La Follette Students Earn Honors and Support Community Through Career and Technical Student Organizations

MADISON, Wis.—Students at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Robert M. La Follette High School are celebrating a strong semester of achievement in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), highlighting the growing impact of career and technical education (CTE) programs across the district.

Senior Ethan Powell earned first place in the Automotive Service Technology competition at the school’s first SkillsUSA event of the year. Powell has been active in CTE courses throughout his time at La Follette and plans to continue competing in the months ahead. 

“Ethan has grown tremendously over the past several years,” said Ben Charles, La Follette CTE teacher. “His work ethic, curiosity and commitment to improving his craft stand out. We are proud of the leader he has become and excited to see how far he will go.”

Beyond individual competition, La Follette students also channel their skills and dedication into service and leadership through DECA, the school’s business and marketing CTSO. This October, the chapter celebrated the school’s annual service month with two major community initiatives:

• Color a Smile: With participation from the entire school community, students created more than 1,500 coloring sheets for Color a Smile, a nonprofit that delivers artwork to individuals in hospice care, memory care, military service and anyone in need of a morale boost. Though final results will not be announced until February, La Follette completed more than 1,500 sheets, besting its 1,100 last year, which was second-most statewide.
• Trick-or-Can: In response to increased need and reduced federal food assistance, La Follette DECA collected more than 500 food items to help stock the school’s City Center Pantry. This effort will support students and families directly within the building.

“We could not be more proud of the hard work, generosity and leadership our DECA students show,” Kurtis Nelsen, La Follette marketing and business education teacher and DECA advisor, said. “They compete academically, they give back and they grow into thoughtful, community-minded young adults. Their dedication reflects what it means to be a Lancer.”

Across MMSD, students participate in a variety of CTSOs, including DECA, SkillsUSA, HOSA, FFA, FBLA and others. These organizations provide hands-on learning opportunities that build real-world skills in areas such as business, healthcare, engineering, agriculture and skilled trades.

“CTE and CTSOs give students the chance to explore their interests, gain confidence and prepare for life after high school,” Meg Filkins, MMSD director of pathways and CTE, said. “We are proud of the success at La Follette and across the district, and we are committed to expanding high-quality career pathways for all students.”

La Follette’s recent achievements come as MMSD continues to strengthen its career and technical education offerings through expanded coursework, stronger industry partnerships and increased opportunities for students to earn professional experience and recognition.

For more information about CTE programs and CTSO opportunities across MMSD, visit the district’s website. For questions and partnership opportunities/inquiries, please reach out via Let’s Talk.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.