Galo Mariano is an accomplished student in PCTI School of Culinary Arts, specializing in the Baking and Pastry program. With a genuine love for food and creativity in the kitchen, Galo said he chose the CTE because he has always enjoyed food, and through the program, he has been able to learn how to cook his favorite dishes.
Being named Student of the Month is a meaningful moment for Galo, one he has pictured for a long time. “Being named Student of the Month is a great honor because whenever I looked at PCTI, I always saw the list of names and I always wanted to be one,” he shared. His hard work and commitment to excellence are reflected in his strong 4.3 GPA.
Outside of academics, Galo stays highly involved in school life and takes on leadership roles across several areas. He participates in the PCTI ProStart competition and the NASA HUNCH culinary competition, experiences that challenge him to think critically and work collaboratively under pressure. He also serves as president of the Astronomy Club, vice president of Rho Kappa, and is an active member of Book Club, showing a wide range of interests that extend well beyond the kitchen.
In his free time, Galo enjoys going to the gym, spending time with friends, and, of course, exploring new foods and flavors.
Looking ahead, Galo has ambitious plans. After high school, he hopes to study food science. If that path changes, he is prepared to pivot into biochemistry, with the long-term goal of earning his bachelor’s degree and hopefully PhD one day. That drive to keep learning says a lot about the kind of future he is building.
When asked what advice he would share with incoming freshmen or classmates, Galo offered a grounded reminder: “Everything happens for a purpose. Don’t stress about the past because it’s all for a reason.”
Reflecting on his journey, Galo credits PCTI with helping him grow through opportunity and support. “PCTI helped shape me because of the variety of opportunities it’s given me,” he said, adding that his baking program has provided hands-on experience and that the “variety of high quality teachers has helped me be motivated to pursue higher education.”
Ruth Medina is an exceptional student in PCTI’s Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, specializing in the EMT program. Drawn to the science behind medicine and the real-world impact of patient care, Ruth shared that she chose this path because she has “always had a fascination with the human body, loving both its simplicity and complexity.” That curiosity and drive to understand how the body works is shaping the foundation of her future career.
Being named Student of the Month is a proud moment for Ruth. “I’m honored to be named Student of the Month and happy to be recognized for all my hard work,” she said. Her commitment to excellence is clear in her impressive 4.4 GPA, as well as the way she consistently challenges herself both academically and personally.
Beyond the classroom, Ruth is deeply engaged in student life and leadership. She participates in organizations that support academic achievement, career exploration, and service, including HOSA, the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, LEAP, and UP Standards.
After graduation, Ruth plans to major in Biological Sciences, gain hands-on experience by working as an EMT, and steadily work her way toward medical school. It’s an ambitious path, and she’s approaching it with a clear plan and the patience to build experience step by step.
When asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen or her classmates, Ruth offered a message that feels both honest and practical: “My advice would be to not let a single negative moment define your entire day. Bask in all the good rather than wallow in one single thing that you did wrong.” It’s the kind of perspective that helps students stay resilient and keep moving forward.
Reflecting on her experience at PCTI, Ruth credits the school with helping her better understand herself and her direction. “PCTI has shaped me by giving me the space to discover my interest and also understand my limitations and my intended field of study,” she shared.
Julia Lo is an outstanding student in the PCTI STEM Academy of Engineering, already building the mindset of a future innovator. Drawn to engineering for its impact, Julia shared, “I chose it because it gave me an opportunity to help solve problems that would help people in their everyday lives.” That purpose-driven motivation shows up in how she approaches school and the goals she has set for the future.
Being named Student of the Month is a milestone for Julia. “I’m really excited and honored to be named Student of the Month,” she said. Her dedication in the classroom is reflected in her 4.4 GPA.
Beyond academics Julia is involved in both athletics and school clubs. She is a member of the girls varsity swim team and serves on the National Honor Society Board. She is also part of the World Language Honor Society and FMLA, consistently choosing opportunities that push her to lead, collaborate, and grow.
Outside of school, Julia continues swimming through club programs, showing the same discipline that supports her success in STEM. She is also part of Scouting America and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that speaks to her perseverance, service, and long-term commitment.
After graduation, Julia will attend Cornell University to study biomedical engineering, with the hope of pursuing a career in pediatric care. Her academic focus and personal drive align with a path centered on creating solutions that improve lives.
Asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen or her classmates, Julia keeps it simple and direct: “One piece of advice I would give is to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you and not be afraid to try new things.”
Reflecting on her journey, Julia credits her experience at PCTI STEM with shaping who she has become. “Being a part of PCTI STEM has shaped me to become the person that I am today,” she said.
Congratulations, Julia! Your talent, leadership, and heart for helping others are setting the pace for an incredible future.