Mercedes Taungatu’a is HCTC’s Nominee for Maine Career & Technical Education Student of the Year

Congratulations to Bucksport High School's and Hancock County Technical Center's Mercedes Taungatu'a who has been nominated by HCTC for Maine Career & Technical Education Student of the Year!

According to Bill Tracy, the Principal of Hancock County Technical Center

Mercedes Taungatu’a is a senior from HCTC and Bucksport High School who is enrolled in the Bridge Academy Program. She is an exceptional student who works hard every day and is always eager to learn. Mercedes is consistently one of the first students to volunteer to act out scenarios in class and has received instruction in Use of Force, Police Ethics, Handcuffing, Searching, Powers of Arrest, and Courtroom Procedure (to mention a few). She also sits on the class Advisory Board, as a student representative.

From day one Mercedes has displayed a passion for the Criminal Justice field. Not only does she work hard to learn the terminology and skills needed to perform the job but she also pays attention to detail and shows great professionalism. She is a phenomenal team player, often helping her classmates to succeed and has been an exemplary leader at HCTC.

A few more details you should know about Mercedes: she competed in SkillsUSA in the Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl, winning a gold medal with her team the last two years in a row; she is also a member of NTHS. This Fall she earned the rank of Eagle Scout and held her Court of Honor ceremony at HCTC. Lastly, she was awarded the Silent Service Award and scholarship for having over 390 volunteer hours in her High School career.  

She will be attending Thomas College next year, studying criminal justice.

The Student of the Year will be announced at a lunch on Saturday, April 27th at the Green Ladle Restaurant in Lewiston. 

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