Today marked a historic milestone at KTEC High School as we celebrated the first-ever Signing Day, honoring the dedication, accomplishments, and bright futures of our senior class. The event showcased the vital contributions of our industry and higher education partners, our dedicated staff, and the unwavering support of students’ families.
Through partnerships with institutions like Gateway Technical College and employers such as Snap-on, KTEC students receive real-world skills and industry exposure that prepare them for high-demand careers across Kenosha County and beyond.
The program featured inspiring remarks from:
- Roger Tadajewski, Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
- Jeff Gaskill, Director of Education & Business Development, Snap-on Industrial
- Octavio Rojas, Sales Director, Festo Didactic US
- Matthew Janisin, Executive VP of Academic Affairs, Gateway Technical College
The Class of 2025 collectively earned 299 college credits—an average of 32.7 credits per student, representing an estimated $6,285 in tuition savings per student. These graduates are now preparing to launch careers in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Diesel Equipment Mechanics
- Baking
- Nursing
- Videography/Cinematography
- Computer Programming
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Dental Assisting
- Real Estate
- Veterinary Care
- Construction Trades
- Welding
- Mental Health/Psychology
These diverse pathways reflect KTEC’s commitment to career readiness and real-world learning.
KTEC Students Awarded Prestigious 3M Transformational Scholarships
In addition to celebrating our inaugural Signing Day, KTEC High School proudly announced that two seniors were selected as recipients of the prestigious 3M Transformational Scholarship, awarded in partnership with 3M’s Safety & Industrial Business Group and the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). This national scholarship honors passionate and diverse students pursuing careers in the skilled trades—only 51 scholarships are awarded across the country, and we are proud to share that Rayna Soens and Blake Krauter were among this elite group, selected by a competitive review committee at 3M.
Blake Krauter exemplifies academic and technical excellence. He earned 27 college credits while in high school, achieved multiple NC3 certifications including all six Precision Measuring Instruments (PMI) modules, and holds a professional drone license. As president of the KTEC SkillsUSA chapter and a member of the state champion drone team, Blake continues to stand out as a leader and innovator. He will advance his passion for robotics and automation by joining the Krones Mechatronics Apprenticeship next year.
Rayna Soens balanced her academic success with real-world responsibilities, working three jobs while completing her high school education. Her determination to build a meaningful career led her to pursue nursing. Rayna proactively completed her CNA training, securing better employment opportunities and gaining hands-on experience in the medical field. Over the past three years, she earned an impressive 44 college credits, and she will continue her journey in healthcare at Gateway Technical College, where she plans to further her nursing studies.
These scholarship recipients reflect the strength of KTEC’s mission: empowering students with the education, industry certifications, and support needed to thrive in high-demand career fields.
“This Signing Day symbolizes not just the success of our first senior class but the future we’re building together,” shared Dr. Angela Andersson, Founder of KTEC Schools of Innovation. “Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, we’re thrilled to launch a new elementary and middle school that will join our high school on one unified campus. This expansion allows us to provide a seamless 4K–12 experience that fosters innovation, creativity, and critical thinking from day one.”
Know a student who would benefit from a future-focused, career-driven education? Enrollment for 4K–12 is now OPEN for the 2025–2026 school year!
Monday, May 5 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Saturday, May 17 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Learn more at www.ktecschools.org
