Valeria Contreras

Level 12 Senior and CTE student

This issue’s Student Spotlight features Valeria Contreras, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) shining star at WHS with a passion for medicine, science, and all things forensic.  Valeria is no stranger to a WPS education.  She got her start at Metz Elementary in preschool, then moved to Ranum Middle School, and finally landed at WHS.  WHS Teacher Jeff Dennis writes, “Valeria is a truly exceptional student who consistently puts forth her best effort in everything she does. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her studies, always striving for excellence, and I couldn't be prouder of her. Her dedication and hard work have undoubtedly paid off, and it's truly inspiring to witness the progress she has made. Her consistent work ethic, perseverance, and positive attitude will take her wherever she wants to go in this life. I am eager to see the remarkable success that undoubtedly awaits her in the future.”

Favorite Food:  Anything my Mom cooks!  I am very biased!

Favorite thing to do: Driving around and hanging out with friends blasting music.

Best school memory:  My senior year experience has been incredible.  It’s where we put our differences aside, and we are able to enjoy the last year that we have here together.

Plan after graduation:   I plan to finish up my biomedical program, and then I will explore different careers and pathways that are in the biomedical field.  The Nurse Aide program taught me how to show compassion and empathy for others, especially in their time of need.  While I am still undecided about which university I plan to attend, I do plan to go right away after graduation.  I will likely study nursing, criminology, or both; yet, I am keeping all options open while I see what great careers exist out there for me.

What am I listening to now:   After the Superbowl, I am hooked on Usher.  Also, Drake.

If I could have a superpower, it would be:   Invisibility

What has Westminster Public Schools meant to you?    After the years have gone by, I have learned so much about all the jobs that exist out there that I find interest in.  That’s been the best part of my education - getting to see all the possibilities I have in front of me.  The CTE experiences have been some of my best experiences.  Plus, I love all the volunteer opportunities that have presented themselves along the way.

The teacher or coach who has inspired me the most:  Mr. Dennis is a teacher who understands his students and can communicate with them.  He taught me a lot about life and school which is valuable to me.  I love the way he connects his curriculum to real life which means so much to me.