TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) program was recognized by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas during that organization’s Phoenix Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 30th, in Killeen.
The Workforce Solutions Phoenix Awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations that strengthen the Central Texas workforce. Temple High School accounting teacher Jessica Cuellar and the Temple High School CTE program were recognized with a Phoenix Award for partnering with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and the United Way of Central Texas for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative. Eleven Temple High School seniors participated in the program and those students ultimately assisted more than 200 community members with tax returns, resulting in more than $300,000 in refunds to those households. Workforce Solutions welcomed those students into a paid work-experience track under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, allowing each participant to earn wages and receive transportation support while they were honing valuable job skills in the program.
The Workforce Solutions description of the award given to Cuellar, who oversees Temple High School’s participation in the VITA program, and the Temple High School CTE program stated that inside the VITA clinic, students built a solid foundation in tax fundamentals and practiced real-world soft skills, active listening, professionalism, confidentiality, and empathy, through mock interviews and supervised client sessions. Those students transitioned from learners to trusted preparers, guiding neighbors through the complexity of income-tax filing. By blending rigorous instruction with hands-on impact, Temple High’s CTE program proved that academic excellence, workforce readiness, and community engagement can flourish together. This award celebrates a program that turns learning into leadership and delivers lasting benefit to Central Texas.
“The Wildcat Workforce appreciates this impactful internship initiative,” said Sara Bartlett, director of Career and Technical Education for Temple ISD. “This opportunity is designed to be mutually beneficial, offering a paid internship while simultaneously providing essential services that deliver a positive impact on the local community. We appreciate the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and the United Way of Central Texas for partnering with us for this initiative.”
Temple ISD CTE students are also involved in the annual luncheon. Students in the Temple High School CTE program designs and produces the custom trophies handed out during the event.
Formerly known as the Torch Awards, the newly named Phoenix Awards symbolize growth, renewal, and resilience – reflecting the spirit of the region’s workforce and those who help it thrive, according to a news release from Workforce Solutions of Central Texas.