Creative Technologies Academy

Jayda has been at CTA since fifth grade. During her time at CTA, Jayda has participated in basketball (for three seasons), soccer (for three seasons), volleyball (for two seasons), where she was captain for one season, and cheer (for two years).In addition, during her junior year, Jayda participated in the Graphic Design program at KCTC. As a senior, Jayda joined the Automotive Collision Repair and Automotive Technology programs at KCTC. She has been on the CTA Honor Roll for all seven years and has taken three dual enrollment courses through Ferris State University. Outside of school, Jayda spends her time working at Valvoline Instant Oil Change as a Senior Technician. With the automotive knowledge gained from her work and KCTC, she hopes to pursue a career in MIG Welding or anything automotive-related.

Wyatt joined CTA his junior year and played basketball his senior year. Before attending CTA, Wyatt played baseball for five seasons and basketball for one season .Outside of school, Wyatt likes to play basketball and ride quads. He also enjoys fishing, small game hunting, and being outside. As for after graduating high school, Wyatt is planning to explore his many options.

Gabi has been at CTA since the sixth grade. She has participated in one season of basketball, and five seasons on the CTA soccer team, where she was team captain for three seasons. Gabi has played soccer for a total of thirteen years. She was awarded the “All-Conference Soccer” award two years in a row. In addition to athletics, Gabi has participated in LaunchU for two years and has taken dual enrollment courses through Ferris State University. Gabi has been on the Honor Roll and a member of CTA’s National Honor Society for three years. Outside of school, Gabi enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with her friends, going to the movies, and hiking. After high school, Gabi hopes to become a sports photographer or go into sports management.

Thomas has attended CTA for twelve years; he started attending in first grade. While at CTA, Thomas has been a part of the National Honor Society Chapter for three years. In addition, Thomas has taken dual enrollment college math courses (Math 110 and 115) through Ferris State University as well as AP Computer Science A. Also, Thomas has achieved CTA’s “All A’s” Honor Roll. For the last two years, he has been in the Networking and Cyber Security program at KCTC. Outside of school, Thomas enjoys biking; playing basketball with friends and family; eating good food; and playing the electric guitar. Thomas is currently working at Culver's. After high school, Thomas plans to continue his education through an Internship in IT to grow his career. He would like to pursue a career as a Network or Server Engineer.

Dani has been attending CTA for twelve years. She has been on the basketball team (for four years), the soccer team (the four years), and the volleyball team (for two years), as well as participating in one year of softball outside of CTA. She was team captain for CTA’s 2023 volleyball season, as well as the 2022 soccer season. Dani has also been on the Honor Roll. During her junior year, Dani participated in the Graphics Design program at KCTC. Outside of CTA, Dani enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and going on spontaneous trips with family. After high school, Dani plans to work at a local daycare. She is exploring the idea of college courses in Childhood Development further down the line.

Caden has been at CTA for 11 ½ years. While at CTA, he has been on honor roll and has been attending KCTC for aviation maintenance for 2 years. Outside of school he enjoys fishing, gaming, traveling and he enjoys winter. Caden collects swords. During winter he likes to snowmobile. He has also been doing drag racing with his dad and grandpa and helps fix cars and snowmobiles. After graduating he hopes to apply to an apprenticeship level mechanic job at Mercedes Benz. Caden hopes to continue drag racing in competitions to keep the legacy of what his father and grandfather did in drag racing going. Caden hopes to one day be able to move out of his parents’ house.

Sarah joined CTA for her senior year. Before attending CTA, Sarah ran track (for three years) and played basketball (for two years). In addition, Sarah got second place at Cedar Springs High School's slam poetry competition and third place in their art show. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys drawing; gaming; quality time with friends and family; music; and sleep. After high school, Sarah plans on working and saving money while she figures out what she wants to do for her future. She possibly plans on pursuing a degree in art.

Gunnar has been at CTA for twelve years and has loved every moment of it. While attending CTA, Gunnar has been a part of the Art Club for six years, was in the drama production of Law and Order: Fairytale Unit in 2017, and is a Student Ambassador for CTA’s Marketing Team this year. He has also made the CTA Honor Roll three times and has received a Character Education Student of the Month award for being Growth-minded. Outside of school, Gunnar enjoys photography, gaming, creating videos online (The Brown Hat Squad), and art. After graduation, Gunnar plans to pursue a job in photography, continue creating videos online, and work at his present job at FAS Machining. He also wants to enjoy some time relaxing at home, as well as hanging out with friends and family. His dream goal is to be a full-time online content creator.

This is Sarah’s second year at CTA. While attending CTA, Sarah has been on the Honor Roll and was Homecoming Queen this year. In addition, Sarah has attended KCTC as a part of the Nurse Tech/ Patient Care Tech program.; upon completion, she will receive her certification as a Nurse Technician .Outside of CTA, Sarah has done sideline cheerleading (for eight years), basketball (for one year), and softball (for one year). Sarah was also on the 2022 Miss Sand Lake Queen’s Court. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys vibin’ in her vibe, fishing, as well as doing arts and crafts. Sarah loves to meet new people and talk to everyone. After graduating high school, Sarah plans to attend Cornerstone University to get her bachelor’s degree in Nursing. While attending college, Sarah plans to work as a Nurse Tech. In the future, she would like to eventually go back to college to become a Physician’s Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner.

.Lane has attended CTA for two years. He participated in KCTC’s Basic Auto Technician Program during his junior year. Outside of school, Lane enjoys hunting, fishing, working on cars, off-roading, and breaking things. After high school, Lane plans to go to trade school for welding with the end goal of being a Pipeline Welder. .

Morgan has attended CTA since first grade. During those eleven years, she has participated in choir (for five years) and drama (for five years). Morgan was the Alto Section Leader for CTA’s high school choir for two years. In addition, she performed in CTA’s productions of “Law and Order: Fairy Tale Unit”, “Seussical,” “The Very Unmerry Adventures of Robin Hood,” and “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” She also served as the Backstage Manager during CTA’s production of “Powerline: Me, Mario and Your Mom.” Additionally, Morgan has participated in the Culinary program at KCTC for the past two years, culminating in Advanced Pastry during her senior year. In addition to her success at KCTC, Morgan has been on the CTA Honor Roll numerous times. Outside of school, Morgan enjoys bowling, playing the piano, listening to music, dancing, and gardening in her parents’ iris field. She has also been involved in The Lake Odessa Historical House Tours by leading home tours for the past three years. Morgan is still exploring her post-high-school options.

Ryan joined CTA at the start of his fifth-grade year and has been at CTA for eight years. He has taken AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, attended art club, achieved Honor Roll, and played on the varsity soccer team for the first year that the program was opened. In addition, he has been part of the Network and CyberSecurity program at KCTC for two years. Outside of school, Ryan enjoys making and creating things. He likes making music - find Chef Cabbage, video-editing, photo-editing, 3D Modeling/rigging, working on computers, and working on cars. After high school, Ryan plans to go to college and learn more about what he enjoys; he is still deciding whether he wants to go into music or Informational Technology (IT). Currently, the plan is to pursue a career in Information Technology at Ferris State University.

Jessica has been at CTA for two-and-a-half years. During that time, she has been on the CTA Honor Roll for several semesters. In addition to academics, Jessica has actively participated in Ladies of Honor; in fact, she won the Ladies of Honor’s prestigious Camp Commander Award in 2022. Outside of school, Jessica enjoys going on runs; spending quality time with family and friends; and taking a good nap from time to time. Jessica is a very outgoing, fun person to hang out with. She always has a very unique style and is not afraid to show it. After high school, Jessica plans on going to college for graphic design and becoming a graphic designer. Jessica would love to travel the world, specifically, Spain, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. She might even move up to Alaska after college.

Jacob has been at CTA for four years. He has attended KCTC for two years in the Automotive Program .Outside of school, Jacob enjoys going to the U.P. with his family, riding quads, and going snowmobiling. He enjoys working on cars in his free time. He is currently working at the Murray Lake Marina as a boat technician. After high school, Jacob plans on getting his certifications to become an automotive technician.

Ana has attended CTA since second grade. During this time, she played basketball (for three years), soccer (for four years), and volleyball (for three years), where she was team captain during her senior year. Also, Ana performed in three CTA drama productions and sang in the school choir for multiple years. During Ana’s senior year, she has been a part of the Kent ISD’s Student Leadership Community. During Ana’s senior year, she was inducted into the CTA Chapter of the National Honor Society and has been on the Honor Roll. Ana has taken seven college courses while attending high school and plans to complete two more during her senior year. Additionally, Ana began taking culinary courses at KCTC during her junior year; as a senior, she continued the culinary path by participating in the Advanced Pastry Program. Outside of school, Ana enjoys drawing, cooking, and spending time with her friends and boyfriend. After graduation, Ana plans to go to Western Michigan University to get her bachelor's degree in marketing.

Dominic has been going to CTA for four years. He played basketball for one year during his time at CTA. In addition, he attended KCTC for one year as part of the Suspension and Transmission Auto Tech program. Outside of school, Dominic played baseball through Algoma Little League for two years. Some of his current hobbies are fishing, basketball, collecting Hot Wheels cars, and playing video games. After high school, Dominic would like to find a good job. He would eventually love to build cars or do anything hands-on. Dominic is color blind, and he has always thought people were joking when they asked him, “What color is this?”

Alexandro joined CTA in his 8th-grade year. He earned the title of “Homecoming King” his senior year. Outside of school, A.J. enjoys fishing; trailing in his vehicle and his quad; and hanging out with his friends. After high school, A.J. plans on becoming an electrician.

Kirsten has attended CTA for six years. While at CTA, she has played soccer for two years. In addition, Kirsten went to KCTC for one year in the Aviation Electronics Program. Outside of school, Kirsten enjoys reading, riding horses, taking care of her dogs, being outside, sleeping, baking, babysitting, and annoying her twin, Sierra. She lives on a hobby farm with her five horses, seven dogs, and many family members. Kirsten loves spending time with her animals and family. After high school, Kirsten hopes to go to Western Michigan University or the School of Missionary Aviation Technology in order to participate in the aviation pilot programs or criminal justice.

Salem has been at CTA for seven years. During this time, Salem has been on the honor roll (for three years), has participated in soccer (for two years), cheer (for three years), and has participated in the drama program for three of the productions by helping backstage and with props. They have also participated in CTA culture by helping to create a space where everyone is welcome. Outside of school, Salem enjoys dancing and hanging out with friends. They were a dancer (for four years) and were a part of 4-H (for two years). They love reading and writing fun stories about mythical creatures. Salem also loves working on diamond paintings when they get the chance to buy some and sit down. Salem's plan after high school is to get a college degree in either graphic design or massage therapy. They also have plans to travel and explore Japan’s culture.

Jacinda McMurrain joined CTA for her sophomore year. During her time at CTA, she has been on the Honor Roll numerous times. In addition, Jacinda was part of the Culinary Program at KCTC during her junior year. Jacinda worked throughout her time at CTA. Outside of school and work, Jacinda enjoys growing plants, reading, and crafts such as sewing and crocheting. She finished many projects during her time at CTA including clothes, plushies, purses, bags, and even a wedding dress. After graduation, Jacinda plans to work a full-time job while completing some online certification classes in Computer Programming.

Staff Feature: Amy Morrow My favorite genre to read is YA Historical Fiction. My focus in college was Reading Intervention and Integrated Science .I love to camp with my husband and our 3 kids. We spend our summers exploring the Great Lakes.

I am a coffee lover! I grind coffee beans fresh every morning, and I even have an espresso machine to make specialty coffee whenever I want. I graduated from college 10 years after graduating from high school. I actually failed in my first attempt at college, but worked hard and received a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan, graduating with honors. I have never lost a game of Scene It in my life.

I cooked at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics for the athletes I’ve ran 9 marathons I’ve been in 9 Sparta Community Theatre Productions. Some of the roles I have played have been Babette in Beauty and the Beast, Mrs. Sowerby in Oliver, and the Fairy God Mother in Shrek. I was also in Mamma Mia this past summer in Sparta.

I have lived in 7 different states and 3 different countries. I am really good at hula hooping. I used to be a bird researcher and a dog trainer.

In my lifetime, I’ve watched Michigan football win the championship twice…in 1997, I was at the Rose Bowl when they won and 2024 with my fam on tv. HAIL !I’ve watched the GOAT, Michael Jordan, play in person 3 times I’ve traveled to Greece twice

.I have played piano since I was in kindergarten! I took lessons on up through middle school for about 8 years .I homeschooled my children for 6 years before we came to CTA and I recertified as a teacher. I love camping with my family! Lake Michigan is my favorite place!

I love to travel and camp. My family and I love to explore new places and be outdoors I am a compulsive DIYer. I love to build various things for my house instead of buying them. My favorite hobbies are reading and being in the outdoors - hiking, biking, camping, gardening, kayaking and more.

I have twin sister German Shepard dogs .I am a first generation college student with my undergraduate in elementary education and special education and an intention of pursuing my masters in administration .In high school I was a three sport varsity athlete involved in water polo, sideline cheer, and varsity cheer.

Growing up, I had a lot of pets and cool animal experiences. We hatched tadpoles, Monarch butterflies, and even had a baby fawn for a day. I have two goldfish (Clementine and Toothless) who I rescued from last year’s senior prank. One of my favorite vacation experiences was swimming with a dolphin when I was 10 years old.

1st Grade Teacher Before teaching I was a Physical Therapist Assistant My first real job was in a flower shop. My boss was amazing and so patient as she taught me all about the art of flower arranging. By the time I left that job for my career in healthcare, I was putting together flower arrangements and bouquets for weddings .Mackinac Island is my absolute favorite place in Michigan.

Instructional Coach I love hiking and exploring National Parks with my husband and son; so far, we have been to 14 in the US and Canada. I have two golden retrievers named Henry and Millie! I enjoy doing DIY/home improvement jobs and am teaching myself how to build beginner projects.

High School Math I love to travel and I have lived in 4 other states and 1 other country In addition to math, I am also certified to teach History and was part of Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society) in college Prior to teaching, I spent 7 years as a bank teller.

EL/MS Technology/Interventionist I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years .I am originally from Chicago. Rainy days are my favorite!

I am named after my amazing father, Michael. He went by Mike and that is where my name originated from. It is a tradition passed down in our family as my mom was named after her dad as well. I have 4 beautiful children who mean the world to me: 2 biological boys and 2 bonus daughters. I am a huge Michigan football fan, but my daughters both attend Michigan State :)I hold 2 Masters degrees: One in Children’s Literature and one in Elementary Education. I am a lifelong learner and hope to get my Doctorate someday soon.

I have 9 siblings. I love to golf and spend time with my kids in my free time. My postsecondary education began at Aquinas College as an undergraduate and continued at Marygrove College in Detroit with a Masters Degree.

I enjoy watching football .In the summer, I wake-surf behind our boat. I love vacationing to the Mountains.

I am a music fanatic and have been to over 20 concerts in the last 2.5 years .I am a BIG foodie, but would say that my current favorite food is sushi. I am very adventurous and enjoy traveling! My favorite travel destination recently has been the U.P., where I camped at Tahquamenon Falls and Fort Superior Campgrounds.

I enjoy camping, hiking, and being outdoors .I was born in Florida, and have lived in 5 states! (Michigan is the one where I have lived the longest.)I love to read! My goal is to read at least 52 books (a book a week) every year! So, far this year I have read 76 books!

I love to travel! I have been to 24 of the 50 states, and on 8 cruises. My favorite place so far has been Aruba .I have a twin brother .In the summer, I love going to the lake house to go boating and fish.

I love to read and read 80 books in 2023.My favorite sport is hockey and I am a big Red Wings fan! I was named after a Country Song.