Superintendent Terry Noble wrote in the May 29 edition that he desires to see Mehlville numbered among elite school districts in St. Louis.

He mentioned the $7 million in scholarships earned by Mehlville and Oakville seniors, numerous student achievements and a fourth Distinction in Performance Award. He pointed to a caring and highly competent staff who are committed to ensuring student success. Finally, he indicated that the Mehlville School District is a “best-kept secret” in St. Louis County. I agree with Mr. Noble’s assessment and I believe his desire can come to fruition.

South Technical High School, a public school located in Sunset Hills, serves as the career and technical high school for west and south St. Louis County. We offer 34 half-day technical majors to all high school students regardless of the home schools they attend. The Mehlville School District, followed by Lindbergh, is consistently the largest contributor of students to South Tech year after year.

Traditional majors such as Automotive Technology, Carpentry, and Cosmetology remain in high demand. However, we have an array of majors and industry relationships of which many students and their parents may be unaware: Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Technology, Nursing and Medical Exploration, Electronics and Robotics Engineering, Culinary Arts, Law Enforcement, Firefighting/EMT, et cetera.

Mehlville School District students are achieving elite status at South Tech in state leadership roles and state and national competitions through SkillsUSA, the international organization for technical education students.

The St. Louis region, like the rest of the United States, faces tremendous social and economic challenges and it will take well-educated and engaged citizens to face them.

Collaboration among technical and comprehensive high schools provides an environment that can engage and educate many students to ensure that no child is overlooked and that each one maximizes his or her potential. Ensuring this will make the Mehlville district elite and unique. South Tech is proud of its partnership with the Mehlville School District and the exceptional students that we share.

David Baker

South Technical High School principal

www.techedstl.com