About Us

download 12/10/25 South CTA Preview Night Presentation

Mission

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At South Career and Technical Academy (South CTA), our mission is to empower students through innovative, project-based learning and community engagement. We strive to equip each student with the technical expertise, leadership skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for success in both college and career pathways. By fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem solving, we prepare students not just to thrive academically but to become leaders and innovators in their chosen industries.

Take a look at a recent School Wide PBL!

Vision

In the foreground, a young person in a hat and shorts walks down a hallway, while in the background, several people are seen on a balcony overlooking a brightly lit atrium with striped walls.

We envision South CTA as a hub of excellence in education, where students are inspired to push boundaries and make meaningful contributions to society. Our vision is to create the best career and technical academy in the region, one that serves as a model for integrating academic rigor with hands-on learning experiences. We are committed to shaping the next generation of professionals who will excel in fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Business & Financial Leadership, Engineering, and Sports Medicine.

By connecting classroom learning to industry standards and real-world challenges, we ensure that our students are not just prepared for the future but are active contributors to their communities and the global workforce. Through this approach, South CTA will be recognized for producing graduates who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to succeed in life and contribute positively to their fields and society.

Leadership TEAM

People walk on a paved walkway in front of a modern school building with a courtyard and trees, set against a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

At South Career and Technical Academy, our leadership team is driven by a shared commitment to excellence in career and technical education. We believe in cultivating a learning environment that empowers students to succeed in their chosen fields through innovative, real-world experiences and project-based learning.

Our leaders are passionate about building strong, future-ready students who are prepared to meet the demands of both higher education and the workforce. With a focus on collaboration, leadership, and academic rigor, the leadership team at South CTA ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive and excel.

Get to Know Our Admin Team

Pate Thomas

Principal

Melissa Robertson

Assistant Principal, Innovation Academy

Matthew Mayhood

Assistant Principal, Leadership Academy

Mr. Thomas - Principal
Mrs. Robertson - AP

Mr. Thomas - Principal

Mr. Thomas – Principal

Mr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his time in both teaching and administrative roles at two prestigious Career and Technical Academies (CTAs) in Southern Nevada. As a former assistant principal at Southeast Career and Technical Academy (SECTA), Mr. Thomas was instrumental in driving student achievement through the development of structured academic pathways that aligned with both industry demands and academic standards. His work helped maintain high student performance on key assessments, including ACT and MAP, while also ensuring a 100% graduation rate, even during the challenging transition periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Thomas was also pivotal in fostering relationships between his previous schools and key community and industry partners, including the City of Henderson, to provide students with hands-on training opportunities in real-world settings. This commitment to connecting students with career pathways led to the successful launch of multiple programs, including a citywide pilot project for training students in Safekey programs, which has since expanded due to its success.

As the principal of South CTA, Mr. Thomas is focused on making the school a leader in career and technical education by incorporating project-based learning and creating opportunities for students to excel in industries such as Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Business Management. His vision is to make South CTA not just the best CTA in the city but a model for innovation in education nationwide.

Mrs. Robertson - AP

Mrs. Robertson- Assistant Principal (Innovation Academy)

Mrs. Robertson is an experienced educator and leader with a strong background in Career and Technical Education (CTE). With a passion for hands-on, future-ready learning, she began her journey as a robotics teacher at Sierra Vista, where she inspired students to explore the intersections of technology and innovation. Her dedication to advancing STEAM education also led to a role on the district’s STEAM committee, where she collaborated with colleagues to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into engaging, real-world learning experiences.

Following her success in the classroom, Mrs. Robertson transitioned into school leadership as an Assistant Principal at Coronado High School, serving for four years. During this time, she played a pivotal role in supporting the English Language Learner (ELL) and Special Education (SPED) populations, advocating for inclusive practices and academic success. Known for her ability to foster a positive school culture, Mrs. Robertson excels at building strong relationships, promoting school spirit, and creating a climate where students and staff alike feel valued and motivated.

As the Assistant Principal at South CTA, Mrs. Robertson is committed to advancing the school’s mission by promoting project-based learning that challenges students to think critically and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. She believes in the power of authentic, hands-on experiences to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding across all disciplines. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence, Mrs. Robertson will support students in developing the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

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