Left to right: Seacoast School of Technology Principal Sharon Wilson, U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary School Education Frank T. Brogan, junior Adam Reichert, of Newfields, and junior Annie Collies, of Stratham, look over the tank of tilapia used as part of the aquaponics projects for the Animal and Plant Science program. (Photo courtesy of SAU 16) 
Left to right: SST Principal Sharon Wilson, SAU 16 Superintendent David Ryan and U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary School Education Frank T. Brogan. (Photo courtesy of SAU 16) 
U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary School Education Frank T. Brogan speaks with junior Sasha Sweig, of Exeter, and sophomore Anjali Joseph, of Exeter, during their Monday morning Biomedical Science and Technology class. (Photo courtesy of SAU 16)
EXETER — Superintendent David Ryan and Principal Sharon Wilson would like to thank U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary School Education Frank T. Brogan for his visit to the Seacoast School of Technology on Monday.
“All of us — the staff, the faculty and the students — work hard to create quality programs that keep everyone engaged, educated and ready to embark on their perspective career fields,” Principal Wilson said. “We’re grateful to share what we do and show Assistant Secretary Brogan the programs and opportunities available to students at SST.”
After learning about the school and its unique set-up as a part-time, regional program, Brogran said he was looking forward to learning more about the model and how it works. In his role, Brogan is responsible for supporting programs and schools for elementary and secondary school students across the nation.
“We heard about your reputation down in D.C., so we thought we’d come and see how impressive you are,” Brogan said. “What you have is really different here and you’ve been doing it well for a really long time.”
Six different districts send high school students to SST: Epping, Exeter, Newmarket, Raymond, Sanborn Regional and Winnacunnet. There are a dozen programs students can take part in, and have the opportunity to earn college credit and/or industry-recognized certifications for some of the courses.
Brogan was able to tour the school and visit with students from the health science technologies, biomedical science and technology, welding technologies, building construction technologies, animal and plant science, and careers in education.
The visit confirmed that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give students a leg-up when trying to figure out what career path they want to embark on post-high school and what next steps they may want to take, Brogan said.
“I really applaud you in what you’re doing,” Brogan said. “Isn’t it great when there are 600 students who are willing to do what they need to do?”
Both Superintendent Ryan and Principal Wilson said they were thrilled to have Brogan and his team visit the school.
“This visit is a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by both the students and the faculty here at SST,” Superintendent Ryan said. “The students did a great job explaining and showcasing the work they do, and gave great insight into what they do while here.”
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