in on the fun. Our students shined in all areas including customer service and food handling. They successfully managed the concessions for the tens of thousands of patrons that aƩended the tournament throughout the week. Not only did our students receive a great learning experience, but they also earned volunteer hours necessary for scholarships and college applicaƟon requirements. The Culinary Academy earned more than $2000 in Ɵps that will be used to purchase a top-of-the-line computerized POS system for the Springboard Cafe. Gabriela (Gabby) Cruz, MTI Career Academy Student, has recently been awarded one of only six scholarships across Florida from the Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship. This huge honor is valued at approximately $40,000 per student and is part of the Take Stock in Children program. Take Stock is a statewide non-profit organizaƟon with a 20-year history of mentoring middle and high school students so they can achieve academic success by graduaƟng high school and earning college scholarship to help break the cycle of poverty. Cruz was chosen based on her strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success. We believe Gabby is a true living example of D.R.I.V.E. She plans to become an oncologist. Pictured: Zach Berquist, Catherine Castaneda, Diane Cook and Chef Benavides