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Jorge Barrientos

Education Reporter

jbarrientos@bakersfield.com

661-395-7423

Jorge Barrientos has come full circle, so to speak. He moved from Orange County to Bakersfield when he was in elementary school, attending McKee Elementary in Greenfield. Then came Ollivier Junior High and Ridgeview High schools, where he was involved in journalism all four years.

Kern Valley home economics teacher wins state award

News Release -- Kern High School District

Kern Valley High School instructor Michelle Baker has been named one of the state's best home economics teachers by the California Association of the FHA-HERO (formerly Future Homemakers of America - Home Economics Related Occupations).

Baker will be one of 26 home economics instructors from around the state to be presented the "Outstanding Advisor Award" for the 2010-11 school year during the FHA-HERO State Leadership Meeting to be held in Fresno April 9 through 12.

There are more than 500 home economics instructors in California public schools, noted FHA-HERO Convention Manager Tom Munter in a letter to Baker informing her of the award. This award "speaks very highly of the tremendous level of career development, leadership skill development and personal growth activities promoted and supervised by you as part of the activities of the FHA-HERO Chapter at your school," Munter wrote.

The award "is an added compliment when you consider this is a student-nominated and student-selected recognition," Munter noted.

Baker began teaching at Kern Valley High last year. Subjects she teaches include Home Economics, Individual and Family Health, Nutritional Science and Health Education. Baker also oversees the school's FHA-HERO, a co-curricular career and technical student organization. The FHA-HERO program cultivates schools and community involvement and helps students develop leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills.

Baker's home economics students are prepared for a variety of careers including those in child development, consumer services, education, family and human services. Her students also prepare for careers in the fashion and interior design industry as well as the hospitality, tourism and recreation industries.

"The most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing my students succeed," said Baker. "I know that the students are learning something that will prepare and enrich their lives. I strive to prepare my students for life after high school and think about the big picture. I hope to provide them with the tools to reach their goals in life."

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