The year 2008-2009 for Exploratory Technology was like no other. The students from National City Middle did the impossible by winning three Best of Show, ten Best of Class, 32 First Place, two Second Place, and one Third Place awards at the San Diego County Fair. Mrs. Katie Phillps, Exhibit manager, said “the students of National City Middle are the best of the best of any middle schools in the county when it comes to technology.” Even the high schools and colleges who participate in the Student Showcase are very aware of the National City Middle School student accomplishments over the years. This year was no exception.
Mr. Henry Gutierrez, the Exploratory Technology teacher, has always been extremely proud of what the students of National City Middle have done over the years. Students had to earn the right to participate in the Exploratory Program by keeping good academic grades, good citizenship, and excellent attendance. They worked hard to get there and even harder to stay because they wanted to create the projects the course provided, and they really wanted to compete in the county fair, against high school and college students.
The Exploratory Technology course made such an impact on students that year after year they come back, from high school and college to visit the teacher who made a difference. Some of those students have gone on to major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Computer Aid Design at high institutions such as San Diego State University and I.T.T.
The 2009-2010 school year brings a change to National City Middle school. Students will no longer have the opportunity to take the Exploratory Technology course. Budget cuts are the reason given for this change. Gone is the course that changed the lives of many at National City Middle School. Gone is the opportunity to compete against high school and college students.
Mr. Henry Gutierrez hopes someday in the near future that this great program will be returned to the curriculum choices at National City Middle School. He really wants to again have the opportunity to provide the students with the course that allows students to explore technology that is part of today’s career choices.