Diane Salazar, from left, Texas Education Agency, presents the 2016 Excellence in Action Award for the most outstanding program for Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security to Carl Wunsche Sr. High School representatives Curtis Doss, Karla Sandoval and Cynthia Williams.

HOUSTON – May 26, 2016 – The Legal Studies Career Pathway Program at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School was recently awarded the prestigious Excellence in Action Award, which recognizes innovative and impactful Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study across the nation.

“We are quite proud to have this program recognized because it represents a core value of Spring ISD – striving for excellence in all we do,” said Bob Thompson, Wunsche principal. “At the same time, we are humbled because it symbolizes the dedication of our students, their parents and our staff to accomplishing great work.”

Wunsche’s Legal Studies Program was one of only 11 programs selected from across the United States as an Excellence in Action award recipient for its unique, ground-breaking approach to offering students in the pathway a rigorous curriculum with significant learning experiences. Meticulous hands-on training combined with project-based learning experiences support the postsecondary education that students need to be successful after they leave the career academy in Spring ISD.

“This award from Advance CTE is a clear result of the tremendous work and academic commitment that the Spring ISD community offers to their students,” said Cynthia Williams, CTE director. “Everyone involved, including parents, teachers, campus and central office administrators, as well as the support from the Spring ISD Board of Trustees, has made this award a reality.”

Representatives from Wunsche and Spring ISD – Karla Sandoval, career academy coordinator; Cynthia Williams, Spring ISD CTE director and Curtis Doss, law enforcement teacher – accepted the 2016 Excellence in Action Award for the most outstanding program for the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security career cluster on May 24 during the Advance CTE Spring Meeting reception and luncheon in Washington, D.C. During the three-day event, representatives from Wunsche and other Excellence in Action Award recipients shared their personal strategies and results, offering a diverse and multifaceted portrait of their respective CTE programs.

The Carl Wunsche Sr. High School Legal Studies Program began in 2006 when the school opened as a career academy in Spring ISD. The program has expanded dramatically in the last decade while preparing students for college and careers available in their areas of expertise.

Wunsche is a nationally-acclaimed school that provides students with access to CTE programs, real-world experience, rigorous coursework and mentor and internship opportunities. Wunsche students get a head start on their post-secondary education by earning college articulated credit. Over 600 certifications were earned by Wunsche students last school year.