Two Wilson Talent Center students are receiving statewide recognition for their storytelling skills.
Reynie E. and Brian O., students in the New Media program, tied for first place in the 2026 CTE Month Podcast Competition, a statewide event celebrating Career and Technical Education and student creativity.
The competition was hosted by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Workforce Development division. The goal of the competition is to highlight student talent while increasing awareness of career and technical education opportunities during CTE Month.
Judges were particularly impressed with the unique strengths each student brought to their podcast.
Reynie’s entry stood out for its thoughtful research and creative use of auditory storytelling elements that enhanced the listening experience. Brian’s podcast resonated with judges for its authentic storytelling, sharing a personal CTE journey that students across Michigan could relate to.
Podcasting is a core component of the New Media program at Wilson Talent Center, where students learn skills such as audio production, storytelling, editing, and digital media communication. Experiences like the statewide competition allow students to apply those skills while sharing the real-world impact of career-focused education.
By combining creativity with technical media production, Reynie and Brian demonstrated the power of student voice and storytelling.
Their achievement highlights the strength of Wilson Talent Center’s New Media program and the opportunities career and technical education provides for students to explore creative careers in media and communications.
Recent Stories:
During Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, students at Wilson Talent Center were gaining hands-on experience in fields ranging from healthcare to law enforcement. Through specialized programs and real-world training, students build skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for life after high school.
Three recent graduates of the Wilson Talent Center Welding Technology program earned first place at the Art Explosion 6.0 exhibit at the IQhub in St. Johns for their metal sculpture titled Rose. The piece, crafted from reclaimed horseshoes, was also selected for the prestigious Art Prize exhibition in Grand Rapids.
